EP3142762B1 - Système permettant de former une vague artificielle - Google Patents

Système permettant de former une vague artificielle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3142762B1
EP3142762B1 EP15734214.8A EP15734214A EP3142762B1 EP 3142762 B1 EP3142762 B1 EP 3142762B1 EP 15734214 A EP15734214 A EP 15734214A EP 3142762 B1 EP3142762 B1 EP 3142762B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pulled
pulling
pulley
water
wave
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP15734214.8A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3142762A1 (fr
Inventor
Pauli Immonen
Atso Andersén
Markku Jussila
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Artwave Surf Oy
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Artwave Surf Oy
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Publication of EP3142762A1 publication Critical patent/EP3142762A1/fr
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
    • A63G31/007—Amusement arrangements involving water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0093—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for surfing, i.e. without a sail; for skate or snow boarding
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
    • B63B34/70—Arrangements on vessels specially adapted for generating waves for surfing, wakeboarding or the like, e.g. ballast tanks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for forming an artificial wave in a water environment.
  • the artificial waves provided by the system are comparable to moving natural waves that occur in a body of water.
  • Surfing is globally a very popular form of sports and physical activity. People who engage in different boardsports are often regarded as a homogeneous group. Even if each one had their own favorite sport, it is typical that they share an interest in other similar sports. Very often especially surfing is brought up as a sport that one would readily play if only right conditions existed. In many countries, surfing is very minimal because the waves required for the sport are difficult to find. However, people showing an interest in the sport are active and quite many have tried the sport when traveling in areas where good conditions for surfing are available.
  • the requirements for surfing are basically very simple.
  • the necessary elements include a wave, a surfing board, optionally a wetsuit and basic surfing skills.
  • the only requirement making the situation difficult is that of a wave.
  • a great deal of effort has been made throughout the world to form artificial surfable waves, giving rise to many different ways to enable artificial surfing.
  • the so-called “sheet wave” technology provides a surfing experience through riding on a board along a specifically shaped plane surface on flowing water. Many such devices have been built and patented throughout the world.
  • the "sheet wave” technology is often criticized as the experience is not one of genuine surfing.
  • the device is considered as a trick-performing platform because it does not involve movement on real waves and the environment is quite unauthentic.
  • the bottom of a pool is provided with a floor, on both sides of which there are drive mechanisms for pulling a profile along groove-shaped tractor elements provided on the bottom of the pool so as to form an artificial wave.
  • this requires groove-shaped tracks or similar elements to be installed in the surfing area.
  • Another wave pool concept is based on a circular, oval or curved pool wherein a continuous wave is formed with a wing profile advancing along the edge of the pool.
  • This type of a pool is also very expensive to build, even more so than the above-mentioned artificial wave pool type.
  • One such solution is described in patent US 3,913,332 .
  • Another circular wave pool concept is described in patent US 6,336,771 B1 , wherein the pool and the body of water contained therein are rotated, and a standing wave is formed by wing-shaped structures below the surfer.
  • this surfing environment limited to a circular pool is, in terms of the surfing experience, very unauthentic in comparison to natural surfing, and the apparatus is mostly intended e.g. for waterpark or resort use.
  • the apparatus does not provide a naturally moving artificial wave but a standing wave. It is also mentioned in the patent that the wave-forming apparatus can be towed by a boat.
  • Wave pools for surfing have also been built with techniques often originally used for wave machines in swimming pools. Obviously, to apply these it is also required that a suitable pool be built. These methods enable the formation of very natural waves, as the wave is typically provided with energy only at the stage when it is created, and its advance and shape are completely dependent on the shape of the bottom of the pool.
  • One type of providing an artificial wave is formed by wave machines towed by a boat. They are most often based on different kinds of wings towed by a boat.
  • the known solutions use one wing which is typically formed in a V-shape and moves freely as it is suitably stabilized.
  • One device towed by a boat is described in patent US 5,911,190 .
  • the device consists, in addition to a V-profile, of a stabilizing keel-like wing and a stabilizer disposed in front of the device.
  • Another similar solution is described in patent US 6, 047, 657.
  • a third similar device towed by a boat is described in patent US 5, 860, 766 A .
  • the wave is typically formed by devices towed by a boat so that it advances in a wedge-shaped formation behind the boat. Thus, the breaking thereof can be controlled by selecting the profile of the bottom of the water area correctly.
  • a wave-generating hull is pulled in water with a driving mechanism disposed at the water's edge.
  • a driving mechanism a drum is rotated for example by a truck, and a cable is laid from the drum via a guide device disposed on the bottom of the water area to one end of the movable hull.
  • the apparatus is able to pull the hull in one direction only, and the driving mechanism is to be securely disposed for example in a pit cut into rock or dug in the ground.
  • Using a car as a power source is not the best alternative in terms of ecology, operating efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
  • the apparatus requires that fixed structures must be built near shoreline and/or on the bottom of the water area, as well as another moving apparatus such as a boat or a water jet which must be used every time after surfing for pulling the hull back from the shoreline to a starting place farther away in the surfing area.
  • the objective of the invention is to eliminate or at least alleviate the problems mentioned above and introduce solutions for it.
  • the invention provides an apparatus as set out in claim 1.
  • the rope or line is endless and/or forms a loop via the first pulley and the second pulley.
