EP1574637A1 - Pneumatic wave generator - Google Patents
Pneumatic wave generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1574637A1 EP1574637A1 EP04251425A EP04251425A EP1574637A1 EP 1574637 A1 EP1574637 A1 EP 1574637A1 EP 04251425 A EP04251425 A EP 04251425A EP 04251425 A EP04251425 A EP 04251425A EP 1574637 A1 EP1574637 A1 EP 1574637A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- air
- caisson
- wave generator
- sleeve
- passageway
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/0006—Devices for producing waves in swimming pools
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to wave generation and, more particularly, to a pneumatic wave generation system for generating waves in a pool.
- Wave generation systems for artificially creating waves in liquids are well known and find utilization in a range of applications.
- One such application is for the creation of waves in a swimming pool for recreational purposes.
- swimming pools with wave-making equipment are in common use and have found widespread acceptance in numerous amusement or aquatic-theme parks throughout the world.
- pools with wave making equipment serve alternatively as a venue for competitive swimming events.
- aquariums provide another market for wave generation systems.
- a conventional wave generating system may house at a deep end of a pool multiple caisson chambers.
- a ventilator space is provided within each caisson above the surface of water therein.
- a source of forced air capable of effecting aspiration by applying compressed air to the space above the water surfaces in the chambers is supplied by a conduit system.
- the Raike US Patent No 4,812,077 discloses a wave generator of the mentioned type.
- a pneumatic system includes a motor-driven fan that communicates selectively with duct lines to the caissons through a pair of two-position air directional valve assemblies. Selective actuation of the two air directional valve assemblies between caisson chambers allows the wave generator to create alternative wave shapes and patterns, augmenting the utility of the installation and its amusement value to users.
- the housings in which the caissons are deployed are relatively large and rise above the pool deck at the deep end and undesirably distance. As a result, steps must be incorporated into the pool deck in order to allow users to traverse the perimeter of the pool.
- the high housing of the caissons at the deep end of the pool may interfere with the placement of competitive starting blocks in the pool, and thereby defeat or inhibit the capacity of the pool to serve as a venue for competitive swimming meets.
- a high caisson housing is aesthetically displeasing.
- a wave generator providing acceptable functional utility yet having a lower vertical height compatible with providing a uniform deck area surrounding a pool is, accordingly, desired by the industry.
- the size of the caisson housing in conventional wave generators is a function of the relatively large air displacement required by state of the art caissons deployed therein. Since the cycle time for charging each caisson with pressurized air, discharging the generated wave from the caisson, and exhausting the caisson, is significantly short, on the order of two seconds or less, a relative large and excessive volume of pressurized air must be quickly injected into each caisson in order to correspondingly effect a quick movement of the water level downward. Currently, in state of the art wave generating systems, more air is used than optimally required because of short cycle time demands and system losses. It would, accordingly, be an advantage to reduce the amount of air required to charge a caisson in wave generating systems.
- the Raike Patent 4,812,077 discloses a pair of two-position directional valve assemblies, each capable of delivering compressed air into adjacent caissons alternatively. Each valve assembly swings to service two adjacent caisson compartments. A swinging cylinder sleeve provides fast operational speed and requires a low level of energy to actuate and brake. The value assembly also allows the wave generator to be programmable, and the four caissons serviced by the two valve assemblies can be energized in a range of sequences. The shape and pattern of waves, as a result, may be varied and the recreational value of the wave generating system is thereby enhanced. While working well, it is desirable in certain applications to provide each caisson with its own, dedicated air injection nozzle. The nozzle should provide for efficient injection of air into its respective caisson.
- a valve system is further required to operatively close the nozzle during the exhaust portion of the cycle or when the actuation of the nozzle is not needed for the particular wave desired. Such a nozzle is not needed for the particular wave desired.
- Such a nozzle and valve arrangement should work in mutual co-operation and be economical to manufacture and maintain.
- an object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic wave generator having a novel air dispersion apparatus for equally distributing air pressure within a caisson.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic wave generator that requires a relatively low power compressed air source.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic wave generator and associative pool in which the decking surrounding the pool is uniform.
- Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator.
- Still a further object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having an integral shut-off valve assembly incorporated therein.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having a rapid injection/exhaust cycle and a low power utilization rate.
- a further object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator that is economical to produce and install, and economical to operate.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having an integral shut-off valve responsive to operative movement of the injector nozzle.
- the present invention has as a further object the achievement of an air distribution system for a wave generator that incorporates a relatively small, quiet, energy efficient fan and a low loss air delivery conduit network.
- An additional object is to provide a wave generator having an air penetration and distribution system that is economical to manufacture and operate.
- the present invention provides a pneumatic wave generator comprising multiple, relatively low, caissons.
- An associative injector nozzle assembly communicates with each caisson and delivers air to drive the water level within the caisson downward.
- the nozzle assembly includes a nozzle pivotally mounted to a support frame and pivotal between an open position in which air within the nozzle is free to enter the caisson and a shut-off position in which the flow of air from the nozzle is inhibited.
- a butterfly valve is integrally mounted within the nozzle and moves therewith between the first and second nozzle positions. The butterfly valve allows air to pass in the open position. Upon exhausting the caisson, the valve within the nozzle will move by an air cylinder or a linear actuator and close the butterfly valve.
- the force required to pivot and brace the nozzle is modest and the butterfly valve integrally mounted within the nozzle achieves a reliable, repeatable fit between the nozzle internal walls.
- a further aspect of the invention is to provide a dispersion grate mounted across a top portion of each caisson.
- the grate is configured having an array of through-bores therein and vane flanges that directionally fan out to direct input air across the surface of the dispersion grate.
- Sidewalls of the grate through-bores are further configured to intercept the air delivered by the vane flanges and evenly direct the air downward through the grate to the water surface therebelow.
- the dispersion grate thus serves to efficiently distribute input air into the caisson across the surface of the water so that the water surface may be pressured downward in an efficient, rapid manner.
- the volume of air required to effect formation of a wave is thereby reduced, allowing for a commensurate reduction in the size of the motor providing the supply of air.
- the efficiency so attained allows for a reduction in the requisite height of the air chamber above the water level within each caisson.
- the reduction in height of the caisson in turn allows the caisson housing to assume an even, coplanar relationship with the decking surrounding the pool and eliminates the shortcomings discussed above that are endemic to state-of-the-art, multi-level wave generating pool decking.
- a further aspect of the wave generator system of the present invention is providing an air generation and distribution system including a horizontally mounted impeller fan, and an air feed conduit to each of the caissons having relatively few bends.
- the impeller fan efficiently draws air down into the feed conduit from above, and generated noise from the fan is generally directed upward, minimising ambient noise levels.
- the system further provides an air distribution conduit network that has relatively few bends than would otherwise create an impediment to the efficient delivery of air from the fan to the caissons.
- the present invention is directed to a pneumatic wave generator 10 operatively associated with a swimming pool 12 and generally comprising a hydraulic system 14 and a pneumatic system 16.
- the swimming pool 12 includes a deep portion 18 having a substantially square configuration with a deep end 20 and a pair of parallel, deep portion sidewalls 22.
- a wave generator and pool configuration of this general type is shown and described in Raike US Patent No 4,812,077, incorporated herein by reference.
- the swimming pool 12 also includes a shallow portion 24 having a shallow end 26 longitudinally opposite the deep end 20 and bounded by an accurate shallow end wall 28.
