APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A SURFABLE WAVE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a surfable wave. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to the generation of hydraulic jump waves in a controllable manner for use in training, recreation, or sports applications.

BACKGROUND

Surfing in artificial environments has grown significantly in popularity, leading to the development of engineered systems that simulate ocean-like wave conditions. In various implementations, surfable waves are generated in pools, channels, or water basins using controlled water flows to generate a modifiable wave profile. These systems enable consistent and repeatable surfing experiences in locations not naturally conducive to wave formation.

A common approach involves creating a flowing body of water that interacts with underlying or embedded surface geometries to form a standing wave suitable for riding with a surfboard or similar apparatus. While such systems allow for surfing-like experiences, they are typically limited in their ability to vary the wave characteristics, especially in directions transverse to the primary water flow. As a result, conventional systems often lack the dynamic, variable, and responsive qualities associated with natural surf conditions, reducing their effectiveness for training or simulation of real-world surfing behavior.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is particularly suitable for implementation in systems that generate a sufficiently strong and directed water flow. Although the concepts described herein may be applied to configurations that utilize natural water courses, such as rivers or streams, they are not limited to such implementations. The disclosed features may also be realized in systems that use mechanical components to produce controlled water flows, allowing for deployment in a wide variety of settings regardless of the presence of natural water sources.

Using a controllable water flow, the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in diverse locations and operated in a technically efficient and cost-effective manner. A flow system directs a stream of water along a primary flow direction to generate a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a defined wave generation section. The disclosed subject matter enables control of the water profile across the transverse dimension of the flow, which allows wave shapes to be dynamically modified to support more realistic and variable surfing conditions.

This disclosure is based on the object of providing an apparatus for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section using a water flow, the apparatus being functionally improved with regard to its possible uses and therefore supplying more variety to users.

This disclosure relates to an apparatus for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave in a wave generating section using a water flow which moves in a main flow direction. The water flow can be generated using a flow system that includes mechanical components such as pumps and/or natural water sources. In one aspect, at least part of the water flow is arranged and controllable in such a way that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction of the water flow to generate a modifiable transverse wave profile. In this way, wave profiles of different steepness can be generated; in particular, regions of greater height can exhibit a steeper profile from the perspective of the main flow direction. “At least part of the waterflow” means there must be at least one partial flow within the water stream that is adjustable with respect to the height level—and thus also with respect to the steepness. In the simplest case, the water flow is divided into two partial flows, with the height level of a partial flow being controllable via a controller (e.g., a pump). Thus, for example, a person on a surfboard on the hydraulic jump wave can be confronted with the task of recognizing when and in which partial flow a higher height level is set by the controller, in order to react accordingly, in particular by the surfing direction being selected such that the person turns away from the partial flow with the higher height level and surfs in the direction of the partial flow with the lower height level. In this case, people using the apparatus can train an intuitive behavior during surfing and thus improve their riding safety and the steering of the surfboard. One advantage of the disclosed subject matter is that the surfable waves that can be generated are very similar to the surfable ocean waves that occur in nature. As a result, the disclosed apparatus allows highly realistic and efficient training for later practice in nature.

In various aspects, the water flow can be segmented into at least 3, 5, or 10 partial flows. In further aspects, segmentation may include at least 15, 20, 25, or 30 partial flows. In some aspects of this disclosure, the water flow can be segmented into at least 15, 20, 25, and/or 30 partial flows. The height level can be separately controlled for at least half of all the partial flows, such as 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, or all (100 percent) of the partial flows.

In aspects of this disclosure, a flow system is used to segment the water flow and control partial flows in a technically relatively simple and cost-effective manner, if, in order to set the different height levels and the resulting wave profile, the water flow is segmented into at least two partial flows by at least one partial flow being controllable by at least one adjustable throttle valve, by at least one slide and/or by at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power. It is pointed out here that the at least one throttle valve, the at least one slide and/or the at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power are arranged upstream of the wave generating section to be able to deploy the intended effect on the height level of the hydraulic jump wave.