  • the rope or line is provided as a loop to extend through the pulled apparatus and is fixed to one or more points to the pulled apparatus.
  • the pulling apparatus is preferably provided on the shore.
  • the pulling apparatus is provided on a ship, a vessel, a barge or other watercraft.
  • the power pack is preferably electrically operated.
  • the system comprises a structure that floats or that is disposed in and/or on water and anchored in place for providing the pulling apparatus thereon.
  • the pulling apparatus is provided on a pier that is fixed in its place in or on water or on other similar structure bearing the load of the pulling apparatus that is disposed in or on water so as to float or be fixed to the bottom of the water area.
  • the wave-forming profile comprises at least two wings, of which at least a first wing is mainly transverse relative to the direction of advancement of the pulled apparatus.
  • the wave is formed through a combined effect of the wings, whereby at least one of the wings of the pulled apparatus is provided in such a way that, as the pulled apparatus moves, it guides the flow of water in a downward direction to form the wave's trough, and whereby at least one other second wing of the pulled apparatus following the wing that guides the flow in a downward direction is arranged to guide the flow of water in an upward direction to enhance the movement of water that flows back up to form the crest for the wave.
  • the wings are positionable relative to each other and to the direction of advancement of the pulled apparatus for adjusting the movement and/or floating characteristics of the pulled apparatus.
  • the wings can thus be positionable relative to each other in terms of distances and angles, as well as in terms of the transverse direction relative to the distance between the wings and of the water surface.
  • the wave height can be adjusted by adjusting the wings relative to each other.
  • at least one wing of the pulled apparatus is angled from the transverse direction relative to the direction of advancement.
  • the wings are hollow and/or floating.
  • the system comprises an anchoring arrangement for holding the pulling apparatus in place on the shore, comprising a tank which is to be filled with water.
  • the tank may be a transportation container in which the components of the system are adapted to be housed and/or transported.
  • the pulling apparatus may comprise a water pump for filling and/or emptying the tank.
  • the suction and the discharge line of the water pump in the pulling apparatus are provided in connection with the body of water used as a surfing area, the water pump being thus able to both fill and empty the tank.
  • the water-filled tank functions as a counterweight for the pulling apparatus, whereby the tank supports the holding in place of the pulling apparatus. After emptying the tank it is possible to move all the components required for the system into the emptied tank and to use the tank as a transportation container for moving the entire system to another place or storing it for example for winter.
  • a floating- apparatus is provided in connection with the second pulley for holding the second pulley at the correct depth.
  • a first anchor is provided in connection with the second pulley and/or the floating apparatus for anchoring the second pulley and/or the floating apparatus in place.
  • the floating apparatus is provided with a pontoon-like structure.
  • the pulling apparatus comprises a third pulley, wherein the space between the first pulley and the third pulley is provided with drive elements for arranging the drive between the power pack and the pulling arrangement.
  • the drive element is preferably one or more endless ropes, wires, cables, belts or chains provided via the third pulley and the first pulley.
  • the drive element forms a loop via the third pulley and the first pulley.
  • the first pulley and the third pulley are provided with teeth for arranging a chain drive between the pulleys, whereby a chain is being used as the drive element.
  • One possible solution is to use a Cardan joint as the drive element for providing the drive between the first pulley and the third pulley.
  • the rotation of the drive element can be adjusted for adjusting the height of the wave.
  • the system comprises a pushing apparatus provided between the pulling apparatus and the first pulley for pushing the first pulley to a suitable depth in water.
  • the pushing apparatus is a device operated from the shore and having a rigid beam-type or pole-type structure for controlling the position of the first pulley in water or alternatively holding it in place.
  • the pushing or moving of the pushing apparatus is provided by a hydraulic cylinder and/or with a telescopic structure.
  • the tightness of the rope or line is adjusted with the pushing apparatus.
  • the pushing apparatus is preferably used for adjusting the position of the first pulley and the second pulley relative to each other.
  • the first pulley is alternatively provided on the bottom of the water area in a fixed or detachable manner, whereby there is no need for a pushing apparatus.
  • the rope or line comprises floating material.
  • the rope can be manufactured for example from polyethylene.
  • the pulling arrangement allows the movement of the pulled apparatus in the direction of advancement or in the opposite direction.
  • the pulling arrangement forms a rope drive, by means of which the pulled apparatus is also moved in the opposite direction relative to the direction of advancement for returning the pulled apparatus to its initial position.
  • the pulled apparatus comprises a stabilizing structure for stabilizing the movement of the pulled apparatus in water.
  • the stabilizing structure is a third wing and/or one or more weights disposed in the pulled apparatus for stabilizing the movement of the pulled apparatus in water.
  • the pulled apparatus is provided with stabilizing structures installed in the apparatus for stabilizing the movements of the pulled apparatus.
  • the stabilizing structures comprise at least one pontoon installed in the pulled apparatus and/or a keel installed below the pulled apparatus or aerofoils installed in the apparatus.
  • the system comprises an automation and control system for automatizing the operation of the system.
  • the system may comprise a control center for adjusting and controlling the system.
  • the pulled apparatus comprises actively adjustable and/or fixed aerofoils that guide the travel of the pulled apparatus.
  • the pulled apparatus comprises weights and/or floats that contribute to the balance of the pulled apparatus.
  • the pulled apparatus comprises a keel installed below the pulled apparatus for balancing the pulled apparatus.