- a pair of proximally converging shallow portion sidewalls 30 extend from respective deep portion sidewalls 22 to the shallow end wall 28.
- the swimming pool 12 includes a bottom 32 with a greatest depth at the deep end 20 and at least depth at the shallow end 26.
- the bottom 32 can slope upwardly to a level above a quiescent level 34 of a volume of water 36 in the pool 12 so that a gradual transition from a dry area of the bottom 32 into the swimming pool 12 is provided at the shallow end 28.
- the hydraulic system 14 includes a caisson front wall 38 at the deep end 20 between the sidewalls 22 with a lower edge 40 spaced above the pool bottom 32 and forming a submerged passage 42 therebetween.
- the passage 42 extends transversely across the pool deep end 20 between the sidewalls 22.
- a caisson back wall 44 extends transversely between the deep end sidewalls 22 in parallel, spaced relation behind the caisson front wall 38.
- caissons 46, 48, 50, 52 are shown. More or fewer caissons may be employed, however, if desired without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
- Caissons 46, 52 represent outer caissons and 48, 50 represent inner caissons.
- Respective caisson partition walls (not shown) separate caissons 46, 48; caissons 50, 52 and caisson 54, 56, respectively, and extend between the caisson front and back walls and to the pool bottom.
- a caisson top slab 62 is placed over the tops of the caissons and is supported by the caisson front, back, and partition walls.
- the caissons 36, 48. 50 and 52 are thus substantially enclosed except at the submerged passage 42 and at an opening in the top slab that will be described hereinafter.
- the quiescent water level 34 in the swimming pool is between and in spaced relation from the pool bottom 32 and the top slab 62 in each caisson whereby each caisson has a lower, normally submerged portion 64 and an upper air portion 66.
- a system of the subject type is generally shown by Raike US Patent 4,812,077, incorporated herein by reference.
- a generally planar deck 56 may extend about the periphery of pool 12 from the caissons 46-52 at the deep portion 18 to the shallow end 28.
- the level of the deck 56 at the deep portion 18 must be sufficiently high above the quiescent water level 34 to contain waves created by generator 10 within the pool 12.
- the amplitude of generated waves is nominally twenty-four inches.
- the plane of the decking 56 is generally twenty-four inches above water level 34.
- the caissons 46-52 is conventional state-of-the-art wave generators project above the level of deck 56 a further distance of twenty-four inches, requiring the formation of steps where the deck 56 meets the generator 10 at the deep end of the pool 12.
- the height of the caissons 46-52 in conventional systems is dictated by the volume of air within chamber 66 of each caisson required to force the water level within the caisson downward. Since the wave generation cycle time is short, on the order of 1.2 seconds, an overly large volume of air is used in state-of-the-art systems in order to compensate for system loss and for the uneven distribution of air pressure across the water surface within the caisson.
- the present invention improves the efficiency of air injection and pressure dispersion so that the caisson air portion 66 may be volumetrically reduced by a significant amount.
- the height of the caissons 46-52 may be reduced to twenty-four inches and the top slab 62 can thereby by made co-planar with deck 56 surrounding the pool. Consequently, the need for steps at the deep end of the pool is eliminated.
- a co-planar deck 56 surrounding the deep end further readily accommodates the use of competitive starting blocks in the deep end 20, allowing the pool to serve alternatively as a competitive swimming meet venue.
- the advantage is a coplanar deck and caisson top surface configuration are many. First, the elimination of steps makes the pool and deck safer and easier to traverse. Secondly, the aesthetic appearance of the pool and deck is enhanced. In addition, less material is needed for construction of the caissons and by the elimination of steps, making the wave generator less expensive to manufacture and install. Finally, in applications where the pool is used secondarily as a competitive swim meet venue, an even decking surrounding the deep end of the pool allows for the use of conventional starting blocks: an advantage not afforded by existing wave generator systems.
- each caisson 46, 48, 50, 52 is provided with a deflection plate 58 anchored to the back caisson wall 44 and depending angularly into the upper portion 66 of the caisson.
- a dispersion grate 60 is mounted across the upper portion 66 of each caisson 46, 48, 50, 52 in a generally horizontal orientation.
- the grate 60 may be anchored to the sidewalls of each caisson by appropriate hardware. Alternatively, the grate 60 may be suspended from the tap 62 of the caisson by cables or the like.
- Dispersion grate 60 and deflection plate 58 may be formed of any suitably hard material such as metal, plastic, or fiber glass by conventional manufacturing techniques.
- the pneumatic system 16 includes a motor-fan assembly 162, described below, operatively mounted within a plenum, or manifold housing 180.
- Four pneumatic valve assemblies 68, 70, 72 and 74 are mounted to communicate with caissons 140, 142, 144 and 146, respectively.
- Each valve assembly 68, 70, 72 and 74, as shown in Figs 4A, 4B, 4C, and 17 includes a pendulum sleeve 76 having an internal axial through passage 79 extending from an upper end 78 to a lower end 80.
- a lower opening 81 of each sleeve 76 is in communication with and is positioned to direct air downward into a respective caisson.
- the sleeve 76 is fixedly attached to a pair of elongate suspension arms 82. Each arm 82 is pivotally suspended from a support frame 86 at a pivot connection 84 by pivot pin 85. So suspended, the suspension arms and the sleeve 76 are free to swing between a substantially vertical position shown by Figs 4 and 5A-C, hereinafter designated as the "closed” position, and a position angularly displaced from vertical as shown in Figs 6 and 7A-C, hereinafter designated as the "open” position.
- the support frame is generally trapezoidal in side profile, and includes a square base 88 having a centred, circular bottom opening 90.
- a collar member 92 is mounted to circumscribe the passageway 90 and provides an upturned flange 116 that seats the cylinder 76 in its angled, open position. Extending upward from the four corners of the base 88 are L-shaped support legs 94, 96, 98, 100, that support an upper, generally square, frame 102.
- a pair of pneumatic piston cylinder units 104 are included in assembly 68, each unit 104 having a cylinder end 108 anchored to the upper frame 102 and a piston end 110 connected to a respective arm 82.
- the units 104 are pneumatically actuated in a conventional manner to pivotally move the sleeve 76 through arms 82 between the open and closed positions.
- a stop protrusion 112 is further provided at the frame base 88, positioned to engage an outwardly directed peripheral flange 114 of the sleeve 76 a the sleeve 76 swings into the vertical, closed position.
- each valve assembly 68, 70, 72 and 74 includes a butterfly valve member 118 having an elliptical body 120 and diametrically opposite cylindrical sockets 122 formed therein.
- a pair of pivot pins 124 having inward ends seated within the sockets 122.
- the sleeve 76 includes at opposite sides a pair of through-bores 126 that receive outward ends of the butterfly valve pivot pins 124 there through.
- a linear actuator assembly 128 is secured to each side of the sleeve 76 and comprises an actuation arm 130 fixedly connected at one end 132 to a respective pivot pin 124; and an opposite end 134 pivotally coupled to a secondary arm 136.
- the opposite ends 138 of arms 136 are respectively anchored to support legs 94, 100.
- the elliptical body 120 of valve 118 is thus pivotally mounted within the axial passageway 81 of sleeve 76, generally at a midpoint between the upper and lower ends of the sleeve 76.
