U.S. patent application number 12/291728 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for method and apparatus for varying water flow for stationary sheet flow water rides.
Invention is credited to Thomas J. Lochtefeld.
Application Number | 20090169305 12/291728 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40639024 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090169305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lochtefeld; Thomas J. |
July 2, 2009 |
Method and apparatus for varying water flow for stationary sheet
flow water rides
Abstract
The invention relates to a water ride with adjustable nozzles
for adjusting the speed and depth of the flow of water emanating
from the nozzles and onto the ride surface. The nozzles have a
bladder that can be used to adjust the height of the opening and
therefore the depth of the water flow. More than one adjustable
nozzle can be used to vary the flow effects across the width of the
ride surface. Additional adjustment bladders can be provided
underneath the inclined portion of the ride surface, wherein by
adjusting each bladder independently, the tilt of the ride surface
transverse to the direction of flow can be adjusted.
Inventors: |
Lochtefeld; Thomas J.; (La
Jolla, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patent Office of J. John Shimazaki, PLLC
P.O. Box 650741
Sterling
VA
20165
US
|
Family ID: |
40639024 |
Appl. No.: |
12/291728 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61002886 |
Nov 13, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 31/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/79 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/00 20060101
E02B003/00 |
Claims
1. A water ride capable of creating a flow of water comprising: a
ride surface having at least one inclined portion; and at least one
adjustable nozzle comprising an aperture through which water under
pressure can pass, wherein the height of said aperture can be
adjusted to adjust the depth of said flow of water emanating
through said aperture and flowing onto said ride surface.
2. The water ride of claim 1, wherein said ride surface has a down
slope portion, followed downstream by a substantially horizontal
portion, followed by said inclined portion.
3. The water ride of claim 1, wherein said at least one adjustable
nozzle comprises a chamber and a pump, and a bladder positioned
adjacent said aperture between an upper wall portion and a lower
hinged plate, wherein said bladder can be used to adjust the
position of said hinged plate and therefore the height of said
aperture.
4. The water ride of claim 2, wherein said at least one adjustable
nozzle is adapted such that the angle of trajectory created by said
nozzle onto said ride surface is substantially the same as the
angle of said down slope portion of said ride surface.
5. The water ride of claim 1, wherein adjustable nozzles are
provided side by side and each of said nozzles can be independently
adjusted to create varied flow effects and patterns across the
width of the flow of water on said ride surface.
6. The water ride of claim 1, wherein at least one floor bladder is
provided underneath said inclined portion to adjust the height of
said inclined portion relative to said ride surface.
7. The water ride of claim 6, wherein at least two floor bladders
are provided underneath said inclined portion wherein by adjusting
the pressure of each of said at least two floor bladders
independently, the tilt of said inclined portion in a direction
transverse to the flow of water can be adjusted.
8. The water ride of claim 3, wherein said pump can be used to
adjust the pressure within said at least one adjustable nozzle and
therefore the speed of the flow of water released by said at least
one adjustable nozzle can be adjusted.
9. The water ride of claim 1, wherein said water ride comprises an
entry area located upstream from said ride surface and an exit area
downstream from said ride surface, wherein said exit area comprises
a grate that allows water to pass through, wherein a pool structure
is provided underneath said ride surface wherein water that passes
through said grate can be stored in said pool structure, and
wherein water in said pool structure is available to be pumped back
onto said ride surface by using said at least one adjustable
nozzle.
10. A water ride capable of creating a flow of water comprising: a
ride surface having at least one inclined portion; at least one
adjustable nozzle comprising an aperture through which water under
pressure can pass to create a flow of water emanating through said
aperture and flowing onto said ride surface; and at least two floor
bladders provided underneath said inclined portion wherein each of
said bladders can be adjusted independently to adjust the tilt of
said inclined portion relative to the travel direction of said flow
of water.
11. The water ride of claim 10, wherein said ride surface has a
down slope portion, followed downstream by a substantially
horizontal portion, followed by said inclined portion.
12. The water ride of claim 10, wherein said at least one
adjustable nozzle is adapted to adjust the height of said aperture,
wherein a bladder is positioned adjacent said aperture between an
upper wall portion and a lower hinged plate, wherein said bladder
can be used to adjust the position of said hinged plate and
therefore the height of said aperture and in turn the depth of the
flow of water.
13. The water ride of claim 11, wherein said at least one
adjustable nozzle is adapted such that the angle of trajectory
created by said nozzle onto said ride surface is substantially the
same as the angle of said down slope portion of said ride
surface.
14. The water ride of claim 10, wherein two adjustable nozzles are
provided side by side and each of said nozzles can be independently
adjusted to create varied flow effects and patterns across the
width of the flow of water on said ride surface.
15. The water ride of claim 10, wherein a pump can be used to
adjust the pressure within said at least one adjustable nozzle and
therefore the speed of the flow of water released by said at least
one adjustable nozzle can be adjusted.
16. The water ride of claim 10, wherein said water ride comprises
an entry area located upstream from said ride surface and an exit
area downstream from said ride surface, wherein said exit area
comprises a grate that allows water to pass through, and wherein a
pool structure is provided underneath said ride surface wherein
water that passes through said grate can be stored in said pool
structure, and wherein water in said pool structure is available to
be pumped back onto said ride surface by using said at least one
adjustable nozzle.