  • the position and/or traveling depth of the pulled apparatus are controlled by adjusting the pulling speed of the pulled apparatus.
  • the system comprises at least two pulling apparatuses which are positioned at each end of the pulling arrangement.
  • the invention discloses a second embodiment of a system for forming an artificial wave.
  • the system comprises a pulled apparatus, at least a first pulling apparatus and a second pulling apparatus, each pulling apparatus comprising a power pack and the pulled apparatus comprising a wave-forming profile.
  • At least one rope or line coupled to the first pulling apparatus and to the second pulling apparatus is provided substantially at or via both ends of the pulled apparatus for providing the movement of the pulled apparatus between the first pulling apparatus and the second pulling apparatus.
  • the wave-forming profile comprises at least two wings, of which at least one wing is mainly transverse relative to the direction of advancement of the pulled apparatus.
  • the above-described one or more embodiments of the system allow advantages as compared to prior art.
  • the system as described has few requirements for the operating environment. In order to function, the system does not require e.g. large pools, floors installed on the bottom of the water environment, track structures, channels or other heavy structures built in water with high cost. Neither does the mass of water need to be rotated with a motorized rotatable apparatus.
  • the system is movable and may be packed in the tank used as a container to be moved away to another place from the operating area, which allows making use of new operating sites.
  • the tank may be quickly emptied with an efficient pump.
  • the pulling apparatus need not be, for example, fixed by bolting or cutting into rock, which would increase the costs for deploying the system.
  • the mobility of the system enables the implementation of the system without fixed structures by which it should be fixed to a base, whereby it has a low impact on the environment or nature.
  • the system does not require for example a foundation made of concrete. When the system is disassembled from the operating site, the site will be left in the state prevailing before the system was deployed. If the entire system is arranged to float, it may be easily moved and taken to a suitable place in the water area and anchored in place.
  • Surfing will be performed in a natural environment so as to give a more natural and thereby better surfing experience than for example a pool-type apparatus. If the wave-forming apparatus is towed by a boat, powerful boats must be provided with high cost. With the above-described system, the wave-forming profile need not be towed by a boat; the system is instead used from the shore. A car is not required as a power source for using the system, and another separate apparatus that travels in water is not required to return the pulled apparatus. Thus, the manufacturing and operating costs of the system are reduced, as additional devices for operating the system need not be provided.
  • the height of the wave can be adjusted for example by adjusting the wings relative to each other, whereby the surfing event can be tailored according to the surfer's wishes.
  • the pulling speed can be adjusted by means of the pulling apparatus, which can also be carried out according to the surfer's wishes or the desired wave height.
  • the entire system is automatizable by means of the automation system to avoid additional costs due to several manual operations.
  • the system may be provided with a control center, from which for example the components affecting the wave height can be controlled and the surfing event as well as the surrounding surfing conditions supervised. This makes surfing safer.
  • the power pack may receive electric energy for example through wind power, hydropower or other renewable energy resources, the operation of the apparatus thus having a smaller burden on the environment.
  • a small wind turbine can be provided in connection with the system, or the system can be provided with solar cells, whereby the use is even more ecological.
  • the wave-forming profile 13 of a pulled apparatus 10 is not intended to be limited merely to a wing-like structure; it can be any wave-forming profile such as a plow-like V-shaped profile or the like, by which an artificial wave W is provided.
  • a wave-forming profile 13 and two preferred embodiments of a pulled apparatus 10 will be disclosed below.
  • a wave W is formed on or in immediate proximity to a trailing wing, i.e. a second wing 2.
  • the effect is shown in accompanying Fig. 1 .
  • the mechanism of the formation of the wave W is better illustrated in accompanying Fig. 2 , which shows the flow pattern of the flow effect shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the direction of advancement of the pulled apparatus is indicated with reference letter A.
  • the wave W is thus formed through a combined effect of two wings 1, 2.
  • a first wing 1 of the pulled apparatus guides the flow in a downward direction towards the bottom of the water environment, forming a trough W 1 for the wave W.
  • the trailing second wing 2 enhances the movement of water that flows back up and thus raises the crest W 2 of the wave.
  • the wings 1, 2 are sized and positioned in a precise configuration relative to each other and the water surface S to create said interaction.
  • the wave W is to be made as much as a natural wave as possible.
  • the operating parameters for the formation of the wave W are determined e.g. as a function of the angles of attack, distance between the wings and pulling speed.
  • Fig. 3 and 4 are schematical illustrations of two different implementations of the apparatus 10 pulled in water.
  • the pulled apparatus is generally indicated as reference number 10 and, respectively, in Fig. 4 as 10a.
  • the front and rear wing 1, 2 of the pulled apparatus 10 are fixed at their ends to frame beams 3 at a specific distance d from each other.
  • the wings 1, 2 are further fixed to the frame beams 3 at specific angles ⁇ , ⁇ in such a way that the angle of attack of the wings 1, 2 relative to water or to the direction of advancement A is as desired.
  • the wings 1, 2 are also disposed at a desired angle relative to each other.
  • the distance d between the wings 1, 2 from each other and their angle relative to each other are interdependent and essential in terms of wave formation and the depth at which the pulled apparatus 10 travels when it is pulled.
  • the point of pulling the pulled apparatus 10 is indicated in Fig. 3 and 4 as 4, 4a.