- Movement of the valve body 120 is effected as the sleeve 76 pivots between the angled, open position shown in Figs 6 and 7A-C, and the vertical, closed position depicted in Figs 4 and 5A-C.
- valve pivot pins 124 are rotated by arm linkages 130, 136 and the valve body 120 is made to rotate between an open, unobtrusive position within passageway 81 and a closed position in which the body 120 obstructs passageway 81.
- the peripheral edges of elliptical body 120 are brought into close proximity with the internal cylindrical sidewalls of sleeve passageway 81 in the closed position.
- the valve body 120 is preferably at a 45 degree angle with respect to the internal sidewalls of cylindrical sleeve 76 defining passage 81.
- the relative orientation of elliptical body 120 to the sleeve sidewalls may be varied if desired without departing from the invention.
- the flange 114 of sleeve 76 abuts against stop 112 and sleeve 76 is maintained in a vertical orientation. With the valve within the sleeve 76 in the closed position, airflow through the sleeve and into the caisson is inhibited.
- Each valve assembly 68, 70, 72 and 74 is swung between its two extreme positions by the pneumatic piston and cylinder units 104, 106. Extending and retracting the piston and cylinder units swings the sleeve 76 between its extreme positions. Arcuate step flange 116 projects upwardly to intercept and engage the lower end of sleeve 76 as it teaches the angled open position.
- the sleeve 76 is moved by cylinder units 104, 106 to the angled position shown in Figs 6A-C and 7A-C.
- the valve pivot pins 124 are rotated by arm linkages 130, 136 to rotate valve body 120 into a substantially vertical orientation, whereby opening passageway 81.
- a the sleeve 76 reaches the open position, the lower end of the sleeve 76 seats within the collar 92 and abuts against collar flange 118.
- the passageway 81 of sleeve 76 is unobstructed and allows the flow of compressed air from the top end 78 of sleeve 76 to the bottom end 80.
- the subject valve assembly affords significant advantages over systems that utilize input and exhaust valves separate from the air supply sleeve.
- the force required to close and open the valve 118 is derived from the force supplied to swing the sleeve 76 between the open and closed positions.
- the subject valve system is relatively simple compared with conventional injection configurations that deploy independent vent/relief valves. The simplification thus achieved reduces cost of the system and minimizes operational maintenance costs of the system.
- the dispersion grate system of the subject wave generator 10 is generally shown in Figs 1 and 15.
- Each caisson 46, 48, 50, and 52 is covered by a respective dispersion grate 140, 142, 144, and 146, respectively.
- the grates 140-146 are of unitary construction.
- Each grate 140-146 is positioned over the upper portion 66 of its respective caisson.
- Each grate 140-146 each comprise a series of spaced apart longitudinal ribs 147 crossed by spaced apart transverse ribs 148. Formed at the intersection of longitudinal and transverse ribs 147, 148 are through passages 150.
- each grate 140-146 are directional, extending from a position below the valve assembly of each caisson across the caisson upper portion 66. Each grate thus directionally routes air flow from its respective valve assembly 68, 74 across the upper portion of the caisson.
- the outer valve assemblies 68, 74 are positioned at a corner of their respective caissons.
- the longitudinal ribs 147 of each grate 140, 146 proceeds at a diagonal from one corner of the caisson to the opposite corner.
- the valve assemblies 70, 72 for the center caissons 48, 50, are centered above each caisson.
- the longitudinal ribs 147 of the center grates 142, 144 proceed straight across the top of the caisson.
- the specific configuration of each dispersion grate is shown in Figs 8A, B and Figs 9-13.
- the rib configuration of each grate is designed responsive to the location of the air injection valve assembly above the caisson. As a result, the grate provides for efficient distribution of air from the valve assembly over the entire expanse of the caisson upper portion 66.
- the longitudinal ribs 147 are formed to include upwardly projecting vane flanges 152 for longitudinally routing air passing over the grate.
- the ribs 147 further provide upper and lower wall segments 154, 156 that converge and intersect approximately at the middle of the grate.
- the convergent segments 154, 156 function to intercept air flow passing over the grate and direct the air downward through passageways 150 to an underside of the grate.
- the transverse ribs 146 have convergent upper and lower segments 158, 160 that likewise intercept and direct air passing over the grate down through passageways 150.
- the vane flanges 152 of the longitudinal ribs 147 in the grates direct air from the valve assembly positioned above the grate out and over the caisson upper portion 66.
- the convergent configuration of the sides of the ribs 147, 148 intercept the air flow and efficiently spread the air below the grate and over the upper surface of the water within the caisson.
- the efficient dispersion of air across the upper portion 66 of each caisson, effected by operation of the grates 140-146 thus provides a consistent and even air distribution over the water within the caisson. Turbulence in the water surface is thereby minimized, reducing hydraulic energy loss and thus optimizing the quality of the generated wave.
- dispersion grates optimally and uniformly distribute air over the surface of the water within the caissons, less pressurized air is required to pressure the caisson water level downward. Smaller, quieter, more energy efficient fans may be utilized in the system, reducing manufacturing and operational costs.
- the caisson air compartment 66 may be reduced in height.
- a reduction in caisson height allows the decking surrounding the pool to be made level, avoiding the cost and inconvenience of incorporating steps into the deck. Smaller caissons also provide a more pleasing aesthetic appearance, require less material in their construction, and are less likely to interfere with the placement of competitive starting blocks in the pool.
- a fan assembly 162 is provided comprising a motor 164, having drive shaft 163 driveably connected to an impeller fan 166 of a type commercially available.
- Fan/motor combinations are in use in current wave generator systems.
- the fan is vertically mounted vertically and draws air sideway into a plenum. While functionally adequate, a vertically mounted fan results in a housing that is higher than optimal, making the unit visually unpleasing.
- a vertically mounted fan has a vertical intake portal. Noise is readily transmitted through the vertical intake portal to the surrounding area, making the wave generator louder than desired and an annoyance to users of the pool.
- the subject invention contemplates a horizontal intake portal in the top of the housing.
- the fan 166 is mounted horizontally within the housing and draws intake air downward. Noise reduction and a lower vertical height to the fan-motor housing is thereby achieved. Suitable mounting screws 165 are utilized.
- a support plate 168 attaches to the top slab of the caissons by plurality of assembly screws 172 affixed through aligned apertures 170 of the support plate 168.
- a manifold housing 180 mounts to the top of the four support legs 174 and includes an upwardly opening internal chamber 182 and laterally opposite outlet ports 184, 186.
- the motor-fan unit 164 is received within the manifold housing chamber 182.
- Connected to outlet ports 184, 186 and extending outward in opposing directions from manifold housing 180 are air conduits 188, 190.
- Conduit 188 provides a relatively straight, bend-free air supply line to caissons 46, 48 and conduit 190 provides a relatively straight, bend-free air supply line to caisons 50, 52.
- a remote end 189 of conduit 188 is attached to the pneumatic valve assembly 68 and a flexible branch duct 192 extends from conduit 188 to supply air to the valve assembly 70.
- a remote end 191 of conduit 190 is attached to the valve assembly 174 and flexible branch duct 194 extends from conduit 190 to supply air to valve assembly 72.
- the conduit and duct air distribution system illustrated in Figs 1, 15, and 16 is relatively free from bends as compared with conventional systems. Bends or other discontinuities in the air distribution system that would impede the efficient delivery of pressurized air to the valve assemblies are, thus, avoided.
