METHOD OF CONTROL OF A VARIABLE REEF GENERATING ARTIFICIAL WAVES
An open chamber (88) of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool floor (86) so as to contain a plurality of a telescopic module (10) which occupy said chamber area. Each of the telescopic module (10) is independently extended and retracted in length by the rotational direction of an electric motor (54) screw (58) concentrically contained within the confines of said telescopic module (10), establishing in selected telescopic modules a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. When a kinetic-energy (110) within the water passes over the predetermined shape, size, and orientation of the reef, a wave (140) is generated having specific features resulting from the properties of the specific reef configuration.
Not applicable
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to artificial water wave generation in natural and man-made bodies of water for surfing.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ARTWater waves occur in natural and artificial bathymetry. Wind, water current, and topographical ocean bed and pool floor features, each and in combination thereof can cause the generation of waves. Relying on naturally occurring conditions and limitations in geographic location can greatly diminish availability, predictability, frequency and quality of waves sought in the art and sport of board surfing. When the topography of an ocean bed or pool floor includes the presence of a reef, the kinetic energy of a wave passing over the reef can be greatly affected by the presence of the reef. The magnitude of the affect is dependent upon several factors, such as the depth of the water, slope at the approach to a beach, wave period, wave amplitude and direction of force in the kinetic energy of the wave with respect to the orientation of the reef. In simple terms, when the bottom-most depth of wave energy comes in contact with the incline approach to a beach, or to a much greater affect, the approach to a reef, the bottom-most depth of wave energy (trough) becomes increasingly retarded. The top-most height of the wave energy (crest) continues to advance with respect to the trough at a constant rate. Eventually, gravity overcomes the unsupported wave crest, and the wave breaks and peels. Attempts have been made to wave size, shape and direction of peel to best meet the demands of the surfer. Artificial reefs have been successfully constructed thereby enhancing the waves generated by wind, topographic features and bathymetry. Such reefs are constructed using mathematical and scaled-down engineering models under conditions of several variables. Scale-down working models are utilized in testing reef size and configuration with hopeful results. However, when full-scale inventions modeled from scale-down models are constructed at extensive cost, the performance is less than expected because of fluid dynamic inconsistencies in the physics of bringing models to full-scale size. The term applied to this phenomenon is “natural similitude”. Most man-made reefs and all-natural reefs are static and thereby exist in specific configuration resulting in drastically limited variation in wave generation. Rigid reef inventions that provide for variation in orientation and alignment with respect to a pool bed provide some variation in wave type, however they do not provide more than one direction of peel, they do not provide variation in the rate of peel of waves generated, they do not provide for desirable wave life before decay, nor do they provide for near infinite wave characteristics or group waves.
In other prior art wave forming devices, attempts have been made to enhance wave size, wave shape, wave duration, and wave direction of peel by placing an adjustable weir onto the bed of the body of water, normal to the direction of flow. The specific incline to the weir and decline to the bed is basically a reef. The elevation of the weir with respect to the elevation of the bed is varied by means of hydraulic piston cylinders, pivot points or combination of both.
Other wave generating devices include rigid reef configurations that are suspended above the bed of the body of water at predetermined distances and predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the direction of water flow, thereby attempting to establish adjustment of the reef in juxtaposition to the bed, water flow, and water depth. Cables and or hydraulic pistons are interconnected, anchored onto the bed and onto the distal surface of the reef. Artificial wave devices that utilize a moving snowplow-like device traveling in a closed circular or elliptical circuit have proved successful in wave generation, however the performance is extremely limited and most important, the concept does not provide linear wave travel as found in nature, and most importantly, does not meet the expectations of board surfers.
In other prior art wave forming devices, a wave is actually simulated in the water itself, rather than being defined by a surface over which a thin sheet of water flows. U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,547 of Hill, Feb. 1, 2000, describes a wave forming apparatus which attempts to simulate natural anti-dune formations in order to create waves. A water-shaping airfoil disposed within a flume containing a flow of water, and a wave-forming ramp is positioned downstream of the airfoil structure.