  • at least one of the wings 1, 2 of the pulled apparatus 10 is fixed to the frame beams 3 in an adjustable manner in such a way that the angle between the wings 1, 2 can be adjusted if necessary.
  • the pulled apparatus 10a according to Fig. 4 differs from the one illustrated in Fig. 3 in that the apparatus 10a comprises one central frame beam 5 to which the front and rear wing 1, 2 are fixed at a distance d from each other. It is also preferred in the case of Fig. 4 that the angle of attack of the wings 1, 2 relative to water may be adjusted.
  • the wings 1, 2 of Fig. 3 , 4 may be hollow.
  • the material of the surface of the wings 1, 2 and of the frame 3, 5 of the pulled apparatus 10 may vary. Furthermore, the structure of the pulled apparatus 10 may vary in terms of support, fixing of the pulling point and stabilizers (not illustrated).
  • One possible material of the wings 1, 2 and/or the frame 3, 5 is aluminum.
  • the wings 1, 2 can be attached together with frame beams 3 disposed on the sides as shown in Fig. 3 .
  • the wings 1, 2 can also be attached together with only one frame beam 5 disposed in the center of the wings 1, 2 as in Fig. 4 .
  • the wave W may not advance so as to be perpendicular all over relative to the direction of advancement A. In practice, this requires that the ends of the wave W must have a section that breaks in a specific manner.
  • This can be provided by suitably shaping the wings 1, 2 or at least one wing of the pulled apparatus 10 in the width direction.
  • One possibility is to make at least one wing 1, 2 of the pulled apparatus 10 V-shaped.
  • a similar effect may be reached by installing at least one of straight wings 1, 2 of the pulled apparatus 10 obliquely relative to the direction of advancement A.
  • Fig. 5 shows that the pulled apparatus 10 of the system is provided with a wave-forming profile 13 which comprises two wings 1, 2.
  • the actual shape of the wings may vary.
  • the wings or at least one of them can be e.g. straight, V-shaped, curved etc.
  • the wing may be V-shaped in a plane extending parallel to the surface of water as well as in a plane extending perpendicular to the direction of advancement. Other shapes are also possible.
  • the cross section of the wing 1, 2 may vary even within one wing, and it may be e.g. curved in several directions, and the wings 1, 2 may be hollow.
  • Fig. 5 shows one example of a system for forming an artificial wave W in a water environment, comprising a pulling apparatus 6, a pulled apparatus 10 and a pulling arrangement 11, wherein the pulling apparatus 6 comprises a power pack 12 and the pulled apparatus 10 comprises a wave-forming profile 13.
  • the pulling arrangement 11 comprises at least two pulleys 14, 15 and at least one rope or line 16 provided at or via both ends of the pulled apparatus 10 and further via the pulleys 14, 15 for providing the movement of the pulled apparatus 10 between a first pulley 14 and a second pulley 15.
  • Substantially at both ends of the pulled apparatus 10 means that the rope or line 16 can be fixed right to the end of the pulled apparatus 10 or for example at less than one meter from the end of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the wave-forming profile 13 is preferably floating.
  • the rope or line 16 can be provided so as to be fixed to the pulled apparatus 10 in many different ways.
  • the rope or line 16 can also be fixed in connection with the end of the pulled apparatus 10, in which case the pulled apparatus 10 is provided with hangers which for example protrude from the pulled apparatus 10 at the end of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the rope or line 16 is fixed to the hangers disposed at both ends of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the rope or line 16 is preferably endless and/or forms a loop via the first pulley 14 and the second pulley 15.
  • the rope or line 16 can alternatively be provided in such a way that it is fixed to the pulled apparatus 10 at one point only, e.g. at the center or near the center of the pulled apparatus 10. However, this requires that the rope or line 16 is to be guided to the pulleys 14, 15 via both ends of the pulled apparatus 10 in order that rotation of the pulled apparatus 10 by the effect of water can be prevented. In this case, the rope or line 16 is not fixed to both ends of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the rope or line 16 can alternatively be provided in such a way that the rope or line 16 extends through the pulled apparatus 10 in a continuous configuration or with the ends of the rope or line 16 attached together, in which case the rope or line 16 is a loop and may can be fixed to one or more points of the pulled apparatus 10. If the rope or line 16 is only fixed to the pulled apparatus 10 at one point, the pulled apparatus 10 must be prevented from rotating by guiding the rope or line 16 as described above.
  • the location of the pulling apparatus 6 may can be selected according to the operating site selected by the user of the system.
  • a simple way is to place the pulling apparatus 6 on the shore. If the pulling apparatus 6 is placed on the shore, it means herein that the pulling apparatus 6 is placed on the shore right at the water's edge, in shallow water or farther away from the water's edge in the shore area.
  • the pulling apparatus 6 may be provided on a ship, a vessel, a barge or other watercraft (not illustrated). In this case, the pulling apparatus 6 may can be placed for example on the deck of a ship and/or at the stern of a ship (not illustrated).
  • the driving force for the pulling apparatus 6 and for the power pack 12 is most preferably electricity.
  • a third example of the location of the pulling apparatus 6 is to provide the pulling apparatus 6 on a structure 27 that is included in the system so as to float or be disposed in and/or on water and anchored in place.
  • a structure 27 is shown and described below with reference to Fig. 6 .