17. A method of varying the water flow effects of a water ride
having an inclined ride surface on which a flow of water is
produced, comprising: providing a ride surface having at least one
inclined portion on which the water flow effects can be produced;
providing at least one adjustable nozzle comprising a pump and an
aperture through which water under pressure can pass, wherein the
height of said aperture and therefore the depth of said flow of
water emanating through said aperture and flowing onto said ride
surface can be adjusted; and adjusting the height of said aperture
and in turn increasing or decreasing the depth of said flow of
water flowing onto said ride surface, and if necessary, adjusting
the flow rate of the flow of water by adjusting said pump.
18. The method of claim 17, comprising adjusting the height of said
aperture using a bladder extended between a fixed wall portion and
a hinged plate of said at least one adjustable nozzle, wherein by
inflating and deflating said bladder, the vertical position of said
hinged plate and the height of said aperture can be adjusted.
19. The method of claim 17, comprising providing at least two
adjustable nozzles side by side wherein each of said nozzles can be
independently adjusted to create varied flow effects and patterns
across the width of the flow of water on said ride surface.
20. The method of claim 17, comprising providing at least one floor
bladder underneath said inclined portion and adjusting the height
of said inclined portion by increasing or decreasing the pressure
inside said floor bladder.
21. The method of claim 17, comprising providing at least two floor
bladders underneath said inclined portion and adjusting the
pressure of each of said floor bladders independently, wherein the
tilt of said inclined portion in a direction transverse to the flow
of water can be adjusted.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/002,886, filed Nov. 13, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of simulated
surfing apparatuses and methods, and in particular, to a method and
apparatus for varying the depth of a flowing body of water in
connection with a water ride having a contoured or inclined ride
surface, wherein by regulating the depth and speed of flow in
relation to the area and angles of incline, novel flow dynamics can
be generated for rider controlled water-skimming activities,
including those analogous to the sport of surfing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Sheet flow water rides have become popular in recent years.
The technology that Applicant has previously developed which is
referred to as a FlowRider.RTM. relates to a standing wave water
attraction comprising nozzles that are adapted to inject a sheet
flow of water under pressure onto a contoured or inclined ride
surface (being optionally made into the shape of a wave). By
injecting water under pressure onto such surface at the proper
speed and depth, the sheet flow can become supercritical (based on
the Froude Number), which causes the water to conform to the
contours of the ride surface while being supported by the flow bed
without breaking up. This allows a rider with a special board to
perform skimming and simulated surfing maneuvers on an inclined
ride surface by using the force of gravity to overcome the upward
momentum created by the flow, wherein the rider can attempt to
oscillate back and forth, around a point of equilibrium, to achieve
maneuvers of interest.
[0004] The reason that the above referenced sheet flow water ride
can succeed in its objectives is that it does not duplicate
naturally breaking progressive waves, rather, it creates "flow
shapes" from high velocity sheet flows over a suitably shaped
forming surface. The majority of flow manifestations created
thereby cannot technically be called waves. They may appear like
gravity waves breaking obliquely to a beach; however, these sheet
flow manifestations are distinct hydrodynamic phenomena caused by
the interaction of four dynamics: (1) unique surface architecture;
(2) the trajectory of the water relative to the flow forming
surface; (3) flow separation from this surface using a
containerless surface; and (4) changes in hydraulic state of flow
(i.e., supercritical, critical or sub-critical) upon this
surface.
[0005] Another important feature of the previous invention is that
the preferred water flow type was a relatively thin "sheet" flow,
rather than the relatively deep water utilized in wave pools and
other prior art water rides. A thin sheet flow is where the water
depth is sufficiently shallow such that the pressure disturbance
caused by a rider and his board is influenced by the riding surface
through a reaction force, whose effects on the rider and board are
generally known as the "ground effect." With a thin sheet flow, the
board is relatively close to a solid boundary, i.e., the flow bed
or riding surface, so that the pressure disturbance from the board
does not have time to diminish before it comes into contact with
the solid boundary. This results in the pressure disturbance
transmitting through the fluid and directly to the ground, and
allows the ground to participate, as a reaction wall, against the
weight of the rider. From the perspective of an accomplished rider,
the ground effect principal offers improved performance in the form
of responsive turns, increased speed, and tighter radius maneuvers
resulting from lift augmentation that enables a decrease in vehicle
planing area.
[0006] In this regard, it should be pointed out that even with a
relatively deep sheet flow on an inclined ride surface, no wave is
necessarily required in order for a rider to enjoy a water
attraction constructed in accordance with these principals. All
that is required is an incline of sufficient slope and angle to
allow the rider to slide down the upwardly sheeting flow due to
gravity. Furthermore, intentional rider-induced drag can slow the
rider and send him or her back up the incline to permit additional
maneuvers. Likewise, if desired, the rider can achieve equilibrium
(e.g., a stationary position with respect to the flow) by
regulating his drag relative to the sloped water flow.
[0007] Previously, attempts were made to change the nature and
character of the sheet flow to vary the rider's experience by
varying the slope or configuration of the ride surface, and/or
changing the speed of the flowing body of water, or providing an
undulating pliable floor with adjustable bladders as shown in
Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,107. By making these modifications,
the water ride could be adapted to create various flow effects,
including hydraulic jumps, critical flows, and sub-critical flows,
which could be used to increase interest and enhance the rider's
experience, and advantageously allow the water ride to be
multi-faceted in its appeal to a wide range of skill levels,
including from beginner to expert.