In other prior art arrangements, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,670 B2, of Lochtefeld et al., Aug. 16, 2005, describes a moving reef wave generator that travels along the surface of a body of water, and preferably in the middle thereof, wherein the wave generator can create both primary and secondary wave that travel toward a shore. The primary waves are intended to allow surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep-water environment. The secondary waves can break, wherein by modifying the shoreline's slope and curvature, and providing undulating peninsulas and cove areas, various multiple wave formations and effects can be created.
In the prior art of McFarland, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,541 B2, Aug. 23, 2005, a plurality of a semi-rigid reef, referred to a weir, is interconnected in cantilever onto the bed of a pool of water at the upstream leading end having a predetermined abrupt incline and gentle downward slope at the downstream end. A secondary passageway extends through the bed form, with a first end adjacent the trailing end of the bed form, and a second end in the bed form upstream of the first end, thereby creating a pocket between the bed and underside of the hydraulic rams independently control the lift of each cantilevered reef. A grating is provided between adjacent reefs to prevent inadvertent entry between the reefs and water return channels beneath. However, the grating provides the risk of collision with an occupant in the event of a fall in riding a wave. Furthermore, although the invention provides for some variation in wave size, it does not provide for variation in wave peel direction, wave type, wave size, wave orientation, or wave duration. The flow of water current between wave cycles could create serious rip tides between and beneath the suspended reefs.
In the prior art of Hill, U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,547, Feb. 1, 2000 an airfoil chute or pool and an aero-foil structure shapes the flow of water generated by the chute and variable ramp. Although there is some variation in wave shape of the surfable wave, the rigid surface of both airfoil and ramp limits the variation in reef configuration and thusly wave type, size, and peel. Furthermore, the suspended configuration of the airfoil presents a safety hazard, causing an occupant to become lodged between the airfoil and pool bed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,670 B2, of Lochtefeld et al., Aug. 16, 2005, the moving reef traverses along the length of a pool near the surface of the water, pulled along a track fastened onto a pool bed. This moving device can be inadvertently impacted by the surfer resulting in serious injury. Even though the device moves, the rigid configuration greatly reduces the variation of wave generation types and direction of wave peel. To enhance wave size, the device must move at a greater rate of speed, thereby increasing the risk of bodily injury if impacted by the surfer. The mechanical means of connecting the moving reef device to the track system creates further risk of injury at the juncture of the moving reefs stem and tracking slot located between the track-mounted trolley and interconnecting moving reef. In testing a wave-generating invention at a scaled-down size, the outcome in full-scale engineering can result in failure. A full-scale production reef was constructed having a buoyant, rigid reef subtended by cables subtended from the distal face of the reef and anchored to a reinforced-concrete pool-bed. When tested, the wave energy generated an uplifting force sufficient enough to separate the attachment of the reef from the pool-bed, virtually pulling the anchored cables from the pool bed, causing millions of dollars in damage and severe delays in the project.
In the prior art of Fuller et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,315, Jun. 15, 1993, a simulator for water rides comprises a theater projection and sound that simulates motion for audience within a raft contained within the confines of a pool completely surrounded with walls. Adding to the simulation is a system for providing water spray, and actuators that provide a “rocking motion” to the raft when the actuators are operating. As such, relative to the earth, there is no actual displacement of the raft and the occupants referred to as the “audience” within the raft. The raft does not traverse any distance with respect to the raft's position to the earth . . . the raft merely experiences the “rocking” motion. In Fuller's invention, the actuators are either connected directly to the raft or the actuators are connected to a flexible plate which transmits agitation to the water contained within the pool which in turn, “rocks” the raft. Regardless of either configuration, in order for any rocking motion to be imposed to the raft, the actuators must be in motion since the actuators generate the “rocking” motion. When the embodiment utilizes the flexible plate to agitate the water, flexibility can only occur in one horizontal axis at a time because the plate cannot be stretched or compressed. This physical limitation of the plate limits the “rocking” motion to either side-to-side with respect to the raft, or front-to-back with respect to the raft. When the embodiment utilizes having the actuators connected directly to the raft, the rocking motion of the raft experiences can be more random with respect to side-to-side and/or front-to-back. However, in this particular embodiment whereby the actuators are connected directly to the raft, there is no need for water within the pool, further demonstrating the fact that the invention is merely a simulator, since the raft “rocks” without having the presence of water to both “rock” and support the raft in the stationary, “rocking” position.