  • the pulled apparatus 10 is pulled for example at a depth of 1-3 meters from the water surface S.
  • the pulling distance may be hundreds of meters.
  • the suitable water area is several meters deep.
  • the wave-forming profile 13 comprises at least two wings 1, 2, of which at least a first wing 1 is mainly transverse relative to the direction of advancement A of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the movement and/or floating characteristics of the pulled apparatus 10 may be adjusted.
  • the wings 1, 2 are positionable relative to each other in terms of distances d and angles ⁇ , ⁇ , as well as in terms of the transverse direction relative to the distance between the wings 1, 2 and of the water surface S.
  • the height of the resulting wave W may thus be adjusted by adjusting the wings 1, 2 relative to each other.
  • the wings 1, 2 are preferably hollow and/or floating.
  • the system comprises an anchoring arrangement 17 for holding the pulling apparatus 6 in place on the shore, which comprises a tank 18 which is to be filled with water.
  • the tank 18 is a transportation container, the components of the system being adapted to be moved and/or transported therein.
  • the pulling apparatus 6 comprises a water pump 19 by which the tank 19 is filled and/or emptied.
  • the suction and discharge lines (not illustrated) of the water pump 19 for the pulling apparatus 6 are provided in connection with the body of water used as the surfing area for filling and emptying the tank 18 with the water pump 19.
  • the tank 18 functions as a counterweight for the pulling apparatus 6, supporting the holding in place of the pulling apparatus 6.
  • the system When the system is to be disassembled, all the components required for the system are moved into the emptied tank 18 and the tank 18 is used as a transportation container, so that the entire system can be moved to another place and/or for example stored for winter. This also facilitates the delivery of the system from manufacture to the buyer, as the components are already packed within a transportation-proof structure. If a ship or other watercraft (not illustrated) is the fixed place of the pulling apparatus 6, the system may be used as if it was disposed on the shore. The difference is that the weighty ship does not necessarily require the further weight of a water-filled tank 18. From a ship or other such water-carft, the system may be operated and used as from the shore.
  • a floating apparatus 20 is provided in connection with the second pulley 15 for holding the second pulley 15 at the right depth.
  • a first anchor 21a is provided in connection with the second pulley 15 and/or the floating apparatus 20 for anchoring the second pulley 15 and/or the floating apparatus 20 in place.
  • the floating apparatus 20 is provided with a pontoon-like structure or other similar solution, by which the floating is provided. If a ship or other watercraft is used as the fixed place for the pulling apparatus 6, the ship may be steered to an island or other similar fixed place (not illustrated) within the water area. In this case, the second pulley may be taken from the ship for example to the island and fixed thereto, whereby the first anchor 21a and the floating apparatus 20 are not necessary.
  • the pulling apparatus 6 comprises a third pulley 22, wherein the space between the first pulley 14 and the third pulley 22 is provided with drive elements 23 for obtaining the drive between the power pack 12 and the pulling arrangement 11.
  • the drive element 23 is for example one or more endless ropes, wires, cables or belts provided via the third pulley 22 and the first pulley 14.
  • the first pulley 14 and the third pulley 22 can alternatively be provided with teeth (not illustrated) for providing a chain drive between the pulleys 14, 22, in which case a chain is used as the drive element 23.
  • the drive element 23 forms a loop via the third pulley and the first pulley.
  • the drive element 23 may alternatively be a Cardan joint for providing the drive between the first pulley 14 and the third pulley 22.
  • the system comprises a pushing apparatus 24 provided between the pulling apparatus 6 and the first pulley 14 for pushing the first pulley 14 into water to a suitable depth.
  • the pushing apparatus 24 is a device operated from the shore and having a rigid beam-type or pole-type structure for controlling the position of the first pulley 14 in water or alternatively for holding it in place.
  • the pushing apparatus 24 is used for adjusting the tightness of the rope or line 16.
  • the pushing apparatus 24 adjusts the position of the first pulley 14 and the second pulley 15 relative to each other.
  • the pushing apparatus is used to provide the first pulley 14 flush with the second pulley 15.
  • the first pulley 14 may be provided on the bottom of the water area in a fixed or detachable manner so that no pushing apparatus is required.
  • the rope or line 16 of Fig. 5 is made from floating material, whereby the rope or line 16 floats.
  • the rope 16 may be made from polyethylene.
  • the pulling direction is to be kept constant, and thus the rope or line 16 is most preferably floating.
  • the pulling arrangement 11 is used for moving the pulled apparatus 10 in the direction of advancement A and in the opposite direction B. Since in order to form an artificial wave the pulled apparatus 10 comprising the wave-forming profile 13 is pulled in water in only one direction, after each pulling maneuver the pulled apparatus 10 must be returned to the initial position.
  • the pulling arrangement 11 forms a rope drive for moving the pulled apparatus 10 also in the opposite direction B relative to the direction of advancement A for returning the pulled apparatus 10 to the initial position.