- the central location of the motor-fan assembly reduces the length of the conduits 188, 190, further reducing pneumatic losses. The present system, therefore, minimizes pneumatic losses in the delivery of air and thereby permits the use of a smaller, quieter, and more energy efficient motor-fan unit.
- the motor-fan assembly 162 draws air into the chamber 182 and forces the pressurized air down conduits 188, 190 to valve assemblies 68, 70, 72 and 74.
- the horizontal disposition of the relatively small motor-fan assembly 162, and upward opening intake opening 196 keep ambient noise to a maximum.
- the valve assemblies 68, 70, 72 and 74 share a common plenum source of forced air.
- the straight feed from the motor-fan assembly 162 down conduits 188, 190 minimizes pneumatic resistance and thus increases system efficiency. A smaller motor-fan unit, generating a relatively smaller volume of forced air, is therefore required.
- Vane flanges 152 act operationally to direct and spread the flow of air from the deflection plate 58 across the top of dispersion plate 60.
- the directional array of the dispersion plate van flanges 152 are designed to fan from the location of the valve assembly above the caisson to cover the entire top of the caisson.
- the longitudinal vane flanges may extend diagonally or straight across the caisson.
- the V-shaped sides of longitudinal ribs 147 and transverse ribs 148 intercept the flow or air across the dispersion plate and direct the air downward through passageways 150 to the upper water surface within the caisson.
- the water levels in their respective lower, submerged portions 64 are lowered, for example, about sixteen inches.
- the displaced volume of water emerges in front of the caisson front wall 38 or mound of water above the quiescent water level 34.
- the pneumatic valve assemblies are then switched in a desired sequence to the closed position illustrated in Figs 4 and 5A-C by operation of piston-and-cylinder units 104, 106.
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Abstract
A pneumatic/hydraulic wave generator for a swimming pool
includes a plurality of caissons communicating with the
deep end of the pool through a submerged passage. A
pneumatic system includes a motor-driven impeller fan
housed horizontally within a manifold housing and
communicating with duct lines to the caissons through
pneumatic valve assemblies. Each valve assembly includes
a pendulum sleeve having a butterfly valve mounted
therein that is actuated by swinging movement of the
sleeve between an open and a closed position. Disposed
within an upper air chamber portion of each caisson below
an associate caisson valve assembly is a dispersion grate
for evenly distributing air from the valve assembly
across the upper surface of water disposed within the
caisson.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to wave generation and, more particularly, to a pneumatic wave generation system for generating waves in a pool.
- Wave generation systems for artificially creating waves in liquids are well known and find utilization in a range of applications. One such application is for the creation of waves in a swimming pool for recreational purposes. Swimming pools with wave-making equipment are in common use and have found widespread acceptance in numerous amusement or aquatic-theme parks throughout the world. In some applications, pools with wave making equipment serve alternatively as a venue for competitive swimming events. Aquariums provide another market for wave generation systems.
- In such applications, various mechanical and pneumatic devices and apparatus have been utilized to engage and displace water at one end of a pool to create a surface wave pattern. A conventional wave generating system may house at a deep end of a pool multiple caisson chambers.
- A ventilator space is provided within each caisson above the surface of water therein. A source of forced air capable of effecting aspiration by applying compressed air to the space above the water surfaces in the chambers is supplied by a conduit system. When the caissons are actuated with pressurized air, the water level therein are driven down, out a lower caisson passageway, and into the pool, thereby creating the intended wave disturbance.
- The Raike US Patent No 4,812,077 discloses a wave generator of the mentioned type. A pneumatic system includes a motor-driven fan that communicates selectively with duct lines to the caissons through a pair of two-position air directional valve assemblies. Selective actuation of the two air directional valve assemblies between caisson chambers allows the wave generator to create alternative wave shapes and patterns, augmenting the utility of the installation and its amusement value to users.
- While working well, existing wave generators have certain common deficiencies and inefficiencies. First, the housings in which the caissons are deployed are relatively large and rise above the pool deck at the deep end and undesirably distance. As a result, steps must be incorporated into the pool deck in order to allow users to traverse the perimeter of the pool. In addition, the high housing of the caissons at the deep end of the pool may interfere with the placement of competitive starting blocks in the pool, and thereby defeat or inhibit the capacity of the pool to serve as a venue for competitive swimming meets. Finally, a high caisson housing is aesthetically displeasing. A wave generator providing acceptable functional utility yet having a lower vertical height compatible with providing a uniform deck area surrounding a pool is, accordingly, desired by the industry.
- The size of the caisson housing in conventional wave generators, however is a function of the relatively large air displacement required by state of the art caissons deployed therein. Since the cycle time for charging each caisson with pressurized air, discharging the generated wave from the caisson, and exhausting the caisson, is significantly short, on the order of two seconds or less, a relative large and excessive volume of pressurized air must be quickly injected into each caisson in order to correspondingly effect a quick movement of the water level downward. Currently, in state of the art wave generating systems, more air is used than optimally required because of short cycle time demands and system losses. It would, accordingly, be an advantage to reduce the amount of air required to charge a caisson in wave generating systems. Such a reduction in the volume of required air would reduce the requisite size of the caisson air chamber, allowing for a reduction in vertical height. Additionally, a reduction in the volume of air required to charge wave generating caissons would enhance system efficiencies and allow the use of smaller, more energy efficient fan systems.
- In order to supply the quantity of (excessive) pressurized air into a caisson, current systems employ a high capacity fan system that distribute the air to caissons via an extensive network of large conduits or ducts. Such fans are expensive, noisy in their operation, and have a high power utilization rate, resulting in an undesirable increase in the cost of operating the wave generator. In addition, the duct network feeding air to the caissons from such large, inefficient fans include a number of relatively severe conduit bends. Such bends represent interference to the efficient flow of air to the caissons and, therefore, add to the inefficiency of the overall system. Accordingly, the industry is further in need of a wave generator that can utilize quiet, low power fan units that efficiently distribute pressurized air to the caissons through an efficient, relative bend-free system.
- In conventional wave generators, the large volume of pressurized air necessary to rapidly charge a caisson is injected into the caisson by a nozzle positioned above the water level. The pressurized air, thus, is not evenly distributed over the surface of water within the caisson and its focused entry into the water tends to cause turbulence as the water level is pressurized downward. Undesirable turbulence degrades the quality of the generated wave and represents a system loss of pneumatic efficiency that is likewise undesirable. Thus, the need exists for a wave generator that can equally distribute and disperse pressurized air over the surface of water within a caisson so as to result in minimal losses from turbulence and maximum pneumatic efficiency.
- The Raike Patent 4,812,077 discloses a pair of two-position directional valve assemblies, each capable of delivering compressed air into adjacent caissons alternatively. Each valve assembly swings to service two adjacent caisson compartments. A swinging cylinder sleeve provides fast operational speed and requires a low level of energy to actuate and brake. The value assembly also allows the wave generator to be programmable, and the four caissons serviced by the two valve assemblies can be energized in a range of sequences. The shape and pattern of waves, as a result, may be varied and the recreational value of the wave generating system is thereby enhanced. While working well, it is desirable in certain applications to provide each caisson with its own, dedicated air injection nozzle. The nozzle should provide for efficient injection of air into its respective caisson. A valve system is further required to operatively close the nozzle during the exhaust portion of the cycle or when the actuation of the nozzle is not needed for the particular wave desired. Such a nozzle is not needed for the particular wave desired. Such a nozzle and valve arrangement should work in mutual co-operation and be economical to manufacture and maintain.
