Wave Simulator Using Concave Flume and Segmented Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave simulators fail to economically simulate a 'down-the-line' surf wave experience, which is essential for board sports, and often have large footprints, making them expensive and impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wave simulator that uses a concave flume with a wave-shaped flow of water, where the streamlines are parallel to the crest line, creating a ridable inclined flow perpendicular to the wave's incline, allowing riders to perform maneuvers similar to those on a down-the-line wave, with features like adjustable vents and modular configurations for varying wave simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wave simulators are used to simulate waves for board sports, then wave simulation capability is provided, but the device occupies large space and becomes expensive to build and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The wave simulation device is divided into segmented walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to create wave simulations in a compact space while maintaining versatility in wave formation, resolving the contradiction between wave simulation capability and device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional wave simulation surfaces to a three-dimensional configuration using vertically extending walls with adjustable positions. This dimensional change enables compact space utilization while providing comprehensive wave simulation capabilities for various board sports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wave simulators are used to simulate waves for board sports, then wave simulation capability is provided, but the device becomes expensive to build and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The wave simulation device uses a universal set of four adjustable walls that can create multiple wave configurations and simulations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for different wave types, reducing construction and maintenance costs while maintaining high adaptability for various board sports.
Solution Approach 2:
The walls are designed with adjustable positions along the longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the wave simulation chamber. This dynamic adaptability enables a single device to simulate various wave conditions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby lowering overall construction and maintenance expenses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If water flow is supplied from trough to crest in traditional simulators, then wave formation is achieved, but the flow direction does not simulate down-the-line surf wave experience
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses curved bottom surfaces and angled walls to create flowing water patterns that simulate the natural curvature and direction of down-the-line surf waves. This curvature-based design achieves realistic wave simulation without requiring complex flow control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
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
Enables an economical and compact simulation of ideal waves for board sports, providing a realistic down-the-line surfing experience while reducing space and maintenance costs, allowing for versatile wave configurations and rider maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
A pump supplies a flow of water across a flume assembly
Implementation Method 2
an example of the wave simulator utilizing a gravity-fed simulated river for the flow of part of the wave simulator
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a wave simulator for board sports and other uses are disclosed. An example wave simulator includes means for forming a wave, the means having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom corresponding to a desired wave shape. The wave simulator includes means for flowing water along at least partially along the inclined side wall and bottom of the flume to form a simulated wave. The wave simulator includes means for restraining a board rider in the means for forming a wave. Streamlines of the simulated wave are substantially parallel to a crest line of the simulated wave, and an inclined water flow ends in a downward arc.