In the prior art of Fricano, U.S. Pat. No. 9,175,488 B2, Nov. 3, 2015, an open chamber of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool as to contain interconnect clusters of interconnected telescopic modules which occupy the chamber area. Each of the telescopic modules is independently extended and retracted in length vertically by the increase or decrease of the volume of water contained within a bellows. Concentrically fitted within the telescopic module, the proximal end of the bellows is fastened to the proximal end of the telescopic upper body. The distal end of the bellows is fastened to the distal end of the stationary lower body where the bellows is interconnected with a water supply and evacuation tube. The volume of water contained within the bellows established the extension or retraction of the bellows, thereto establishes the extension or retraction of the telescopic upper body with respect to the stationary lower body of the telescopic module. The plurality of selected telescopic modules each extended or retracted to a specific predetermined height above or at the plane of a pool bed establishes a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. As such, the three-dimensional shape of the reef determines the characteristics of the water wave desired. The bellows element of the invention functions efficiently and effectively. An important advantage implementing water in lieu of a hydraulic oil-based fluid through the supply tube and bellows is the elimination of risk of leakage of toxic fluid from the supply tube and bellows seeping into the pool water environment due to seal failure of the bellows and/or supply tube.
In the prior art of Fricano, U.S. Pat. No. 9,297,177 B2, Mar. 29, 2016, (METHODS) an open chamber of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool as to contain interconnect clusters of interconnected telescopic modules which occupy the chamber area. Each of the telescopic modules is independently extended and retracted in length vertically by the increase or decrease of the volume of water contained within a bellows. Concentrically fitted within the telescopic module, the proximal end of the bellows is fastened to the proximal end of the upper telescoping body. The distal end of the bellows is fastened to the distal end of the stationary lower telescoping body where the bellows is interconnected with a water supply and evacuation tube. The volume of water contained within the bellows establishes the extension or retraction of the bellows, thereto establishes the extension or retraction of the telescoping upper body with respect to the stationary lower body of the telescopic module. The plurality of selected telescopic modules each extended or retracted to a specific predetermined height above or at the plane of a pool bed establishes a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. As such, the three-dimensional shape of the reef determines the characteristics of the water wave desired. The bellows element of the invention functions efficiently and effectively. An important advantage implementing water in lieu of a hydraulic oil-based fluid through the supply tube and bellows is the elimination of risk of leakage of toxic fluid from the supply tube and bellows seeping into the pool water environment due to seal failure of the bellows and/or supply tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention, there is provided a reef that is comprised of a plurality of a telescopic-module that is grouped in a plurality of interconnected clusters thereby establishing contiguous three-dimensional variations for a reef. Each cluster is configured geometrically, comprised with a primary-module which is center-positioned and is interconnected with a surrounding plurality of a secondary-module. The primary-module acting as a hub, extends downwardly and beyond the distal end of the secondary-module thereby supporting the secondary-module. The geometric arrangement is much like pedals of a flower, whereby the secondary-telescopic-module represent the pedals and the primary-telescopic-module represents the hub, with a stem extending downwardly and beyond the distal end of the secondary-telescopic-module. The domain of the variable reef is established so as to provide the desired characteristics of specific waves desired. As a means of establishing the domain of the plurality of the telescopic-module within the confines of a pool floor, a chamber is provided. The chamber, communicating with a pool floor, is configured to a predetermined size, shape, and depth below the elevation of the pool floor, thereby acting as a yoke to restrict lateral movement of the plurality of the telescopic-module clusters when acted upon by a kinetic-energy of water passing above the entire domain of the reef.