[0008] For example, the previous invention taught that the velocity
of an upwardly inclined supercritical sheet flow could be reduced
so that its kinetic energy would become less than the gravitational
potential energy, wherein, a hydraulic jump could be created prior
to reaching a downstream ridge line, wherein, additional white
water could be formed and an effect similar to a stationary white
water bore could be created on the ride surface. The relative
position of the hydraulic jump on the incline could be determined
by adjusting the velocity of the supercritical flow, i.e., the
higher the velocity, the higher the position of the hydraulic
jump.
[0009] Two distinct velocities could also be created and issued so
that two subsequent coexisting hydraulic states could be created on
the ride surface, i.e., a higher velocity supercritical flow could
be created on one side that could flow over the top of the ridge
line, and an adjacent lower velocity supercritical flow could be
created on the other side that transitioned to a hydraulic jump and
white water bore as the supercritical flow decelerated to a
sub-critical flow before reaching the ridge line. These
cross-stream velocity gradients were created by placing multiple
flow sources of differing kinetic energy side by side and
simultaneously projecting them upslope.
[0010] Another adjustment method contemplated previously was
creating a cross-stream gradient by configuring a single source
(e.g., pump) with a specially configured angled nozzle or plenum.
In such case, the nozzle was created with an angled asymmetrical
aperture comprised of an asymmetrical wide side and an asymmetrical
narrow side, capable of producing flows that exhibited a
hydrostatic tilt. In this manner, the supercritical flow that
issued from the wide side was thicker (e.g., deeper) than the flow
that issued from the narrow side, which was thinner (e.g.,
shallower). Thus, a variable subsequent coexisting hydraulic state
could be formed, i.e., the supercritical flow that issued from the
wide side of the aperture would clear the downstream ridge line and
sustain its supercritical character, while the flow that issued
from the narrow side of the aperture subsequently suffered a
hydraulic jump and exhibited white water at a lower elevation on
the contoured incline.
[0011] Another general approach to modifying the pressure gradient
which avoided penetrations and discontinuity on the ride surface
was accomplished through the adjustment of hydrostatic pressure,
which can be accomplished by creating an angled asymmetrically
extended downstream ridge line of increasing elevation. Thus, two
subsequent coexisting hydraulic states could be formed, i.e., the
supercritical flow that flowed over the shortened side cleared and
sustained its supercritical character, while the flow that flowed
over the higher side had insufficient kinetic energy to clear the
extended ridge line and subsequently suffered a hydraulic jump and
exhibited white water at a lower elevation.
[0012] Notwithstanding these attempts to modify the nature and
character of the sheet flow, using adjustable flow rates,
velocities and pressures, and unique ride surface configurations,
as set forth in Applicant's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,633, the
intent was to produce a sheet flow of water having an initial
supercritical flow having a relatively constant depth or
configuration. Although the previous invention contemplated that a
relatively deep flow could be produced in addition to a relatively
shallow flow, that patent significantly touted the advantages and
benefits of producing a relatively thin flow, which, in actual
practice, was only about three to four inches in depth. Therefore,
in the absence of a means of adjusting the depth of flow created by
the nozzle, the full advantages of the water ride could not be
recognized. That is, if a water ride attraction was built so that
it produced only a deep flow of water, none of the many advantages
contemplated by the Applicant in association with producing a
relatively thin sheet flow could be achieved. Likewise, if a water
ride attraction was built to produce only a shallow sheet flow, the
rider could not use a standard surfboard, and therefore, could not
learn the skills necessary to master traditional surfing.
[0013] In this respect, one of the drawbacks of the previous sheet
flow apparatus was that special boards with no fins were required
to be developed and used in conjunction with the water ride.
Because of the shallow nature of the thin sheet flow, close
proximity of the board to the solid boundary, and consequences of
the ground effect, it was heretofore not possible to use a standard
surfboard with a fin extending down which would effectively cause
the board to "ground out" on the flow bed and make it impossible to
perform freely on the flow. This disadvantageously did not allow
riders to train and learn how to surf using standard surfboards,
which made the transition from using the special sheet flow board
to using a real surf board, and therefore, from riding on the sheet
flow water ride to surfing on real ocean waves, more difficult to
achieve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to a water ride having an
adjustability feature that enables the depth of the flowing body of
water being propelled onto an inclined or contoured ride surface to
be easily adjusted. The adjustability feature is preferably used in
conjunction with the sheet flow water ride technology previously
developed by Applicant which has been described above, as well as a
relatively deep sheet flow variation of it (which will collectively
be referred to as a "sheet flow water ride" for simplicity
purposes), which includes an inclined or contoured ride surface
upon which the sheet flow of water is propelled. The present
adjustability feature preferably enables the depth of the sheet
flow to be adjusted, such that by itself, or in conjunction with
other adjustability features, including the adjustment of the flow
speed, or incline and/or tilt of the ride surface, a variety of
dynamic changes to the nature and character of the sheet flow can
be created, thereby giving riders a chance to experience a wide
range of flow conditions, including relatively shallow and deep
flows on the same ride surface.
[0015] Generally speaking, the present invention comprises nozzles
with an adjustable aperture capable of releasing a sheet flow of
water under high pressure onto the associated ride surface at
varying depths. The nozzle component preferably comprises a pump
with an inlet capable of drawing water in from a source, wherein
the water is placed under high pressure and allowed to be channeled
through a narrowing nozzle aperture, and then released. The
aperture is configured so that water is extruded through the nozzle
and forms a focused-propulsion of water that rapidly disperses onto
the ride surface, and forms a continuous sheet flow of water
thereon, wherein by adjusting the effective height of the aperture,
the depth of flow can be adjusted.