  • Stabilizing i.e. balancing, the wings may be appropriate and even necessary in some cases. Examples of stabilization methods are shown in Fig. 7-9 . Stabilization can be provided e.g. by a keel installed below the pulled apparatus 10 comprising the wings 1, 2. It may also be necessary to use pontoons disposed at the edges of the wings 1, 2 or, more precisely, of the pulled apparatus 10 itself. In an optimal situation, these structures are sufficient to secure the stability of the pulled apparatus 10 as it moves in water. In addition to the methods described, the stability may be improved, if necessary, for example with a rudder or other guide aerofoils (not illustrated in Fig. 5 ). Such stabilizing structures may be passive or active, adjustable according to the location of swimming of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the pulled apparatus 10 may comprise a third wing (not illustrated in Fig. 5 ) and/or one or more weights (not illustrated in Fig. 5 ) for stabilizing the movement of the pulled apparatus 10 in water.
  • the wave W forming pulled apparatus 10 may be moved in a correct position and at a correct depth from the surface S of flowing water so as to provide the desired wave formation.
  • the system comprises an automation and control system 25 for automatizing the operation of the system.
  • a control center 26 is necessary for adjusting and controlling the system.
  • the pulling apparatus 6 is connected under control of the automation and control system 25.
  • the system is provided with a suitable automation and control system 25.
  • the automation and control system 25 is used for starting the wave-forming pulling movement and, if necessary, for stopping the operation of the system.
  • the control system may be manually operated and optionally provided with remote control.
  • the operating system must also include automation by which the pulling duration and speed are adjusted. Also, the pulling direction may need to be adjusted.
  • Fig. 6 shows another example of a system for forming an artificial wave W in a water environment.
  • Fig. 6 corresponds in other respects to the system shown in Fig. 5 except that the pulling apparatus 6 and the anchoring arrangement 17 comprising a tank 18 are disposed on a structure 27 included in the system so as to float or be provided in and/or on water and anchored in place.
  • Fig. 6 shows the above-mentioned structure 27 as a pontoon-like structure.
  • the place 27 can also be a pier that is fixed in place in or on water or other similar structure bearing the load of the pulling apparatus 6 that is disposed in or on water so as to float or be fixed to the bottom of the water area.
  • the structure 27 is arranged to be held in place for example by means of a second anchor 21b. This allows the entire system to be disposed in the water area in a floating manner. If, in addition, the pulling apparatus 6 and the anchoring arrangement 17 comprising a tank 18 are provided on a floating structure 27 that is anchored in place and the first pulley 14 is provided in connection with the pulling apparatus 6, the entire system is floating and can be easily taken to a suitable place within the water area and anchored in place for surfing.
  • the structure 27 is a pier (not illustrated in Fig. 6 ), it can be fixed in place for example with pillars (not illustrated in Fig. 6 ) disposed on the bottom of the water area or, correspondingly, by anchoring the pier by means of a second anchor 21b.
  • the first pulley 14 is also arranged to float in addition to the second pulley 15, whereby the first pulley 14 is anchored to be held in place in water for example with a third anchor (not illustrated in Fig. 6 ) fixed to the first pulley 14 and dropped to the bottom of the water area.
  • the first pulley is fixed to the floating structure 27 that is anchored in place with a pushing apparatus 24 provided between the pulling apparatus 6 and the first pulley.
  • Fig. 7 shows one possible solution of an apparatus 10b pulled in water.
  • the pulled apparatus 10b may comprise stabilizing structures to secure the stability of the pulled apparatus 10b as it moves in water.
  • the pulled apparatus 10b of Fig. 7 comprises weights and/or floats 28a, 28b that contribute to the balance of the pulled apparatus 10b. If floats 28a, 28b are used, they can be arranged for example to float near surface. In this case, it must be secured that the floats 28a, 28b do not disturb surfing too much.
  • the pulled apparatus 10b may comprise for example sand-filled weights (not illustrated in Fig. 7 ) fixed to or hanging from the sides of the pulled apparatus for stabilizing the movement of the pulled apparatus 10b in water.
  • the stabilizing structure may be a passive structure such as an aerofoil 36.
  • an aerofoil 36 is illustrated in Fig. 7 .
  • the aerofoil 36 can be installed for example behind the second wing 2 of the pulled apparatus 10b to guide the travel of the apparatus 10b.
  • the aerofoil 36 may alternatively be adjustable with a separate adjusting element (not illustrated in Fig. 7 ) or its position may be manually adjusted by changing the fixing points.
  • Fig. 8 shows one possible solution of an apparatus 10c pulled in water.
  • Stabilization may be provided for example with a keel 29 installed below the pulled apparatus 10c comprising the wings 1, 2.
  • the keel may be shaped for example to be spindle-like or alternatively as a fin or their combination.
  • Fig. 9 shows one possible solution of an apparatus 10d pulled in water.
  • the stability may be improved, if necessary, for example by means of a rudder 30 or other guide aerofoils.
  • Such stabilizing structures may be passive or active, adjustable according to the location of swimming of the pulled apparatus 10d. Passive wings may be fixed or manually adjustable as shown in Fig. 7 .
  • the rudder 30 may be controlled from example by means of an actuator 32.
  • the rudder 30 is coupled to the pivoting points 31a, 31b of the pulling apparatus 10d in a hinged manner.
  • the rudder 30 As the rudder 30 is moved by the actuator 32 in the directions of a first arrow 34, the rudder 30 can be turned according to a second arrow 33.
  • the control of the actuator can be provided for example with remote control 35.
  • remote control may be radio control. In this case, for example an antenna that extends near the water surface may be used.
  • Fig. 10 schematically shows one example of the system.
  • the system comprises two pulling apparatuses 6, 6a which are positioned at each end of the pulling arrangement 11.