The predetermined depth of the chamber dependent upon a predetermined maximum reef height required above the elevation of the communicating pool floor plane so as to achieve specific wave height characteristics. As such, the range of the telescopic-module extension from a full-retracted attitude coplanar with the pool floor to a full-extended attitude dictates the chamber depth beneath the pool floor. Furthermore, a minimal depth of the chamber is defined by a predetermined distance below the distal end of the plurality of the secondary-module so as to permit technicians to traverse between the module clusters for the purpose of construction and maintenance of the reef system. This provision omits “down-time” in the event of repairs to the telescopic-modules.
The domain of the telescopic-module provides for a variety of reef shape, size, and orientation within the confines of the chamber, thereby providing a means of generating a variety of wave shape, size, orientation, direction of peel, and duration of peel. Each of the telescopic-module is controlled independently so as to vary in extension or retraction independently. When completely retracted, the telescopic-module height is aligned within the same plane as the circumventing pool floor thereby establishing a condition as if no reef exists. When a plurality of predetermined telescopic-module is selected and activated to “telescope” or extend upwardly, each at a progressive predetermined height, the telescopic-module group acts in totality to create a unique, predetermined reef shape thereto creating a specific wave generation. In either scenario, the contiguous array of telescopic-modules to each other and to the confines of the chamber thereto communicating to the pool-floor, prevents the possibility of a swimmer or surfer from inadvertently becoming trapped between the adjoining telescopic-modules. Extension and retraction of each telescopic-module is accomplished by means of a direct current electric-motor comprising an extended armature configured as a screw with mating nut, whereby a predetermined polarity and a predetermined dwell-time of electric current supplied from an external source to the direct current electric-motor determines whether the telescopic-module extends or retracts. When electric current of predetermined polarity and dwell-time is applied to the electric-motor, the electric-motor screw rotates in one direction, thereby causing the telescoping-upper-body to elevate to a predetermined height above the plane of the encompassing pool bed. Conversely, when electric current applied to the electric-motor is of a predetermined opposite polarity, the electric-motor screw rotates in the opposite direction, thereby causing the telescoping-upper-body to retract to a predetermined height above or at the plane of the encompassing pool bed. Once the desired attitude of each the telescopic-module is attained as a result of a predetermined dwell-time of electric current, no further displacement of motion of the telescopic-module takes place until the reef profile is necessary to provide a variation in wave performance is desired. As such, the telescopic-module extension or retraction motion does not create the wave energy. The wave energy is created upstream from the reef and the configuration of the reef causes the wave energy to generate specific variations in wave characteristics when the energy passes over the specific reef. These variations in reef shape, size, and orientation provide for creating various wave types, size, direction of peel, duration of peel, single and multiple simultaneous wave generation.
In accordance with the direction of the kinetic-energy introduced to the water within the pool, a diagonal-left reef extends down-stream towards a (optional) beach traversing from right to left, thereby causing the kinetic-energy over-passing the diagonal left reef to generate a wave which will peel or break from right to left along a plateau of said diagonal-left-reef. Conversely, in accordance with the direction of the kinetic-energy introduced to the water within the pool bed, a diagonal-right-reef extends downstream toward a (optional) beach traversing from the left to the right, thereby causing the kinetic energy overpassing the diagonal right reef to generate the wave which will peel from left to right along the plateau of said diagonal-right-reef.