- It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic wave generator having a novel air dispersion apparatus for equally distributing air pressure within a caisson.
- It is another object to provide a pneumatic wave generator requiring a relatively low caisson housing.
- It is yet another object of the invention to provide a pneumatic wave generator having an air dispersion apparatus for facilitating rapid, even dispersion of air pressure against water surface within a caisson.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic wave generator that requires a relatively low power compressed air source.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic wave generator and associative pool in which the decking surrounding the pool is uniform.
- Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator.
- Still a further object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having an integral shut-off valve assembly incorporated therein.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having a rapid injection/exhaust cycle and a low power utilization rate.
- A further object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator that is economical to produce and install, and economical to operate.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an injector nozzle for a pneumatic wave generator having an integral shut-off valve responsive to operative movement of the injector nozzle.
- The present invention has as a further object the achievement of an air distribution system for a wave generator that incorporates a relatively small, quiet, energy efficient fan and a low loss air delivery conduit network.
- An additional object is to provide a wave generator having an air penetration and distribution system that is economical to manufacture and operate.
- These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing generator assemblies, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements hereinafter described and claimed.
- In general, the present invention provides a pneumatic wave generator comprising multiple, relatively low, caissons. An associative injector nozzle assembly communicates with each caisson and delivers air to drive the water level within the caisson downward. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle pivotally mounted to a support frame and pivotal between an open position in which air within the nozzle is free to enter the caisson and a shut-off position in which the flow of air from the nozzle is inhibited. A butterfly valve is integrally mounted within the nozzle and moves therewith between the first and second nozzle positions. The butterfly valve allows air to pass in the open position. Upon exhausting the caisson, the valve within the nozzle will move by an air cylinder or a linear actuator and close the butterfly valve. The force required to pivot and brace the nozzle is modest and the butterfly valve integrally mounted within the nozzle achieves a reliable, repeatable fit between the nozzle internal walls.
- A further aspect of the invention is to provide a dispersion grate mounted across a top portion of each caisson. The grate is configured having an array of through-bores therein and vane flanges that directionally fan out to direct input air across the surface of the dispersion grate. Sidewalls of the grate through-bores are further configured to intercept the air delivered by the vane flanges and evenly direct the air downward through the grate to the water surface therebelow. The dispersion grate thus serves to efficiently distribute input air into the caisson across the surface of the water so that the water surface may be pressured downward in an efficient, rapid manner. The volume of air required to effect formation of a wave is thereby reduced, allowing for a commensurate reduction in the size of the motor providing the supply of air. The efficiency so attained allows for a reduction in the requisite height of the air chamber above the water level within each caisson. The reduction in height of the caisson in turn allows the caisson housing to assume an even, coplanar relationship with the decking surrounding the pool and eliminates the shortcomings discussed above that are endemic to state-of-the-art, multi-level wave generating pool decking.
- Finally, a further aspect of the wave generator system of the present invention is providing an air generation and distribution system including a horizontally mounted impeller fan, and an air feed conduit to each of the caissons having relatively few bends. The impeller fan efficiently draws air down into the feed conduit from above, and generated noise from the fan is generally directed upward, minimising ambient noise levels. The system further provides an air distribution conduit network that has relatively few bends than would otherwise create an impediment to the efficient delivery of air from the fan to the caissons.
-
- Fig 1 is a top plan view of a pneumatic wave generator embodying the present invention with an associate swimming pool.
- Fig 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wave generator taken along line 2-2 of Fig 1.
- Fig 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wave generator taken along line 3-3 of Fig 1.
- Fig 4A is a left rear perspective view of the valve assembly of the present invention shown in the closed position.
- Fig 4B is a right rear perspective view thereof.
- Fig 4C is a bottom front perspective view thereof.
- Fig 5A is a rear elevational view thereof.
- Fig 5B is a side elevational view thereof.
- Fig 5C is a top plan view thereof.
- Fig 6A is a left rear perspective view of the valve assembly of the present invention shown in the open position.
- Fig 6B is a bottom perspective view thereof.
- Fig 6C is a right rear perspective view thereof.
- Fig 7A is a rear elevational view thereof.
- Fig 7B is a side elevational view thereof.
- Fig 7C is a top plan view thereof.
- Fig 8A is a top front perspective view of the dispersion grate of the present invention.
- Fig 8B is a bottom front perspective view thereof.
- Fig 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of the subject dispersion grate.
- Fig 10 is a top plan view thereof.
- Fig 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view thereof taken along the line 11-11 of Fig 10.
- Fig 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof taken along the line 12-12 of Fig 10.
- Fig 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view thereof.
- Fig 14 is an exploded perspective view of the air impeller fan of the present invention.
- Fig 15 is a fragmentary, top perspective view of the pneumatic system of the subject wave generator.
- Fig 16 is a side elevational view of the pneumatic system wave generator.
- Fig 17 is a partial exploded perspective view of the subject value assembly of the present invention.
-
- With initial reference to Figs 1, 2 and 3, as noted hereinabove, the present invention is directed to a
pneumatic wave generator 10 operatively associated with aswimming pool 12 and generally comprising ahydraulic system 14 and apneumatic system 16. Theswimming pool 12 includes adeep portion 18 having a substantially square configuration with adeep end 20 and a pair of parallel,deep portion sidewalls 22. A wave generator and pool configuration of this general type is shown and described in Raike US Patent No 4,812,077, incorporated herein by reference. - The
swimming pool 12 also includes ashallow portion 24 having ashallow end 26 longitudinally opposite thedeep end 20 and bounded by an accurateshallow end wall 28. A pair of proximally converging shallow portion sidewalls 30 extend from respective deep portion sidewalls 22 to theshallow end wall 28. As shown in Fig 2, theswimming pool 12 includes a bottom 32 with a greatest depth at thedeep end 20 and at least depth at theshallow end 26. At theshallow end 26 the bottom 32 can slope upwardly to a level above a quiescent level 34 of a volume of water 36 in thepool 12 so that a gradual transition from a dry area of the bottom 32 into theswimming pool 12 is provided at theshallow end 28. - The
hydraulic system 14 includes acaisson front wall 38 at thedeep end 20 between the sidewalls 22 with alower edge 40 spaced above thepool bottom 32 and forming a submerged passage 42 therebetween. The passage 42 extends transversely across the pooldeep end 20 between the sidewalls 22. A caisson backwall 44 extends transversely between the deep end sidewalls 22 in parallel, spaced relation behind thecaisson front wall 38. - In the preferred embodiment, four
caissons Caissons separate caissons caissons caisson caisson top slab 62 is placed over the tops of the caissons and is supported by the caisson front, back, and partition walls. Thecaissons 36, 48. 50 and 52 are thus substantially enclosed except at the submerged passage 42 and at an opening in the top slab that will be described hereinafter. The quiescent water level 34 in the swimming pool is between and in spaced relation from thepool bottom 32 and thetop slab 62 in each caisson whereby each caisson has a lower, normally submergedportion 64 and anupper air portion 66. A system of the subject type is generally shown by Raike US Patent 4,812,077, incorporated herein by reference. - It will be appreciated from Figs 1 and 2 that a generally
planar deck 56 may extend about the periphery ofpool 12 from the caissons 46-52 at thedeep portion 18 to theshallow end 28. The level of thedeck 56 at thedeep portion 18 must be sufficiently high above the quiescent water level 34 to contain waves created bygenerator 10 within thepool 12. The amplitude of generated waves is nominally twenty-four inches. Thus, the plane of thedecking 56 is generally twenty-four inches above water level 34. The caissons 46-52 is conventional state-of-the-art wave generators project above the level of deck 56 a further distance of twenty-four inches, requiring the formation of steps where thedeck 56 meets thegenerator 10 at the deep end of thepool 12. The height of the caissons 46-52 in conventional systems is dictated by the volume of air withinchamber 66 of each caisson required to force the water level within the caisson downward. Since the wave generation cycle time is short, on the order of 1.2 seconds, an overly large volume of air is used in state-of-the-art systems in order to compensate for system loss and for the uneven distribution of air pressure across the water surface within the caisson. The present invention, as will be explained below, improves the efficiency of air injection and pressure dispersion so that thecaisson air portion 66 may be volumetrically reduced by a significant amount. As a result, the height of the caissons 46-52 may be reduced to twenty-four inches and thetop slab 62 can thereby by made co-planar withdeck 56 surrounding the pool. Consequently, the need for steps at the deep end of the pool is eliminated. Aco-planar deck 56 surrounding the deep end further readily accommodates the use of competitive starting blocks in thedeep end 20, allowing the pool to serve alternatively as a competitive swimming meet venue. - The advantage is a coplanar deck and caisson top surface configuration are many. First, the elimination of steps makes the pool and deck safer and easier to traverse. Secondly, the aesthetic appearance of the pool and deck is enhanced. In addition, less material is needed for construction of the caissons and by the elimination of steps, making the wave generator less expensive to manufacture and install. Finally, in applications where the pool is used secondarily as a competitive swim meet venue, an even decking surrounding the deep end of the pool allows for the use of conventional starting blocks: an advantage not afforded by existing wave generator systems.
