Wave Pool Foil Generator with Passive Flow Control for Surfable Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are suitable for surfing, as they cannot generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration that mimic the most desirable waves sought by surfers, particularly those that plunge and have a long duration for effective maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator system and pool design that includes a contoured bottom with a foil submerged in water, capable of movement to generate surface gravity waves, combined with passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate water currents and random chop, creating a wave pool with an annular or circular configuration that allows for the generation of solitary waves with adjustable geometry for optimal surfability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a man-made environment, but the energy transfer efficiency to the wave is low and the wave characteristics do not match desirable surfing waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wave generation systems (linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics, pneumatics) with a moving foil system that generates waves through hydrodynamic forces. The foil moves through the water at controlled speeds to generate waves with specific characteristics, achieving both high energy transfer efficiency and desirable wave quality for surfing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from mechanical displacement (paddles moving water directly) to hydrodynamic velocity (foil moving through water to generate waves). By controlling the foil's speed and position, the system generates waves with optimal characteristics including appropriate wavelength, height, and breaking pattern for surfing.
2Reliability
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be created, but they cannot replicate the size, form, speed and duration of desirable ocean waves that plunge and have long duration for maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wave generation systems with a simpler moving foil system that naturally generates waves through hydrodynamic forces. This substitution achieves authentic ocean-like wave characteristics (plunging break, long duration, appropriate speed) without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving foil system generates waves by utilizing the foil's own motion through the water, rather than requiring separate complex mechanical systems to displace water. The wave generation is a natural byproduct of the foil's movement, simplifying the overall system while producing high-quality surfable waves.
3Use of energy by moving object
If foils are moved to generate waves, then efficient energy transfer and good wave quality are achieved, but water currents and random chop are induced that need to be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water currents and random chop (generated by foil movement) into a beneficial control mechanism. By strategically placing passive flow control elements, the system uses these induced flows to enhance wave breaking and shaping, turning what was previously a detrimental side effect into a feature that improves wave quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive flow control elements as intermediary components between the moving foil and the wave field. These elements mediate the interaction by controlling water flow patterns, reducing harmful currents and chop while preserving the beneficial wave generation effects of the foil movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively generates waves that are rideable and replicates the characteristics of ocean waves, providing a longer ride duration and improved surfability by matching the displacement imparted by the foil to the natural wave displacement field, resulting in waves that are closer to theoretical solitary waves, thus enhancing the surfing experience.
Implementation Method 1
Ocean surface waves are waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, the restoring force is provided by gravity, and so they are often referred to as surface gravity waves
Implementation Method 2
matching the displacement imparted by the foil to the natural wave displacement field
Data Source
AI summary
A wave pool for generating surfable waves is disclosed. The wave pool includes a pool for containing water. The pool defines a channel having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom with a contour that slopes upward from a deep area proximate the first side wall toward a sill defined by the second side wall. The wave pool further includes at least one foil at least partially submerged in the water near the side wall, and being adapted for movement by a moving mechanism in a direction along the side wall for generating a wave in the channel that forms a breaking wave on the sill. The wave pool further includes one or more passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate a mean flow of the water induced by the movement of the at least one foil in the direction along the side wall.