In aspects of this disclosure, the delivery power of one pump or of a number of pumps can be effected by specifying the power of the respective pump(s), for example, by controlling the pump frequency (frequency control).

According to one aspect of this disclosure, two or more partial flows are separated from one another by partition wall sections at least in a partial longitudinal section upstream of the wave generating section. Such partition wall sections can be used to separate the water flow over a predetermined region in the main flow direction to prevent premature wave energy propagation in the transverse direction, in particular perpendicular to the main flow direction. In some aspects of this disclosure, at least 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and/or more than 30 partition wall sections are formed. The partition wall sections are partition walls, the direction of longitudinal extent of which is oriented parallel to the main flow direction. In aspects of this disclosure, thin-walled structures are provided as partition walls, by which adjacent water flows are completely or at least largely separated from one another. Partition wall sections in the context of this disclosure are also understood to mean partition walls which are provided with passage openings and by which adjacent water flows remain substantially separated. This means that the deviation of the volume of water in the case of one partition wall section with passage openings compared to an identical partition wall without passage openings is less than 50 percent in all intended operating states.

If the partition wall sections extend at least over a partial length of ramp-like acceleration sections upstream of the wave generating section, in which the partial flows are accelerated by use of gravity, the partial flows can be separated largely or as far as the wave generating section itself. This results in high precision in the sense of high control accuracy of the height levels and of the resulting wave profile in the wave generating section.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave using a water flow which moves in a main flow direction, wherein different height levels are set by at least one controller (e.g., a pump) configured to adjust a portion of the water flow transversely with respect to the main flow direction, resulting in a wave profile. The controller can include a processor, memory, and a control logic module configured to receive input (e.g., from sensors) and generate control signals for one or more of the pumps, valves, or slides.

In accordance with one aspect, the method includes: (1) generating a directed water flow along a main flow direction; (2) dividing the flow into partial flows; (3) controlling one or more of the partial flows to adjust height levels transversely to the main flow direction; and (4) generating a modifiable wave profile based on said controlled partial flows. Optionally, the method may include controlling the height maxima over time to simulate dynamic wave behavior.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the water flow is controlled by at least one adjustable throttle valve, by at least one slide and/or by at least one pump which is controllable in terms of time and delivery power. Here, as already described in connection with the apparatus, the at least one throttle valve, the at least one slide and/or the at least one .pump are arranged upstream of the wave generating section. By complete or partial closing of the throttle valve or slide and/or by a reduction in the delivery power of the pump, it is possible in each case to selectively reduce the height level, enabling dynamic shaping of wave profiles across the transverse direction relative to the main flow direction by suitable control. The technical possibilities for realizing specific wave profiles will be discussed in more detail below.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the control is effected in such a way that the partial flows are set as a function of time to different height levels and wave profiles resulting therefrom in such a way that a wave profile moving at least over a partial flow in the transverse direction with at least one height maximum (peak) is produced. Here, the control can be effected in such a way that the height maximum moves in the transverse direction at a constant speed, at increasing speed or else at decreasing speed. It is also possible to first increase the speed and then to allow it to decrease again.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wave profile comprising multiple height maxima (peaks) that move in the same transverse direction can be generated by the partial flows. Each peak forms a localized elevation in the wave profile, allowing the apparatus to be used simultaneously by several individuals, each attempting to ride in synchrony with a respective peak. A certain degree of relative movement is possible, meaning that a person may temporarily move ahead of or slightly offset from their assigned peak. For training purposes and to reduce the risk of collisions, the system may be configured to discourage scenarios in which a person falls behind their associated peak, thereby maintaining spatial separation and consistent flow dynamics among users.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a wave profile having a plurality of height maxima (peaks) can be generated such that, starting from a central region, each peak moves outward in opposite directions. This enables a person starting in the central region to practice choosing a desired direction of movement. Depending on the individual's preference, the person can then ride in either direction along the wave profile.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a wave profile with a single height maximum (peak) is generated from a central region and moves either to the left or to the right. The direction may be unknown in advance, requiring the person to quickly perceive and respond to the actual movement. This creates a training scenario in which the individual must identify the peak's direction and steer the surfboard accordingly. Practicing with such unpredictability improves the surfer's ability to “read” wave movement, enhances real-time responsiveness, and builds intuition for natural ocean conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and aspects of this disclosure emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, which are explained below with reference to the figures. Identical and functionally corresponding elements are provided with identical reference signs. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a non-activated state;