  • One pulling apparatus 6b can be used for example to control the tightness of the rope or line 16 and to hold it at a suitable depth, whereby for example floating apparatuses and/or weights are not required for fixing the pulling arrangement 11.
  • Said system may be placed in a suitable water environment such as a small lake, a deep pond or even in a man-made place such as a harbor basin.
  • Fig. 11 schematically shows one example of the system.
  • the system shown in Fig. 11 differs from the system according to Fig. 5 in that pulleys as such are not necessarily required in the system of Fig. 11 .
  • the pulling apparatuses 6b, 6c are provided on each side of a suitably sized water area.
  • the pulling apparatuses 6b, 6c are disposed on a level below the water surface at a suitable depth, whereby wave formation is possible without pulleys.
  • a first pulling apparatus 6b feeds the rope or line 16
  • a second pulling apparatus6c receives it, whereby the rope or line 16 provides the movement of the pulled apparatus 10 between the first pulling apparatus 6b and the second pulling apparatus 6c.
  • the wave-forming profile 13 comprises at least two wings 1, 2, of which at least one wing 1 is mainly transverse relative to the direction of advancement A, B of the pulled apparatus 10.
  • the position and/or traveling depth of the pulled apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may also be controlled by adjusting the pulling speed of the pulled apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.
  • the pulled apparatus may contain structures from a number of examples of the pulled apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d as described.
  • the pulled apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may for example comprise a number of different stabilizing structures.
  • the wave W forming pulled apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can be moved in a right position and at a right depth from the surface S of flowing water so as to provide a desired height of the wave W.
  • the functions described above are not exclusively limited to surfing; the applications may also include other cases where a controllable artificial wave W is to be provided.
  • Other forms of physical activity which are not specifically surfing but are closely related to it, such as bodyboarding, can also be performed on top of a wave W.
  • Fig. 3 and 4 show two different ways of attaching and securing the wings to the frame structure. However, these are only examples which can be deviated from.
  • the essential feature is that the wings can be positioned in a desired and specific way relative to each other e.g. in terms of distances and angles.
  • the positioning of the wings may be static or adjustable.
  • the invention has been described above mainly with the formation of a wave being based on an idea of pulling the pulled apparatus 10 from a fixed place that carries the pulling apparatus 6, such as a shore, a watercraft or a floating structure 27 that has been anchored in place.
  • a fixed place that carries the pulling apparatus 6 such as a shore, a watercraft or a floating structure 27 that has been anchored in place.
  • the pulling apparatus 6 When placing the pulling apparatus 6 near shoreline, it can be disposed for example right at the water's edge. However, suitable distances from the water's edge may vary according to the operating area.

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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
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Claims (21)

  1. Un appareil générant des ondes (O) dans un environnement aquatique, qui comprend un appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), un appareil de tirage (6) et un appareil de traction (11), dans lequel l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) se compose d'un profil de génération de formes d'ondes (13) et aux moins de deux ailes (1,2) ; l'une des ailes (1,2) est principalement positionnée perpendiculairement dans le sens de l'avance (A) de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) ; l'appareil de tirage (6) se compose d'un bloc d'alimentation (12) ; l'appareil de traction (11) comprend au moins deux poulies (14, 15) et au moins un câble ou une corde (16) prévus à ou via les deux extrémités de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) et via les poulies (14, 15) afin de permettre le mouvement de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) entre la première poulie (14) et la deuxième poulie (15) ; il est caractérisé en ce que l'onde (W) est formée par un effet combiné de deux ailes (1, 2) ; au moins une des ailes (1, 2) de l'appareil tiré est formée de telle manière que, lorsque l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) se déplace, elle guide le débit d'eau vers le bas pour former une goulotte (W1) pour l'onde ; l'autre aile (1, 2) de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) suivant l'aile (1, 2) qui guide le débit d'eau vers le bas est positionnée de manière à guider le débit d'eau vers le haut afin d'améliorer le mouvement de l'eau qui remonte pour former (W) une crête (W2) pour l'onde.
  2. L'appareil, d'après l'information 1, est caractérisé en ce que le câble ou la corde (16) est infini et/ou forme une boucle via la première (14) et la seconde poulie (15).
  3. L'appareil, d'après l'information 1 ou 2, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de tirage (6) est apprêté sur une rive.
  4. L'appareil, d'après l'information 1 ou 2, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de tirage (6) est apprêté sur un bateau, un navire, une barque ou toute autre embarcation.
  5. L'appareil, d'après l'information 1 ou 2, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend une structure (27) qui flotte ou qui est disposée dans et/ou sur l'eau et ancrée afin de permettre l'utilisation de l'appareil de tirage (6) à cet égard.
  6. L'appareil, d'après l'information 3, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend un dispositif d'ancrage (17) pour maintenir l'appareil de tirage (6) en place sur la rive ; il comprend un réservoir (18) qui doit être rempli d'eau.
  7. L'appareil, d'après l'information 6, est caractérisé en ce que le réservoir (18) est un conteneur de transport dans lequel les composants de l'appareil sont adaptés pour être déplacés et/ou transportés.
  8. L'appareil, d'après l'information 6 ou 7, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de tirage (6) comprend une pompe à eau (19) par le biais de laquelle le réservoir (18) est rempli et/ou vidé.
