Wave Pool Oscillating Plunger Design for Radial Wave Distribution
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave pool technologies fail to generate waves that radiate outward in a radial manner efficiently, leading to energy loss and uneven wave patterns, which limits the creation of consistent surfing waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave pool design featuring a wave generating apparatus with a buoyant plunger oscillating at a natural frequency, generating concentric waves using a drive mechanism that includes electromagnets, and adjustable, angled main reefs that allow for customizable wave breaks, along with secondary reefs and wave guides to control wave direction and energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wave generating apparatus generates concentric waves radiating outward, then wave distribution coverage is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones of different water depths across the wave pool floor. Shallow zones are positioned to refract and concentrate wave energy where needed, while deeper zones allow waves to travel farther. This spatial variation in water depth enables selective energy distribution, improving wave coverage area while maintaining energy efficiency by concentrating energy in productive zones rather than allowing uniform dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wave guides as intermediary structures that channel and direct wave energy from the generation point to specific target areas. These wave guides act as mediators that control wave propagation paths, preventing energy loss through random radial dissipation and directing energy efficiently to designated surfing zones, thus expanding effective coverage without proportional energy loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waves radiate outward in all directions, then wave generation versatility is improved, but wave pattern consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wave pool into distinct functional zones using underwater structures and varying floor depths. Different segments serve different purposes: some areas are optimized for generating waves, others for wave propagation, and specific zones for surfing activities. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining consistent wave patterns in surfing areas while allowing versatility in overall wave generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable wave generating objects and adjustable underwater structures that can be repositioned to create different wave patterns. The wave generating object can oscillate at different frequencies and amplitudes, and underwater structures can be moved to alter refraction patterns. This dynamic capability enables the system to produce consistent, repeatable wave patterns for surfing while maintaining versatility to generate different wave types and conditions.
3Device complexity
If main reefs are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but wave break customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, adjustable main reefs that can be repositioned and reconfigured. These reefs are not fixed but can be moved to different locations and orientations to create various wave break patterns. The adjustability allows operators to customize wave breaks for different skill levels and wave types while maintaining relatively simple structural designs that can be easily repositioned, thus achieving both structural simplicity and wave break customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses modular reef structures that can be nested or combined in different configurations. The reefs are designed as interchangeable components that can be arranged in various patterns to create different wave break characteristics. This modular nesting approach maintains structural simplicity through standardized components while enabling extensive customization by reconfiguring the same basic elements into different arrangements.
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 solution enables the generation of waves that radiate outward in all directions with minimal energy loss, creating consistent and surfing-friendly wave breaks, enhancing the surfing experience by optimizing wave formation and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a wave generating object and a drive mechanism for causing the wave generating object to oscillate at a natural frequency along a path, with the wave generating object in contact with the body of water, the path including a component perpendicular to the water surface
Implementation Method 2
a buoyant plunger oscillating at a natural frequency
Implementation Method 3
a drive mechanism that includes electromagnets
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A wave generating apparatus (100) for generating at least one wave in a surface of a body of water (102) has at least one wave generating object (12, 50) with at least one wave generating surface (13, 152), drive means (108, 110) for causing the wave generating object to oscillate along a path (106), with the wave generating object in contact with the body of water for at least some of the time. When there is a single wave generating object (12, 150), the wave extends away from the wave generating object and when there are multiple wave generating objects (12, 150), the wave generating objects (12, 150) and wave generating surfaces (13, 152) are configured such that substantially all of any waves generated extend away from the wave generating objects.