[0016] Unlike previous nozzles, the present invention preferably
comprises an elastic bladder under pressure which can cause a
hinged plate that extends down into the nozzle opening to be
lowered, and thereby, allow the height of the opening to be
adjusted. Whereas the preferred nozzle opening has a relatively
tall internal dimensional height when compared to previous nozzle
openings (so that relatively deep sheet flows can be created), an
adjustment feature is preferably provided which can be used to
adjust the effective height of the opening, and thereby, adjust the
height of the flow. Other adjustment means to control the movement
of the hinged plate, such as hydraulic and electromechanical
control devices; are also contemplated.
[0017] The hinged plate is preferably hinged at the top on the
inside surface of the opening so that it can swing down from its
uppermost position to its lowermost position. With the hinged plate
in its uppermost position, the opening is maximized to allow the
maximum depth of flow to be extruded, while with the hinged plate
in its lowermost position, the opening and therefore the depth of
flow is minimized. In this fashion, by adjusting how far down the
hinged plate is permitted to be lowered, which can be done by
adjusting the pressure in the bladder, the depth of flow can also
be adjusted.
[0018] It should be noted that as the water is propelled under
pressure, the hinged plate would normally lift up by the force of
the water being released, but as the bladder is inflated, the
hinged plate is forced down, and lowered into the path of the flow.
And by adjusting the amount of pressure in the bladder, and
therefore, the extent to which the hinged plate is lowered and
allowed to interfere with the flow travel path, the depth of flow
is made adjustable. And because the depth of the flow is dependent
on the effective height of the opening through which the water is
allowed to pass, the flow depth can be adjusted simply by adjusting
the bladder.
[0019] These adjustments can facilitate adjustments in the nature
and character of the sheet flow of water propelled onto the ride
surface. For example, by decreasing the depth of flow, a relatively
thin sheet flow of water, traveling at an increased velocity,
similar to those contemplated by the previous invention, can be
created on the ride surface. On the other hand, by increasing the
depth of flow, a relatively deep sheet flow of water can be created
on the same ride surface, which can enable riders to use standard
surfboards with fins. Likewise, by having two or more adjustable
nozzles side by side, a portion of the flow can be made to enter
the ride surface at one depth, and another portion of the flow can
be made to enter the ride surface at another depth, which can
create varied flow effects, including a hydraulic jump on one side,
and supercritical flow on the other, even across a level ridge
line.
[0020] Although these variations can be made without having to make
any other adjustments, the present invention contemplates that
these adjustments can be combined with other adjustments, such as
to the flow speed, or inclination or tilt of the ride surface,
wherein the adjustability and variability of the flow can be
increased and enhanced, and an increased variety of dynamic flow
changes and hydraulic states can be produced, which can further
enhance and add variety to the rider's experience. For example, in
addition to creating two hydraulic states across the ride surface
based on flow depth variations, the speed with which the flow
enters onto the ride surface within these hydraulic states can also
be varied. Moreover, the inclination of the ride surface upon which
these hydraulic states are created can be increased, decreased, or
even tilted, thereby further varying the flow effects. This way,
the degree to which these hydraulic states can form, dissipate,
change in shape, change in size, and move around on the ride
surface, etc., can be easily modified and varied.
[0021] Another related advantage is the ability of these
adjustments to solve the transient surge problems associated with
ride start-up and rider induced flow decay upon upwardly inclined
flow surfaces. Because the flow depth can be controlled precisely,
and because whether a particular flow remains supercritical is a
function of flow depth, these adjustments preferably provide a
means for self-clearing undesirable transitory surges and excess
white water, which can help correct the problems associated with
start-up and flow decay.
[0022] Other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the drawings included herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the sheet flow water ride
attraction with the adjustable nozzle feature of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a section view of the sheet flow water ride shown
in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the sheet flow water ride
shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a section view of the adjustable nozzle feature of
the present invention with the bladder deflated and the hinged
plate in its uppermost raised position;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a section view of the adjustable nozzle feature of
the present invention with the bladder inflated and expanded, and
the hinged plate in its lowermost closed position;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the nozzle of the present
invention
[0029] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the nozzle of the present
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 8 is a detail of the bladder of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the sheet
flow water ride of the present invention preferably having two
water injection nozzles 1, a ride surface 3, recovery area 5,
sidewalls 7, walkways 8, stairs 9, upper entry area 10, and lower
entry area 12. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, immediately below
injection nozzles 1, ride surface 3 preferably has a down slope
feeding area 11, followed by horizontal section 13, which is
followed by inclined section 15, which has a ridge 17 and a
declining area 19. Below and downstream from inclined section 15 is
preferably recovery area 5, with grates 21, which allows run off
water to pass into cavity 23 below, wherein grates 21 support
riders exiting from ride surface 3. All surfaces around ride
surface 3 are preferably padded or otherwise made of resilient
material to provide a measure of safety to riders.
[0032] As seen in FIG. 2, entire ride surface 3 is preferably
suspended above an underground pool of water 29 such as by beams
25. Underground pool 29 is preferably the source of water for
feeding water back onto ride surface 3 via injection nozzles 1.
After water flows onto ride surface 3, and exits downstream from
inclined section 15, and passes through grates 21, and into cavity
23, water is allowed to pass back through gate 24, and then into
pool 29, where the water is stored. Water in pool 29 can then be
re-circulated back through inlet 31, by pump 33, onto ride surface
3, via injection nozzles 1, and then back into cavity 23 via
recovery area 5 and grates 21. Pool 29 can be constructed much like
any standard swimming pool, using concrete, etc., or any other
conventional method. Ride surface 3 is preferably covered with
padding or is made of flexible material to provide a cushioning
effect to prevent injury to riders.