- As shown in Fig 3, each
caisson deflection plate 58 anchored to theback caisson wall 44 and depending angularly into theupper portion 66 of the caisson. Adispersion grate 60, described in detail below, is mounted across theupper portion 66 of eachcaisson grate 60 may be anchored to the sidewalls of each caisson by appropriate hardware. Alternatively, thegrate 60 may be suspended from thetap 62 of the caisson by cables or the like.Dispersion grate 60 anddeflection plate 58 may be formed of any suitably hard material such as metal, plastic, or fiber glass by conventional manufacturing techniques. - Referring to Figs 1, 2, 3 and 15, the
pneumatic system 16 includes a motor-fan assembly 162, described below, operatively mounted within a plenum, ormanifold housing 180. Fourpneumatic valve assemblies caissons valve assembly pendulum sleeve 76 having an internal axial throughpassage 79 extending from anupper end 78 to alower end 80. Alower opening 81 of eachsleeve 76 is in communication with and is positioned to direct air downward into a respective caisson. - The
sleeve 76 is fixedly attached to a pair ofelongate suspension arms 82. Eacharm 82 is pivotally suspended from asupport frame 86 at apivot connection 84 bypivot pin 85. So suspended, the suspension arms and thesleeve 76 are free to swing between a substantially vertical position shown by Figs 4 and 5A-C, hereinafter designated as the "closed" position, and a position angularly displaced from vertical as shown in Figs 6 and 7A-C, hereinafter designated as the "open" position. The support frame is generally trapezoidal in side profile, and includes asquare base 88 having a centred,circular bottom opening 90. Acollar member 92 is mounted to circumscribe thepassageway 90 and provides anupturned flange 116 that seats thecylinder 76 in its angled, open position. Extending upward from the four corners of the base 88 are L-shapedsupport legs frame 102. - A pair of pneumatic
piston cylinder units 104 are included inassembly 68, eachunit 104 having acylinder end 108 anchored to theupper frame 102 and apiston end 110 connected to arespective arm 82. Theunits 104 are pneumatically actuated in a conventional manner to pivotally move thesleeve 76 througharms 82 between the open and closed positions. Astop protrusion 112 is further provided at theframe base 88, positioned to engage an outwardly directedperipheral flange 114 of the sleeve 76 a thesleeve 76 swings into the vertical, closed position. - Referring to Figs 4A-C and 17, each
valve assembly butterfly valve member 118 having anelliptical body 120 and diametrically oppositecylindrical sockets 122 formed therein. A pair of pivot pins 124 having inward ends seated within thesockets 122. Thesleeve 76 includes at opposite sides a pair of through-bores 126 that receive outward ends of the butterfly valve pivot pins 124 there through. Alinear actuator assembly 128 is secured to each side of thesleeve 76 and comprises anactuation arm 130 fixedly connected at oneend 132 to arespective pivot pin 124; and anopposite end 134 pivotally coupled to asecondary arm 136. The opposite ends 138 ofarms 136 are respectively anchored to supportlegs elliptical body 120 ofvalve 118 is thus pivotally mounted within theaxial passageway 81 ofsleeve 76, generally at a midpoint between the upper and lower ends of thesleeve 76. - Movement of the
valve body 120 is effected as thesleeve 76 pivots between the angled, open position shown in Figs 6 and 7A-C, and the vertical, closed position depicted in Figs 4 and 5A-C. Ascylinders pivot sleeve 76, valve pivot pins 124 are rotated byarm linkages valve body 120 is made to rotate between an open, unobtrusive position withinpassageway 81 and a closed position in which thebody 120 obstructspassageway 81. The peripheral edges ofelliptical body 120 are brought into close proximity with the internal cylindrical sidewalls ofsleeve passageway 81 in the closed position. In the closed position, as shown in Figs 4A-C and 5A-C, thevalve body 120 is preferably at a 45 degree angle with respect to the internal sidewalls ofcylindrical sleeve 76 definingpassage 81. However, the relative orientation ofelliptical body 120 to the sleeve sidewalls may be varied if desired without departing from the invention. In the closed position, theflange 114 ofsleeve 76 abuts againststop 112 andsleeve 76 is maintained in a vertical orientation. With the valve within thesleeve 76 in the closed position, airflow through the sleeve and into the caisson is inhibited. - Each
valve assembly cylinder units sleeve 76 between its extreme positions.Arcuate step flange 116 projects upwardly to intercept and engage the lower end ofsleeve 76 as it teaches the angled open position. - To open the valve, the
sleeve 76 is moved bycylinder units arm linkages valve body 120 into a substantially vertical orientation, whereby openingpassageway 81. A thesleeve 76 reaches the open position, the lower end of thesleeve 76 seats within thecollar 92 and abuts againstcollar flange 118. In the open position, thepassageway 81 ofsleeve 76 is unobstructed and allows the flow of compressed air from thetop end 78 ofsleeve 76 to thebottom end 80. - The subject valve assembly affords significant advantages over systems that utilize input and exhaust valves separate from the air supply sleeve. First, in positioning the
butterfly valve 118 within thependulum sleeve 76, and linking operation of the valve to movement of thesleeve 76, the valve and the sleeve operate synchronously in a highly reliable, co-operative manner. Secondly, in conventional systems that employ vent/relief valves separate from the air injection assembly, opening and closing the valves requires a significant additional force. In the present invention, the force required to close and open thevalve 118 is derived from the force supplied to swing thesleeve 76 between the open and closed positions. In addition, the subject valve system is relatively simple compared with conventional injection configurations that deploy independent vent/relief valves. The simplification thus achieved reduces cost of the system and minimizes operational maintenance costs of the system. - The dispersion grate system of the
subject wave generator 10 is generally shown in Figs 1 and 15. Eachcaisson respective dispersion grate upper portion 66 of its respective caisson. Each grate 140-146 each comprise a series of spaced apartlongitudinal ribs 147 crossed by spaced aparttransverse ribs 148. Formed at the intersection of longitudinal andtransverse ribs passages 150. It will be noted from Figs 1 and 15 that thelongitudinal ribs 147 of each grate 140-146 are directional, extending from a position below the valve assembly of each caisson across the caissonupper portion 66. Each grate thus directionally routes air flow from itsrespective valve assembly outer valve assemblies longitudinal ribs 147 of eachgrate - The
valve assemblies longitudinal ribs 147 of the center grates 142, 144 proceed straight across the top of the caisson. The specific configuration of each dispersion grate is shown in Figs 8A, B and Figs 9-13. The rib configuration of each grate is designed responsive to the location of the air injection valve assembly above the caisson. As a result, the grate provides for efficient distribution of air from the valve assembly over the entire expanse of the caissonupper portion 66. Thelongitudinal ribs 147 are formed to include upwardly projectingvane flanges 152 for longitudinally routing air passing over the grate. Theribs 147 further provide upper andlower wall segments convergent segments passageways 150 to an underside of the grate. Similarly, thetransverse ribs 146 have convergent upper andlower segments passageways 150. - From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the