  9. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 8, est caractérisé en ce que les ailes (1, 2) peuvent être positionnées l'une par rapport à l'autre, et dans le sens de l'avance (A) de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) pour ajuster le mouvement et/ou les caractéristiques de flottaison de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).
  10. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 9, est caractérisé en ce que les ailes (1, 2) peuvent être positionnées l'une par rapport à l'autre en termes de distance (d) et d'angles (α, β), mais également en termes de direction transversale par rapport à la distance entre lesdites ailes et la surface de l'eau (S).
  11. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 10, est caractérisé en ce qu'un appareil de flottaison (20) est fourni en relation avec la seconde poulie (15) pour maintenir cette dernière (15) à la profondeur adéquate.
  12. L'appareil, d'après l'information 11, est caractérisé en ce que la première ancre (21a) est fournie en relation avec la seconde poulie (15) et/ou l'appareil de flottaison (20) pour l'ancrage de la seconde poulie (15) et/ou maintenir l'appareil de flottaison (20) en place.
  13. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 12, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de tirage (6) comprend une troisième poulie (22) ; l'espace entre la première et (14) la troisième poulie (22) est assuré par des éléments moteurs (23) pour fournir de la puissance entre le bloc d'alimentation (12) et l'appareil de tirage (11).
  14. L'appareil, d'après l'information 13, est caractérisé en ce que l'élément moteur (23) est l'un ou plusieurs des éléments infinis suivants : cordes, fils, câbles, ceintures ou chaînes. Ils sont fournis via la troisième (22) et la première poulie (14).
  15. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 14, est caractérisé en ce que le câble ou la corde (16) comprend un matériel flottant.
  16. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 15, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend un appareil de traction (24) fourni entre l'appareil de tirage (6) et la première poulie (14) de sorte à introduire la première poulie (14) dans l'eau à une profondeur adéquate.
  17. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 16, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil tiré (10d) comprend des ailes fixes et/ou (36) activement ajustables (30) qui guident le déplacement de l'appareil tiré.
  18. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 17, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil tiré (10b) comprend des poids et/ou des flotteurs (28a, 28b) qui contribuent à l'équilibre de l'appareil tiré (10b).
  19. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 18, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil tiré (10c) comprend une quille (29) installée sous l'appareil tiré (10c) pour équilibrer ce dernier (10c).
  20. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 19, est caractérisé en ce que la position et/ou la profondeur de déplacement de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) est contrôlée en ajustant la vitesse de tirage de l'appareil tiré (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).
  21. L'appareil, d'après toute information précédente de 1 à 20, est caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend au moins deux appareils de tirage (6, 6a) positionnés à chaque extrémité du dispositif de tirage (11).
EP15734214.8A 2014-05-16 2015-05-15 Système permettant de former une vague artificielle Active EP3142762B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20145445A FI125474B (fi) 2014-05-16 2014-05-16 Järjestelmä keinotekoisen aallon muodostamiseksi
PCT/FI2015/050339 WO2015173477A1 (fr) 2014-05-16 2015-05-15 Système permettant de former une vague artificielle

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EP3142762A1 EP3142762A1 (fr) 2017-03-22
EP3142762B1 true EP3142762B1 (fr) 2018-10-17

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US (1) US20170239580A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3142762B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2015261348B2 (fr)
FI (1) FI125474B (fr)
GB (1) GB2540836A (fr)
WO (1) WO2015173477A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017079141A1 (fr) * 2015-11-03 2017-05-11 The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc. Appareil de propagation d'ondes
DE102016106094A1 (de) * 2016-04-04 2017-10-05 Simon Garben Schwimmende Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung einer Welle auf einem Gewässer
WO2018085924A1 (fr) 2016-11-08 2018-05-17 1090690 B.C. Ltd. Procédé et appareil de production de vague
US10407927B1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2019-09-10 Tony L. Spriggs Wave generator system
FR3084266B1 (fr) * 2018-07-30 2020-10-16 Laurent Hequily Installation a vagues artificielles dynamiques pour la pratique du surf
US12012182B2 (en) * 2020-09-25 2024-06-18 Go Surf Assist, LLC Surf thrust system
US11891835B2 (en) 2022-04-12 2024-02-06 Tony L. Spriggs Wave pool

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US3802697A (en) * 1971-10-14 1974-04-09 Mehaute B Le Wave generator for simulated surfriding
US6047657A (en) * 1999-07-19 2000-04-11 Cox; Steve Jon Surfable wave making device
US6928670B2 (en) * 2001-12-17 2005-08-16 Light Wave Ltd. Moving reef wave generator
ES2325709B1 (es) * 2007-02-23 2010-06-11 Instant Sport, S.L. Aparato generador de olas.
CN103316479A (zh) * 2013-06-13 2013-09-25 郑运婷 摇船

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Publication number Publication date
EP3142762A1 (fr) 2017-03-22
AU2015261348B2 (en) 2017-04-27
GB2540836A (en) 2017-02-01
FI20145445A (fi) 2015-10-15
AU2015261348A1 (en) 2016-04-21
GB201605158D0 (en) 2016-05-11
WO2015173477A4 (fr) 2016-01-14
US20170239580A1 (en) 2017-08-24
GB2540836A8 (en) 2020-02-05
WO2015173477A1 (fr) 2015-11-19
FI125474B (fi) 2015-10-15

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