[0033] Inclined section 15 is preferably adjustable and supported
underneath by one or more bladders 27 which are in turn supported
by floor 26. The bladders can be made of elastic material such as
rubber or other conventional material and are connected to a pump
that allows the pressure inside to be adjusted. This way, the
height of inclined section 15 can be adjusted by inflating and
deflating bladders 27. Preferably, there are two or more bladders
side by side under inclined section 15 which are independently
inflatable and adjustable such that inclined section 15 can be
tilted in a direction transverse to the flow of water. FIG. 1 shows
three bladders 27 (in dashed lines) positioned side by side, but it
can be seen that two bladders could be used, or more than three. By
independently adjusting the pressure of each bladder, such as by
increasing the pressure in one bladder and decreasing the pressure
in another bladder, a variable tilt can be created.
[0034] Inclined section 15 is preferably made to pivot about an
upstream hinge 16 extending transverse to the flow, such that
inclined section 15 can be raised or lowered through a range of
motion preferably 12'' to 24'' or more in height. Inclined section
15 is preferably made of a flexible material such that it can flex
and tilt sideways depending on which of the multiple bladders 27 is
inflated more. For example, when two bladders side by side are
used, by raising the left bladder higher than the right bladder,
the left side of inclined section 15 can be tilted higher than the
right side, and vice verse. This advantageously enables variable
and dynamic flow effects to be created on ride surface 3 as
discussed. For example, a variable pressure gradient can be created
by independently adjusting bladders 27, wherein water flowing over
the low side can travel at a supercritical speed up and over
inclined section 15, whereas, water flowing over the high side
could decelerate and produce a hydraulic jump and white water when
it reaches critical and then sub-critical speed. Although two
bladders 27 are preferably provided to adjust the tilt of inclined
section 15, it can be seen that when three or more bladders are
used, the tilt of inclined section 15 might be more accurately
controlled.
[0035] In this embodiment, ride surface 3 can be adapted to have
sidewalls 7 extended along the edges of ride surface 3, which can
help to contain water flow in a longitudinal direction. While in
Applicant's previous sheet flow water rides, it was desirable to
provide a containerless ride surface to avoid potential boundary
layer effects and hydraulic interference caused by friction, the
present invention is less concerned about such conditions and
effects. With a deeper flow of water, the flowing body of water on
ride surface 3 is able to have more power and momentum and thus is
more able to muscle through the boundary layer effects and
hydraulic interferences caused by friction, and therefore, is less
susceptible to disruption from sidewalls 7. Although ride surface 3
of the present invention can be made without sidewalls, and be more
like the containerless ride surfaces of the previous invention,
particularly when a thin sheet flow of water is desired, for the
above reasons, this is not necessarily required.
[0036] FIGS. 4-8 show various aspects of nozzle water extrusion
equipment 30. Each nozzle 1 preferably has an inlet 31 at the
bottom communicating with a water source, i.e., such as the water
in pool 29, such that water from the source can be drawn by pump 33
into chamber 35. Inlet 31 is preferably extended below the surface
of the water in pool 29, as shown in FIG. 2. Pump 33 can be any
conventional type with sufficient power to draw water into chamber
35 at the appropriate rate, velocity and pressure, and to make
adjustments thereto, suitable for the appropriate size of water
ride being constructed and operated. Pump 33 and other nozzle
equipment 30 are preferably constructed using stainless steel or
other durable and non-corrosive material.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, above chamber 35 is preferably a
bend 34 in duct 39 that causes water flowing upward through chamber
35 to bend forward and then slightly back down at an angle. This
way, water in chamber 35 can flow through an aperture or opening 37
of nozzle 1 at the appropriate angle onto ride surface 3. The angle
of trajectory created by opening 37 is preferably substantially the
same as the angle of sloped feeding area 11 located upstream on
ride surface 3, which allows the flow of water introduced onto ride
surface 3 to be at the appropriate angle and helps to reduce
disruption of flow.
[0038] Duct 39 preferably becomes progressively narrower toward the
distal end where opening 37 is located, such that as water within
chamber 35 is forced upward by pump 33, the water will be placed
under greater pressure, wherein the water can be extruded through
opening 37. This way, the water extruded through opening 37 will be
under increased pressure and therefore released with increased
velocity.
[0039] The adjustment feature of the present invention preferably
comprises an inflatable bladder 45, as shown in FIG. 8, preferably
made of elastic material such as rubber positioned between an upper
fixed wall portion 43 of duct 39, and a hinged plate 41 pivotally
connected to an inside surface of opening 37. Hinged plate 41 is
preferably pivoted about a hinge such that it can swing down into
the flow path of opening 37, from an uppermost position as shown in
FIG. 4, to a lowermost position as shown in FIG. 5. Hinged plate 41
is preferably configured with a width and length so that it fits
relatively snug inside the dimensions of opening 37 and can
substantially block off the flow path within opening 37 when hinged
plate 41 is in its lowermost position. Nevertheless, it should be
seen that virtually any degree of motion is contemplated. It can be
seen that the degree to which hinged plate 41 drops down and
therefore interferes with the flow path of water through opening 37
will determine the height of opening 37 and therefore the depth of
the water flow created by injection nozzle 1. Hinged plate 41
preferably swings down from above whereas the bottom of opening 37
preferably remains in a substantially fixed position.