vane flanges 152 of thelongitudinal ribs 147 in the grates direct air from the valve assembly positioned above the grate out and over the caissonupper portion 66. The convergent configuration of the sides of theribs upper portion 66 of each caisson, effected by operation of the grates 140-146, thus provides a consistent and even air distribution over the water within the caisson. Turbulence in the water surface is thereby minimized, reducing hydraulic energy loss and thus optimizing the quality of the generated wave. In addition, since the dispersion grates optimally and uniformly distribute air over the surface of the water within the caissons, less pressurized air is required to pressure the caisson water level downward. Smaller, quieter, more energy efficient fans may be utilized in the system, reducing manufacturing and operational costs. - Because air is utilised in a more efficient manner, the
caisson air compartment 66 may be reduced in height. A reduction in caisson height allows the decking surrounding the pool to be made level, avoiding the cost and inconvenience of incorporating steps into the deck. Smaller caissons also provide a more pleasing aesthetic appearance, require less material in their construction, and are less likely to interfere with the placement of competitive starting blocks in the pool. - The pneumatic distribution system is shown in Figs 1, 14, 15 and 16. A
fan assembly 162 is provided comprising amotor 164, havingdrive shaft 163 driveably connected to animpeller fan 166 of a type commercially available. Fan/motor combinations are in use in current wave generator systems. In such conventional systems, the fan is vertically mounted vertically and draws air sideway into a plenum. While functionally adequate, a vertically mounted fan results in a housing that is higher than optimal, making the unit visually unpleasing. Moreover, a vertically mounted fan has a vertical intake portal. Noise is readily transmitted through the vertical intake portal to the surrounding area, making the wave generator louder than desired and an annoyance to users of the pool. In contrast, the subject invention contemplates a horizontal intake portal in the top of the housing. Thefan 166 is mounted horizontally within the housing and draws intake air downward. Noise reduction and a lower vertical height to the fan-motor housing is thereby achieved. Suitable mountingscrews 165 are utilized. Asupport plate 168 attaches to the top slab of the caissons by plurality of assembly screws 172 affixed through alignedapertures 170 of thesupport plate 168. - Four L-shaped
support legs 174 mount at the corners ofsupport plate 168 as attachment screws 176 project through leg apertures 178. Amanifold housing 180 mounts to the top of the foursupport legs 174 and includes an upwardly openinginternal chamber 182 and laterally oppositeoutlet ports fan unit 164 is received within themanifold housing chamber 182. Connected tooutlet ports manifold housing 180 areair conduits Conduit 188 provides a relatively straight, bend-free air supply line tocaissons conduit 190 provides a relatively straight, bend-free air supply line to caisons 50, 52. Aremote end 189 ofconduit 188 is attached to thepneumatic valve assembly 68 and aflexible branch duct 192 extends fromconduit 188 to supply air to thevalve assembly 70. On the opposite side of the motor-fan assembly 162, aremote end 191 ofconduit 190 is attached to thevalve assembly 174 andflexible branch duct 194 extends fromconduit 190 to supply air tovalve assembly 72. The conduit and duct air distribution system illustrated in Figs 1, 15, and 16 is relatively free from bends as compared with conventional systems. Bends or other discontinuities in the air distribution system that would impede the efficient delivery of pressurized air to the valve assemblies are, thus, avoided. In addition, the central location of the motor-fan assembly reduces the length of theconduits - The impeller motor-
fan assembly 162 is mounted horizontally withinmanifold housing 180 and draws air downward through theupward opening 196 into theinternal chamber 182. Thehousing 180 supports and partially encloses the motor-fan assembly 162. Theopening 196 is directed upward, as explained previously. Accordingly, noises generated by operation of the motor-fan assembly 162 is generally directed upward. The ambient noise level caused by the subject motor-fan assembly 162 is, as a result, relatively low when compared to conventional wave generators. As discussed previously, because of the enhanced efficiencies in the pneumatic and hydraulic systems of the subject wave generator, a smaller, lower capacity, motor-fan unit may be employed. A smaller motor-fan unit results in significant advantages such as a reduction in noise level, lower operational energy costs, and a lower cost of manufacture. - In operation, with initial reference to Fig 15, the motor-
fan assembly 162 draws air into thechamber 182 and forces the pressurized air downconduits valve assemblies fan assembly 162, and upwardopening intake opening 196, keep ambient noise to a maximum. Thevalve assemblies fan assembly 162 downconduits - The
conduits ducts top slab 62 in communication withrespective caissons cylinder units sleeve 76 of the assemblies 68-74 opens throughlinear actuator 128 thebutterfly valve assembly 118 mounted therein. Since the opening and closing of thebutterfly valve assembly 118 is synchronous with movement ofsleeve 76 between open and closed positions, operation of the valve assembly is automatic and reliable. - In the open position, air flows down through the
sleeve 76 of the valve assembly(s) 68-74, passes the openbutterfly valve assembly 118, and exits from the bottom of thesleeve 76 into theupper portion 66 of the caisson. As illustrated by Figs 3 and 16, air passing through thelower end 81 of each valve assembly and into theupper portion 66 of its respective caisson first encounters thedeflection plate 58 and is directed inward and across an upper surface of thedispersion plate 60. Thelongitudinal vane flanges 152 oflongitudinal ribs 147 of thedispersion plate 60 project upward above upper edges of thetransverse ribs 148 of theplate 60.Vane flanges 152 act operationally to direct and spread the flow of air from thedeflection plate 58 across the top ofdispersion plate 60. The directional array of the dispersionplate van flanges 152 are designed to fan from the location of the valve assembly above the caisson to cover the entire top of the caisson. Depending on the location of the valve assembly in a particular caisson, the longitudinal vane flanges may extend diagonally or straight across the caisson. - The V-shaped sides of
longitudinal ribs 147 andtransverse ribs 148 intercept the flow or air across the dispersion plate and direct the air downward throughpassageways 150 to the upper water surface within the caisson. As a result, the water levels in their respective lower, submergedportions 64 are lowered, for example, about sixteen inches. The displaced volume of water emerges in front of thecaisson front wall 38 or mound of water above the quiescent water level 34. The pneumatic valve assemblies are then switched in a desired sequence to the closed position illustrated in Figs 4 and 5A-C by operation of piston-and-cylinder units sleeve 76 in the valve assemblies operatively closes thebutterfly valve 118 in the sleeve, blocking the flow of air into the caisson. With the air pressure source removed, the water displaced from the caisson submergedportions 64 will naturally be replaced by water rushing through the submerged passage 42. The air thus displaced from the caissonupper air portion 66 will vent to the interior of theequipment housing 54. - It will be appreciated that the function of the
dispersion plate 60 is to efficiently and evenly spread air from the valve assembly over the surface of the water within the submergedportion 64 of the caisson. The efficient dispersion of air over the water surface means less air is required and the volume of air required from the motor-fan assembly is reduced. In addition, the volume of air space required in theupper portion 66 of the caisson is reduced, allowing for a reduction in caisson height and a realization of the advantages attendant thereto as discussed above. - While the configuration of the