When a reef is configured in a vee-shape with the vertex located at or near the centerline of the pool and upstream, convex to the direction of the kinetic-energy, the wave generated peels from the vertex in both directions along the plateau of the reef. The desired configuration, size, and orientation of any reef type is determined by means of testing at full-scale for the purpose of creating the optimum wave performance. Upon testing for each specific wave type, size, and orientation, the predetermined dwell time and polarity of electric current provided to each individual telescopic-module is programed into a computerized system for subsequent settings desired in reef shape, size, and orientation. This full-scale testing and evaluation is executed in a condition termed “natural similitude”. As such, the programmed settings providing specific predetermined reef configurations can be adjusted for subsequent testing of wave performance characteristics for the purpose of enhancing the wave characteristics desired. Furthermore, the domain of the reef and thusly the size and shape of the chamber is established with a predetermined size and shape, omitting areas within the confines of the pool floor where the variable reef would prove ineffective. This measure of establishing the domain size and shape provides considerable economies of scale in cost savings.
The cylindrical longitudinal shape of each set of three of the tangential adjoining telescopic-module provides a vertical equilateral concave triangular void. The void provides for circulation of water contained within the pool to pass downwardly through each of the void into the chamber and circulate from the chamber to a pumping filtration and purification system (not shown) located outside the confines of the pool, thereto returning filtered and purified water to the pool. Furthermore, the void provides for light to pass upwardly from an electric light source within the confines of the chamber to the pool area defined by the domain of the reef. This light source provides for aesthetic visual effect after dark and provides for illumination in the event maintenance is required from within the confines of the chamber.
OBJECTSIt is therefore an object of the invention to provide a variety of wave size;
It is another object of the invention to provide a variety in wave shape;
It is another object of the invention to provide a predetermined wave direction of peel;
It is another object of the invention to establish a predetermined rate of wave peel;
It is another object of the invention to reconfigure wave attributes of size, shape, and orientation in minimum time;
It is another object of the invention to program predetermined reef configurations thereby program specific wave types;
It is another object of the invention to program predetermined reef configurations thereby program specific wave direction of peel;
It is another object of the invention to program predetermined reef configurations thereby program specific wave size;
It is another object of the invention to program predetermined reef configurations thereby program specific wave duration;
It is another object of the invention to program predetermined reef configurations to generate more than one wave simultaneously;
It is another object of the invention to provide a reef that will respond to human impact if inadvertently struck, thereby reducing risk of bodily harm or injury;
It is another object of the invention to provide a chamber that will allow for water circulation of the pool;
It is another object of the invention to provide a chamber that will minimize down-time in repair or replacement of a defective module;
It is another object of the invention to extend and retract the telescopic module by providing a predetermined polarity and dwell time of direct current electricity to a electric-motor comprised of an external drive screw and nut configuration within the confines of the telescoping-module;
It is another object of the invention to maintain concentricity of the telescoping-upper-body with the stationary-lower-body by providing a screed;
It is another object of the invention to prevent inadvertent rotation of the telescoping-upper-body with respect to the lower-stationary-body by providing a screed;
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:
For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
Claims
1. A method of generating an artificial wave, the method comprising:
- controlling a plurality of telescopic modules to remain generally coplanar with the pool bed or to establish an artificial reef structure in the pool bed, the artificial reef structure having a stationary profile defining a series of at least three distinct surface regions, each comprising a proximal slope, a plateau, and a distal slope given in respective sequence to a kinetic energy direction of the artificial wave; and
- generating the artificial water wave with a crest, a face, and a peel, wherein kinetic energy in a generated artificial water wave approaches a toe along a length of the proximal slope to the plateau of the artificial reef structure, the artificial water wave breaking along the plateau of the artificial reef structure to create the peel passing beyond the distal slope;
- wherein a selected set of the plurality of telescopic modules is extended to progressive, stationary heights to establish the profile of the artificial reef structure in the pool bed, the proximal slope, the plateau, and the distal slope comprised of a matrix of adjacent telescopic modules extended at the progressive, stationary heights to generate the artificial water waves when acted upon by the kinetic energy; and
- wherein the plurality of telescoping modules re-configurable to be positioned in a plurality of variable, overlapping subsets extended or retracted to define the at least three distinct surface regions.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising anchoring to the pool bed a primary telescopic module acting as a hub for a plurality of surrounding secondary telescopic modules in a hexagonal matrix.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of telescopic modules is configured as a primary module surrounded by a plurality of adjoining secondary modules.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying the profile of the artificial reef structure by supplying a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity to a direct current electric motor within the telescopic module.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising modifying the profile of the artificial reef structure by supplying a predetermined dwell time of direct current electricity to a electric motor within the predetermined plurality of the telescopic module.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising retracting all of the telescopic modules within a plane of the pool bed, wherein the artificial reef structure is absent.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity supplied to the selected set of telescopic modules, wherein the telescopic modules in the selected set retract or extend to the progressive stationary heights.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising supplying a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity to the electric motor comprised within each of the telescopic module within the selected set.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising supplying a predetermined dwell time of direct current electricity to the electric motor comprised within each of the telescopic modules within the selected set.