[0040] Without taking into account the presence of bladder 45,
hinged plate 41 is preferably adapted to freely pivot so that
without any water pressure inside chamber 35 and against injection
nozzle 1, hinged plate 1 would be free to fall to its lowermost
position. On the other hand, the present invention contemplates
that when water pressure inside chamber 35 and against injection
nozzle 1 is sufficient enough, hinged plate 41 would be forced
upward and against fixed wall portion 43 to its uppermost position,
thereby maximizing the effective size of opening 37. The
adjustability of hinged plate 41 is preferably controlled by
inflating and deflating bladder 45, which is preferably held
between fixed wall portion 43 and hinged plate 41, as shown in FIG.
5. By inflating bladder 45, it will effectively expand and bias
hinged plate 41 downward toward its lowermost position, which when
achieved, effectively closes off opening 37. On the other hand,
when bladder 45 is completely deflated, it allows hinged plate 41
to be pivoted upward to its uppermost position, by virtue of the
pressure exerted against hinged plate 41 as water is extruded
through chamber 35 and passage 34.
[0041] It can be seen that by adjusting the degree to which bladder
45 is inflated or deflated, the degree to which hinged plate 41 is
pivoted, and therefore, the degree to which opening 37 is opened or
closed, can be adjusted. For example, if bladder 45 is inflated
halfway, hinged plate 41 would be lowered halfway, and therefore,
the effective height of opening 37 would be about halfway as well,
in which case, the depth of the water flow generated by nozzle 1
would be about half its original depth. Likewise, if bladder 45 is
inflated to a quarter of the way, hinged plate 41 would be lowered
a quarter of the way, and therefore, the effective interior height
of opening 37 would be maintained at about three quarters of its
maximum height, in which case, the depth of flow generated by
nozzle 1 would also be about three quarters of its original depth.
Likewise, if bladder 45 is inflated three quarters of the way,
hinged plate 41 would be lowered three quarters into the interior
height of opening 37, wherein the effective height of opening 37
would be reduced to about one quarter of its maximum height, in
which case, the depth of flow generated by nozzle 1 would be about
one quarter of its original height as well. Accordingly, it can be
seen that the depth of the water flow extruded through opening 37
can be adjusted in this manner to virtually any degree, simply by
inflating or deflating bladder 45 and adjusting the position of
hinged plate 41.
[0042] Injection nozzle 1 is preferably sized and shaped to produce
an appropriate flow of water onto ride surface 3. The actual fixed
interior height of opening 37, for example, is preferably adapted
to substantially correspond with the maximum depth of flow that is
desired to be created on ride surface 3. Moreover, opening 37 is
preferably substantially rectangular in configuration although not
necessarily so. When opening 37 is substantially rectangular in
shape, as in the preferred embodiment, hinged plate 41 can also be
substantially rectangular in shape. At the same time, since plate
41 is typically positioned at an angle relative to opening 37,
plate 41 is preferably larger in dimension than opening 37.
Preferably, the actual interior height of opening 37 can range
between about 12 inches to 24 inches or more, depending on the
desired performance requirements for any given application.
Regardless of whether the water ride is intended to provide a
relatively shallow flow or a relatively deep flow, or both,
preferably, because the aperture is adjustable, the actual height
of opening 37 can be made as large as necessary to accommodate the
desired flow depth.
[0043] Preferably, the present invention can accommodate a variety
of flow depths, such as a depth as little as 3 to 4 inches, or as
deep as 24 inches or more. In either case, the effective interior
height of opening 37 as determined by the adjustment features
described herein is what determines the depth of flow to be
propelled onto ride surface 3.
[0044] The present invention contemplates that more than one
injection nozzle 1 can be provided and positioned side by side as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, although not necessarily so, to create
dynamic flow changes across the width of the water flow, as well as
to form a relatively wide and contiguous ride surface 3. It can be
seen that by adjusting the depth of flow emanating from one nozzle
differently from the depth of flow emanating from another nozzle,
various flow effects can be created across the width of ride
surface 3. Different flow rates can also be set for each nozzle so
as to create additional flow effects. Also, modular nozzle
equipment 30 can be developed to incrementally enlarge the width of
ride surface 3 simply by adding more nozzles 1 side by side.
Placing nozzle equipment 30 as close to each other as possible will
also help to ensure that the integrity and congruity of the water
flow emanating from multiple injection nozzles 1 can be
maintained.
[0045] The Froude number is a mathematical expression that
describes the ratio of the velocity of flow to the phase speed of
the longest possible wave that can exist in a given depth without
being destroyed by breaking. The Froude number equals the flow
speed divided by the square root of the product of the acceleration
of gravity and the depth of the water. The Froude number squared is
a ratio between the kinetic energy of the flow and its potential
energy, i.e., the Froude number squared equals the flow speed
squared divided by the product of the acceleration of gravity and
the water depth.
[0046] Sub-critical flow can be generally described as a slow/thick
water flow. More specifically, sub-critical flows have a Froude
number that is less than one, and the kinetic energy of the flow is
less than its gravitational potential energy. If a stationary wave
is in a sub-critical flow, then, it will be a non-breaking
stationary wave. In formula notation, a flow is sub-critical when v
is less than or equal to the square root of the product of g and d,
where v=flow velocity in ft/sec, g=acceleration due to gravity
ft/sec.sup.2, and d=depth (in feet) of the sheeting body of
water.
