Surface gravity wave generator and wave pool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves that are desirable for surfing, lacking in size, form, speed, and duration, and are inefficient in transferring energy to create rideable waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave pool system with a contoured bottom and movable foils generates surface gravity waves using passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate water flow, currents, and random chop, featuring adjustable bottom contours and vortex generators to enhance wave quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then wave generation is achieved, but the waves lack desirable size, form, speed, and duration for surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The wave generator uses a movable foil that can dynamically adjust its position, angle, and shape in real-time to optimize wave generation. The foil's dynamic movement allows precise control over wave parameters (size, form, speed) while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency, resolving the contradiction between wave quality and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including foil position, angle of attack, submersion depth, and movement speed to generate waves with desired characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both high wave quality and energy efficiency
2Length of moving object
If wave amplitude is increased to create rideable waves, then wave height increases, but the wave becomes unstable and breaks prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The wave generator creates localized control over wave properties by using a foil with specific geometric characteristics at particular positions in the water channel. The foil's local shape, angle, and position are optimized to generate waves with desired amplitude while maintaining stability through precise local control of flow conditions
3Manufacturing precision
If passive flow control mechanisms are added to mitigate water flow and currents, then wave quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive flow control mechanisms utilize natural fluid dynamics and the foil's own movement to control water flow and mitigate unwanted currents. The system serves itself by using the wave generation process to create beneficial flow patterns without requiring additional active control systems, thus improving wave quality while limiting complexity increase
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 produces waves that resemble ocean waves, providing extended ride duration and improved surfability, overcoming inefficiencies of previous wave generation methods.
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
all of these systems are inefficient in transferring energy to the 'wave'
Implementation Method 3
featuring adjustable bottom contours and vortex generators to enhance wave quality
Implementation Method 4
the restoring force is provided by gravity
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.