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus from FIG. 1 in a view from above in the same non-operated state as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the apparatus from FIGS. 1 and 2 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a first state of a first operating mode;

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus from FIGS. 1 to 3 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a second state of the first operating mode, the second state temporally following the first state;

FIG. 5 shows the apparatus from FIGS. 1 to 4 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a third state of the first operating mode, the third state temporally following the second state;

FIG. 6 shows the apparatus from FIGS. 1 to 5 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above in a fourth state of the first operating mode, the fourth state following significantly later with respect to the third state;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a second operating mode of the apparatus from FIGS. 1 to 6; and

FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a third operating mode of the apparatus from FIGS. 1 to 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show two views of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure in the non-operated state. Apparatus 100 generates a standing wave 112 in the shape of a hydraulic jump wave, which is only partially illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8.

As used herein, “partial flow” refers to a portion of the total water flow directed along the main flow direction, segmented laterally (transversely) and independently controllable in terms of height level, velocity, or flow rate.

As used herein, “main flow direction” refers to the predominant direction of water movement through the wave generating section, typically aligned with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

As used herein, “transverse direction” refers to a direction orthogonal to the main flow direction, across which the wave profile can be modulated.

As used herein, “height maximum” (also referred to as a “peak”) refers to a localized region of elevated water surface within the wave profile, relative to adjacent sections, formed by modulating the water flow to achieve a crest suitable for surfing interaction.

As used herein, “controller” refers to an electrical or electromechanical system, such as a processor-based unit with logic modules, that adjusts components (e.g., pumps, valves, slides) to control water flow parameters including height, timing, and rate.

As used herein, “standing wave” refers to a hydraulic jump wave generated by the apparatus.

As used herein, “flow system” refers to the collection of components that direct, guide, or control the water flow along the main flow direction, including but not limited to pumps, valves, slides, partition walls, and associated channels or surfaces.

The apparatus 100 is substantially formed by the first side wall element 116, the second side wall element 118, and the crossmember 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the side wall elements 116, 118 and the crossmember 120 each have the same height and are firmly connected to one another to form a U-shaped structure.

Upwardly projecting additional walls 102, 104, 106 are formed over the entire length of the crossmember 120 and over a partial length of the regions of the side wall elements 116, 118 facing the crossmember 120, said additional walls being formed to continuously decrease to the height level of the side wall elements 116, 118 forward in the direction of the open side of the U-shaped structure.

The floor element 122 extends over the entire width between the first side wall element 116 and the second side wall element 118, proceeding from the cross-member 120.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also show the water level 124 of a water basin 114, only part of which is illustrated. The water level 124 lies somewhat below the side wall elements 116, 118 and the crossmember 120, such that the space above the floor element 122 is largely independent of external influences of the water basin 114, which may also be a lake or other body of water, particularly a section of sea, if the sea does not have too great a swell.

As can be clearly seen in the figures, a number of openings 126 are formed in the floor element. Pumps (not illustrated) are arranged in each of these openings 126 or at least in operative connection with these openings 126 in such a way that, with said pumps, water can be conveyed upward from the underwater region of the water basin 114 in the direction of the arrow P against the force of gravity g to a higher starting level than the water level 124.