[0047] Critical flow is evidenced by wave breaking. Critical flow
is where the flow's kinetic energy and gravitational potential
energy are equal. Critical flow has the characteristic physical
feature of the hydraulic jump itself. Because of the unstable
nature of wave breaking, critical flow is difficult to maintain in
an absolutely stationary state in a moving stream of water given
that the speed of the wave must match the velocity of the stream to
remain stationary. This is a delicate balancing act. There is a
match for these exact conditions at only one point for one
particular flow speed and depth. Critical flows have a Froude
number equal to one. In formula notation, a flow is critical when v
is equal to the square root of the product of g and d, where v=flow
velocity, g=acceleration due to gravity ft/sec.sup.2, and d=depth
of the sheeting body of water.
[0048] Supercritical flow can be generally described as a thin/fast
flow. Specifically, supercritical flows have a Froude number
greater than one, and the kinetic energy of the flow is greater
than its gravitational potential energy. No stationary waves are
involved. The reason for the lack of waves is that neither breaking
nor non-breaking waves can keep up with the flow speed because the
maximum possible speed for any wave is the square root of the
product of the acceleration of gravity times the water depth.
Consequently, any wave which might form is quickly swept
downstream. In formula notation, a flow is supercritical when v is
greater the square root of the product of g and d, where v=flow
velocity in ft/sec, g=acceleration due to gravity ft/sec.sup.2, and
d=depth (in feet) of the sheeting body of water.
[0049] A hydraulic jump is the point of wave-breaking of the
fastest wave that can exist at a given depth of water. The
hydraulic jump itself is actually the break point of that wave. The
breaking phenomenon results from a local convergence of energy. Any
wave that appears upstream of the hydraulic jump in the
supercritical flow area is unable to keep up with the flow;
consequently, they bleed downstream until they meet the area where
the hydraulic jump occurs, wherein the flow then suddenly becomes
thicker and the wave can suddenly travel faster. Thus, the
convergence of waves leads to wave breaking. In terms of energy,
the hydraulic jump is an energy transition point where the energy
of the flow abruptly changes from kinetic to potential. A hydraulic
jump occurs when the Froude number is one.
[0050] Based on the above relationships that exist between the flow
speed and water depth, and how they contribute to creating
different hydraulic states, it can be seen that by adjusting the
depth of flow, which can be accomplished by adjusting the pressure
within bladder 45, a variety of different flows and effects can be
created on ride surface 3. For example, by decreasing the flow
depth, a relatively thin sheet flow of water, similar to those
contemplated by the previous invention, can be created on ride
surface 3. And, based on the above principles, it can be seen that
even without increasing flow speed (by increasing pressure using
pump 33), by reducing flow depth, the flow will, nevertheless, be
released at a greater speed, since by reducing the effective size
of opening 37, pressure within nozzle 1 would be increased. And,
when the sheet flow is shallower, and faster, the Froude number
will be higher, thereby making it more likely that a supercritical
sheet flow will be created and maintained.
[0051] On the other hand, by increasing flow depth, a relatively
deep flow of water can be created, which can enable riders to use
standard surfboards with fins when desired. And, based on the above
principles, it can be seen that even without reducing flow speed
(by reducing pressure using pump 33), by increasing flow depth, the
flow will, nevertheless, be released at a slower velocity, since by
increasing the effective size of opening 37, pressure within nozzle
1 would be reduced. And, when the flow is deeper, and slower, the
Froude number will be less, thereby increasing the likelihood that
a different hydraulic state, such as a hydraulic jump, or
sub-critical flow, will be created.
[0052] Because of these relationships between flow depth and speed,
it can be seen that additional variations in flows and effects can
be created by not only adjusting the flow depth (by adjusting
bladder 45), but also by adjusting the flow rate, velocity and/or
pressure using pump 33. In this fashion, a significantly greater
variety of flow changes and hydraulic states can be produced on the
same ride surface 3 using the features discussed herein. Moreover,
in addition to the adjustability features incident to the flow
emanating from injection nozzle 1, additional adjustments can be
employed by altering the incline or tilt of ride surface 3, such as
by increasing the inclination of inclined section 15, and/or by
tiling it transverse to the direction of flow, as discussed above,
which can vary the pressure gradient across ride surface 3. Because
a sheet flow is a volume of water that can be affected by these
variables, these adjustments can help modify the flow in a manner
that best suits the desired applications, wherein the flow can be
made to have a length, shape, breadth, and depth sufficient to
permit the type of water skimming maneuvers that are desirable for
any given application.
[0053] Likewise, by having two or more adjustable nozzles 1 side by
side, the flow can be adjusted so that a portion of the flow is at
one depth and/or speed, and another portion of the flow is at
another depth and/or speed, which can create varied effects,
including a hydraulic jump on one side, and a supercritical flow on
the other, even across a level ridge line. By introducing a
cross-stream depth and/or speed gradient on an inclined ride
surface with a level ridge line, a body of water that simulates a
spilling wave with an unbroken shoulder can be produced. This
"breaker like" effect can result from the flow having two
coexisting hydraulic states, i.e., a shallower higher velocity
supercritical flow on one side, and an adjacent deeper lower
velocity flow that fails to reach the ridge line due to
insufficient kinetic energy on the other side. In many cases, this
slower flow will decelerate to a critical state and form a
hydraulic jump below the ridge line with an associated sub-critical
spill of turbulent water occurring to the side of the supercritical
flow.