10. A method of generating an artificial water wave, the method comprising:
- independently extending or retracting a plurality of telescoping modules having a telescopic upper body member and a stationary lower body member, wherein a primary telescoping module having a stationary lower body member is anchored to a chamber floor in a matrix within the chamber floor positioned below a bed of a pool having walls to contain water therein;
- positioning some or all of the telescoping modules to remain generally complainer with the bed of the pool or in a predetermined stationary profile established at progressive heights to form an artificial reef structure defining a series of at least three distinct surface regions, each comprising a proximal slope, a plateau, and a distal slope comprised of adjacent telescopic modules positioned at the progressive heights; and
- passing kinetic energy of the artificially generated water wave over the artificial reef structure defined within the pool, wherein the artificial reef structure is configured in the profile to generate the water wave with a crest and a peel when acted upon by the kinetic energy;
- wherein the plurality of telescopic modules is configurable to be positioned in a plurality of variable, overlapping subsets extended or retracted to define the at least three distinct surface regions.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the kinetic energy in each of the artificially generated water waves approach a toe of the artificial reef structure, the artificially generated water waves breaking along he plateau to create the peel.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the artificially generated water waves continuing to generate the peel in passing beyond the plateau and along the distal slope of the artificial reef structure.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising performing surfing maneuvers on the artificially generated water waves.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity supplied to a direct current electric motor of each of the plurality of telescopic modules, wherein the adjacent telescopic modules are extended at the progressive heights to define the profile of the artificial reef structure.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising supplying the predetermined dwell time of direct current electricity supplied to a direct current electric motor of each of the plurality of telescoping modules, wherein the adjacent telescopic modules are extended at the progressive heights to define the profile of the artificial reef structure.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising modifying the profile of the artificial reef structure by supplying a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity to a direct current electric motor of a predetermined selection of the telescopic modules.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising modifying the profile of the artificial reef structure by supplying a predetermined dwell time of direct current electricity to a direct current electric motor of predetermined selection of the telescoping modules.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising programming the plurality of telescopic modules within the chamber to establish a variety of profiles of the artificial reef structure, wherein a desired reef configuration is determined by means of testing at full-scale for creating optimum wave performance, and whereupon testing for each specific wave type, size, and orientation, a predetermined polarity of direct current electricity supplied to a direct current electric motor contained within each individual telescoping module is programmed into a computerized system for subsequent settings in each desired reef configuration, size, and orientation.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising programming the plurality of telescopic modules within the chamber to establish a variety of profiles of the artificial reef structure, wherein a desired reef configuration is determined by means of testing at full-scale for creating optimum wave performance, and whereupon testing for each specific wave type, size, and orientation, a predetermined dwell time of direct current electricity supplied to a direct current electric motor contained within each individual telescoping module is programmed into a computerized system for subsequent settings in each desired reef configuration, size, and orientation.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 30, 2018
Publication Date: May 20, 2021
Inventor: Phillip James Fricano (Eale, ID)
Application Number: 16/024,783