Water flows due to gravity from this starting level 130 via the water acceleration section 132 to the ramp surface 136, which is inclined upward in the main flow direction S according to the arrows L, R. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the water acceleration section 132 is designed in the form of a slide-like flow-off surface 134. Here, the flow-off surface 134 and the ramp surface 136 are formed as part of the top-side surface 140 of the floor element 122.

In the embodiment shown, between the flow-off surface 134 and the ramp surface 136, an optional planar and horizontally oriented intermediate region 138 is formed on the floor element 122.

Downstream of the ramp surface 136, the floor element 122 is optionally planar over a certain length.

As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the floor element 122 in the illustrated embodiment is precisely the length of the first side wall element 116 and the second side wall element 118, and therefore the open end of the U-shaped structure together with the end of the floor element 122 form an outflow region 142, which is open on one side and in which the height of the water level corresponds to the water level 124 of the water basin 114.

The ramp surface 136 and the top-side surface 140 of the floor element 122 adjoining downstream of the ramp surface 136 form a wave generating section 146, in which a standing wave 112 (see FIGS. 2 to 8) is formed in interaction with the water of the water basin 114. This can be seen from the fact that the water level 124 is set directly behind the standing wave 112.

In the embodiment of the apparatus 100, both the ramp surface 136 and the top-side surface 140 of the adjoining floor element 122 are located completely below the water level 124. The water flowing off from the starting level 130 flows down the flow-off surface 134 in a directed flow and has a sufficiently high energy such that the water of the water basin 114, which is at a lower level when the pumps are at a standstill, remains completely in the region behind the standing wave 112. As a result, the standing wave 112 can be generated in an energy-efficient manner by the starting level 130 only having to be raised by the amount H in relation to the water level 124.

The apparatus 100 can produce a standing wave 112 in a water basin 114 by water being conveyed to a starting level 130 by use of the pumps (not illustrated) in order to bring about a directed water flow in the direction of the arrows L, R, with the water flow being conducted back directly into the water basin 114 and a standing wave 112 being generated in the wave generating section 146 by direct interaction of the directed water flow with the water level 124 of the water basin 114.

As can be clearly seen from FIG. 2, the apparatus 100 has a total of 25 rows of openings 126, with in each row three openings being arranged one behind the other in the main flow direction S. The rows are numbered from 1 to 25. In the embodiment shown, at least one pump (not illustrated) is provided per row. Each opening 126 may be provided with one pump. Here, the flow system, including the pumps (not illustrated), controls at least part of the water flow such that different height levels can be set transversely with respect to the main flow direction of the water flow to generate a modifiable transverse wave profile (e.g., transverse to the main flow direction). This is effected by a temporally different power control of the pumps, which is explained below based on FIGS. 3 to 8 and based on numerical examples.

For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that a pump does not necessarily have to be provided for each of the rows 1 to 25 with openings 126. The present disclosure can also be realized if in each case one pump is provided for a number of rows of openings 126, for example one pump for the openings 126 of rows 1 to 5, one for the openings 126 of rows 6 to 10, one for the openings 126 of rows 11 to 15, one for the openings 126 of rows 16 to 20, and one for the openings 126 of rows 21 to 25.

In the following explanation, in each case at least one separately controllable pump is provided for each of the rows 1 to 25.

FIG. 3 shows a first state in which the power of the pumps which are controllable for rows 1 to 5 is increased compared to the power of the other pumps. This can be realized, for example, by the pump power for rows 1 to 5 being controlled to 100 percent, while the pump power for the other rows is controlled to 60 percent. Accordingly, only that region of the apparatus 100 which adjoins the openings 126 in the main flow direction S relating to the pumps in rows 1 to 5 is highlighted by three thick wavy lines and three exemplary peaks 108. In said region, the height level with the peaks 108 is increased compared to the remaining height level of the standing hydraulic jump wave generated by the apparatus 100. The sum of the three peaks 108 shown and the multitude of further peaks (not shown) which extend from rows 1 to 5 results in a peak which extends over rows 1 to 5.