[0054] In the examples above, both the depth and speed of flow
emanating from nozzle 1 can preferably be independently adjusted as
follows: 1) both flow depth and flow speed can be increased, 2)
both flow depth and flow speed can be decreased, 3) flow depth can
be increased while flow speed can be decreased, and 4) flow depth
can be decreased while flow speed can be increased. In this
respect, virtually any combination of these kinds of changes can be
used to effect a change in hydraulic state, i.e., any portion of
the flow can be changed from supercritical to critical, or from
critical to sub-critical, and form a hydraulic jump, as the case
may be, or from sub-critical to critical, or from critical to
supercritical, etc. For this reason, incorporating these additional
adjustment features allows for greater and more precise control
over the flow effects and changes that are produced on ride surface
3.
[0055] Moreover, independently or in combination with the nozzle
adjustments discussed above, adjustments to the configuration of
ride surface 3, such as adjustments to the incline or tilt of
inclined section 15, can also be used to further adjust and enhance
the variability of the flow effects, wherein a variety of dynamic
flow changes and hydraulic states can be produced which can further
enhance and add variety to the rider's experience.
[0056] By using one or more of these adjustment features, either
independently, or in combination, and creating dynamic flow changes
on ride surface 3, various types of flow changes and effects
suitable for a variety of water skimming maneuvers can be created.
For example, the location of a hydraulic jump, or where the flowing
body of water changes from being supercritical to critical, or from
critical to sub-critical, or other boundary layer effect, including
the formation or dissipation of a hydraulic jump, or other
hydraulic state, and the degree to which they occur, can be
modified or shifted around on ride surface 3. Generally speaking,
this can be done by coordinating one or more of the following three
adjustments: 1) flow depth adjustments by adjusting bladder 45 in
one or more nozzles 1, 2) flow speed adjustments by adjusting one
or more pumps 33, and 3) ride surface adjustments by adjusting one
or more bladders 27 under inclined section 15 to adjust the incline
or tilt of ride surface 3.
[0057] Water skimming maneuvers are those maneuvers that are
capable of being performed on a flowing body of water including:
riding across the face of the surface of water; riding horizontally
or at an angle with the flow of water; riding down a flow of water
upon an inclined surface countercurrent to the flow moving up the
incline; cutting into the surface of the water so as to carve an
upwardly arcing turn; riding back up along the face of the inclined
surface of the body of water and cutting-back so as to return down
and across the face of the body of water, etc. Water skimming
maneuvers can be performed with the human body or upon or with the
aid of a riding or planing vehicle such as a specialized board, or
body board, or in this case, when the water is deep enough, a
standard surfboard with a fin.
[0058] In order to perform water skimming maneuvers, the forward
force component required to maintain a rider (including any
skimming device that he or she may be riding on) in a stable riding
position and overcome fluid drag is due to the down slope component
of the gravity force created by the constraint of the solid flow
forming surface balanced primarily by momentum transfer from the
high velocity upward shooting water flow upon the ride surface. A
rider's motion upslope (in excess of the kinetic energy added by
the rider or vehicle) consists of the rider's drag force relative
to the upward shooting water flow exceeding the down slope
component of gravity. Non-equilibrium riding maneuvers such as
turns, cross-slope motion and oscillating between different
elevations on the "wave" surface are made possible by the
interaction between these respective forces as described above and
the use of the rider's kinetic energy.
[0059] In this respect, the above referenced adjustability features
can create different hydraulic states or zones along ride surface
3, such as those that are in equilibrium, as well as those that are
not. An equilibrium zone is that portion of an inclined riding
surface upon which a rider is in equilibrium on an upwardly
inclined body of water; consequently, the upslope flow of momentum
as communicated to the rider and his vehicle through hydrodynamic
drag can be balanced by the down slope component of gravity
associated with the weight of the rider and his vehicle. The
supra-equidyne zone is that portion of a riding surface contiguous
with but downstream (upslope) of the equilibrium zone wherein the
slope of the incline is sufficiently steep to enable a water
skimming rider to overcome the drag force associated with the
upwardly sheeting water flow and slide downwardly thereupon. The
sub-equidyne zone is that portion of a riding surface contiguous
with but upstream (down slope) of the equilibrium zone wherein the
slope of the incline is insufficiently steep to enable a water
skimming rider to overcome the drag force associated with the
upwardly water flow and stay in equilibrium thereon. Due to fluid
drag, a rider will eventually move in the direction of flow back up
the incline.
[0060] The adjustment features of the present invention are
preferably able to cause these zones to be moved around upon ride
surface 3, depending on what variables are modified, so that
various flow effects can be created on different areas of the
surface.
[0061] Another related advantage provided by nozzle equipment 30 of
the present invention is the ability to solve the transient surge
problems associated with ride start-up and rider induced flow
decay. Because the flow depth can be controlled precisely, and
because the speed of flow as well as whether a particular flow
remains supercritical can be a function of flow depth, these
adjustments preferably provide a means for self-clearing
undesirable transitory surges and excess white water, which can
help correct the problems associated with start-up and flow decay
on ride surface 3.
[0062] Nozzle equipment 30 and the other components herein are
shown as being used in conjunction with ride surface 3 for
exemplary purposes only. Therefore, it can be seen that nozzle
equipment 30 and its depth adjustability features and the other
components discussed herein can be used in connection with
virtually any sheet flow water ride application shown in previous
U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,633, which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety, as well as virtually any other water ride
configuration incorporating a flowing body of water as the ride
surface for performing skimming maneuvers thereon.
* * * * *