dispersion grate 60 above is preferred, other grate configurations may be substituted without departing from the invention. By way of example, without any limitation intended, the grate within each caisson may be multi-piece rather than of unitary construction. Additionally, the configuration of the ribs and passageways through the grate may be altered if desired. While a four caisson system is shown in the preferred embodiment, a greater or lesser number of caissons may be employed, for example, in wider or narrower swimming pools. - The air valve assemblies 68-74 are actuated by an electrical control system (not shown). The electrical control system includes timer circuits for operating the
wave generator 10 and controls the caisson charging and firing sequence and timing. The control system can sequence the firing of the pneumatic valve assemblies 68-74 to create alternative wave patterns. Since each caisson has its own, dedicated, valve assembly, the subject wave generator affords great flexibility in altering the shape and magnitude of generated waves. - It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not intended to be so limited. Other embodiments and configurations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art and which utilize the teachings herein set forth are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (18)
- A pneumatic wave generator, comprising:at least one caisson with caisson sidewalls having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an open passage at the lower portion;a sleeve assembly for directing a stream of air from a freed conduit into the upper portion of the caisson;a dispersion plate mounted within the upper portion of the caisson for distributing the stream of air over the upper portion of the caisson and said dispersion plate nearly covers the entire upper portion of the caisson from caisson sidewall to caisson sidewall.
- A wave generator as in claim 1, wherein the dispersion plate comprises a plurality of through-passageways extending from an upper side to a lower side of the dispersion plate.
- A wave generator as in claim 1, wherein the dispersion plate comprises: a plurality of through-passageways at least partially defined by sidewalls extending from an upper side to a lower side of the dispersion plate.
- A wave generator as in claim 3, wherein the sidewalls defining the through-passageways are disposed to intercept air distributed across as an:upper side of the plate and direct the air downward through the passageways.
- A wave generator as in claim 3 or 4, wherein the sidewalls comprise convergent upper and lower sidewall portions.
- A wave generator as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve assembly comprises:a sleeve having a centrally disposed, downwardly opening air passageway defined by internal sidewalls and extending between an upper passageway end and a lower passageway end in communication with the upper end of the caisson; anda shut-off valve mounted within the sleeve passageway above the lower passageway end for selectively opening and closing the air passageway.
- A wave generator as in claim 6, wherein the shut-off valve is disposed between the lower end and the upper end of the sleeve air passageway.
- A wave generator as in claim 7, wherein the shut-off valve comprises a butterfly valve pivotally mounted within the sleeve passageway and pivoting between an open position in which the movement of air through the sleeve passageway is relatively unobstructed and a closed position in which movement of air through the sleeve passageway is blocked.
- A wave generator as in claim 8, wherein the butterfly valve is substantially elliptical and extends between the internal sleeve sidewalls in the closed position.
- A wave generator as in claim 8 or 9, wherein the butterfly valve body is angled with respect to the internal sleeve sidewalls in the closed position.
- A pneumatic wave generator, comprising:at least one caisson having an upper portion, a lower portion and an open passage at the lower portion;a sleeve assembly for directing a stream of air from a feed conduit into the upper portion of the caisson;a dispersion grate mounted within and at least partially covering the upper portion of the caisson, the dispersion grate intercepting air from the directional sleeve assembly and distributing the air over the upper portion of the caisson; and,a butterfly valve pivotally mounted within the sleeve assembly and said butterfly valve can pivot between an open position in which the movement of air through the passageway is relatively unobstructed and a closed position in which movement of air through the sleeve passageway is blocked.
- A pneumatic wave generator as in claim 11, wherein the dispersion grate comprises an upper side and a lower side and a plurality of spaced apart through passageways extending from the upper grate side to the lower grate side.
- A pneumatic wave generator as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the dispersion grate further comprises plurality of directional vane flanges for distributing the stream of air from the directional sleeve to the through-passageways.
- A pneumatic wave generator as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the dispersion grate through-passageways are at least partially defined by sidewalls extending from the upper side to the lower side of the dispersion plate.
- A wave generator as in claim 14, wherein the sidewalls defining the through-passageways are positioned to intercept air distributed across an upper side of the plate and direct the air downward through the passageways.
- A wave generator as in claim 14 or 15, wherein the sidewalls comprise convergent upper and lower sidewall portions.
- A wave generator as in claim 11 to 16 wherein the butterfly valve is substantially elliptical and extends between the internal sleeve sidewalls in the closed position.
- A wave generator as in claim 12 to 17, wherein the butterfly valve body is angled with respect to the internal sleeve sidewall in the closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04251425A EP1574637A1 (en) | 2004-03-12 | 2004-03-12 | Pneumatic wave generator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04251425A EP1574637A1 (en) | 2004-03-12 | 2004-03-12 | Pneumatic wave generator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1574637A1 true EP1574637A1 (en) | 2005-09-14 |
Family
ID=34814411
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP04251425A Withdrawn EP1574637A1 (en) | 2004-03-12 | 2004-03-12 | Pneumatic wave generator |
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Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2572775A1 (en) * | 1984-11-08 | 1986-05-09 | Baudin Chateauneuf | Pneumatic device for generating waves in a pool, such as a swimming pool |
US4812077A (en) | 1987-12-17 | 1989-03-14 | The Great Wave Company, Inc. | Pneumatic/hydraulic wave generator |
EP0343510A1 (en) * | 1988-05-23 | 1989-11-29 | Dirk Bastenhof | Pneumatic wave-generator for a swimming pool |
US6729799B1 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2004-05-04 | George W. Raike | Pneumatic wave generator |
-
2004
- 2004-03-12 EP EP04251425A patent/EP1574637A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2572775A1 (en) * | 1984-11-08 | 1986-05-09 | Baudin Chateauneuf | Pneumatic device for generating waves in a pool, such as a swimming pool |
US4812077A (en) | 1987-12-17 | 1989-03-14 | The Great Wave Company, Inc. | Pneumatic/hydraulic wave generator |
EP0343510A1 (en) * | 1988-05-23 | 1989-11-29 | Dirk Bastenhof | Pneumatic wave-generator for a swimming pool |
US6729799B1 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2004-05-04 | George W. Raike | Pneumatic wave generator |
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