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus in a second state which temporally follows the first state. In this state, the power of the pump(s) in row 1 is reduced to 60 percent, while the power of the pump(s) in row 6 has increased to 100 percent. As a result, the peaks 108 begin to migrate to the left in the direction of the arrow P.

FIG. 5 shows the apparatus 100 in a third state which temporally follows the second state. In this state, the power of the pump(s) in row 2 is reduced to 60 percent, while the power of the pump(s) in row 7 has been increased to 100 percent. As a result, the peaks 108 migrate further to the left in the direction of the arrow P.

This power shift by in each case one pump row can be continued in the described manner until the peaks 108—as illustrated in FIG. 6—have migrated to rows 21 to 25. With this movement of the maximum height level of the peaks, a person on a surfboard can move on the standing hydraulic jump wave to practice surfing in a suitable wave range. For example, the control of the pump power can be shifted in each case after one second by one row of openings 126, such that, after 20 seconds, a peak 108 extending over five rows (for example rows 1 to 5) has migrated from one side to the other side, namely to rows 21 to 25.

For the sake of completeness, it is pointed out that the speed for the migration of peaks 108 is modifiable. Reference is again made at this point to the explanations above in this respect.

FIGS. 7 and 8 describe two further possibilities of how the apparatus 100 can be operated.

FIG. 7 shows a variant in which a person initially moves on a surfboard on the hydraulic jump wave (not illustrated) into the identified central region M. Subsequently, the power of the pumps is controlled in such a way that a peak 108 forms in the central region (not illustrated in FIG. 7), and then this peak 108 is divided by appropriate control of the pumps simultaneously into a peak 108 in the direction of the arrow R and into a peak 108 in the direction of the arrow L so that the person can decide at will in which direction they would like to move on the surfboard (not illustrated) approximately at the speed of the peak 108. This is simple training in which the person cannot make an incorrect decision. They can ride in the direction provided by peak 108 in which it is easier to go.

FIG. 8 shows a further variant in which one of the directions R or L can be predefined by means of the apparatus 100. Thus, people can train their capability of reading developing waves which form transversely to a main flow direction S, and improve the responsiveness to such scenarios and the riding safety in such scenarios.

Although not illustrated, it is also possible to use the apparatus 100 to form scenarios in which the direction of movement of a wave moving transversely with respect to the main direction of flow changes, and therefore a person must recognize when the wave is slowing down or is overlapped by a wave moving in the opposite direction. This results in continuous surfing scenarios with directional changes during surfing, with the challenge involving recognizing directional changes produced by the apparatus 100 sufficiently early in order not to pass behind the wave moving transversely with respect to the main flow direction S, e.g., behind the direction of movement of a peak 108.

Partition wall sections, for example, are not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. They can, for example, be provided between two adjacent rows and extend over a certain length in the main flow direction S, for example from the openings 126 into the water acceleration section 132. The height of such partition wall sections is variable; it can be selected to be of such a height that the water flows remain completely separated from the openings 126 to the end of the partition wall sections.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 100 Apparatus
  • 102 Additional wall
  • 104 Additional wall
  • 106 Additional wall
  • 108 Peak
  • 112 Standing wave
  • 114 Water basin
  • 116 First side wall element
  • 118 Second side wall element
  • 120 Crossmember
  • 122 Floor element
  • 124 Water level
  • 126 Opening
  • 130 Starting level
  • 132 Water acceleration section
  • 134 Flow-off surface
  • 136 Ramp surface
  • 138 Intermediate region
  • 140 Top-side surface
  • 142 Outflow region
  • 146 Wave generating section
  • M Central region
  • L Arrow (left)
  • R Arrow (right)
  • S Main flow direction

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination, or in substitution with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all the embodiments, and is not meant to be construed that it cannot be so illustrated, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary aspects, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of aspects. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain aspects can be combined with the elements and features of certain other aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described.