U.S. patent application number 16/671486 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for aquatic sports amusement apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is American Wave Machines, inc.. Invention is credited to Bruce McFarland.
Application Number | 20200277802 16/671486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005031096 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200277802/US20200277802A1-20200903-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200277802 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McFarland; Bruce |
September 3, 2020 |
AQUATIC SPORTS AMUSEMENT APPARATUS
Abstract
An aquatic sports amusement apparatus includes a plurality of
wave generating chambers that release water into a pool. A plenum
is pneumatically connected to each chamber and a plurality of fans
is connected to the plenum to pressurize the plenum. A plurality of
sensors is also connected to the plenum and measure the pressure of
the plenum. And a plurality of vents is connected to the plenum and
release pressure from the plenum upon actuation. A controller
connected to the vents and sensors, performs the following steps:
(a) measure the pressure from a sensor in the plurality of sensors;
and (b) if the measured pressure is greater than a preset set point
pressure, then actuating a vent from the plurality of vents to
release pressure.
Inventors: |
McFarland; Bruce; (Solana
Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
American Wave Machines, inc. |
Solana Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005031096 |
Appl. No.: |
16/671486 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62812989 |
Mar 2, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/0006
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. An aquatic sports amusement apparatus, comprising: a plurality
of wave generating chambers that releases water into a pool; a
plenum pneumatically connected to each chamber; a plurality of fans
connected to the plenum and adapted to pressurize the plenum; a
plurality of sensors connected to the plenum and adapted to measure
the pressure of the plenum; a plurality of vents connected to the
plenum and adapted to release pressure from the plenum upon
actuation; a controller connected to the vents and sensors, wherein
the controller is constructed to perform the following steps: a.
measure the pressure from a sensor in the plurality of sensors; b.
when the measured pressure is greater than a preset set point, then
actuate a vent from the plurality of vents to release pressure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation of the vent by
the controller is for a preset time period.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller further
performs the following step after step (b): measure the pressure
from the sensor and continue actuation of the vent until the
measured pressure is less than a second preset set point.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent is a vent valve.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent is an inlet fan
damper.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of fans is not
equal to the number of sensors.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of fans is not
equal to the number of vents.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller further
performs the following step before step (b): if the measured
pressure has peaked, then continue to step (b).
9. An aquatic sports amusement apparatus, comprising: a plurality
of wave generating chambers that releases water into a pool; a
plenum pneumatically connected to each chamber; a plurality of fans
connected to the plenum and adapted to pressurize the plenum; a
plurality of sensors connected to the plenum and adapted to measure
the pressure of the plenum, wherein each of the plurality of
sensors is located adjacent to each of the plurality of fans; a
plurality of vents connected to the plenum and adapted to release
pressure from the plenum upon actuation, wherein each of the
plurality of vents is located adjacent to each of the plurality of
fans, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors is associated
with each of the plurality of vents; a controller connected to the
plurality of vents and sensors, wherein the controller performs the
following steps: a. measure the pressure from each of the plurality
of sensors; b. for each sensor in the plurality of sensors where
the measured pressure is greater than a preset set point, actuate
the vent in the plurality of vents associated with the sensor to
release pressure.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the actuation of the vent by
the controller is for a preset time period.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller further
performs the following step after step (b): measure the pressure
from the sensor and continue actuation of the vent until the
measured pressure is less than a second preset set point.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of vents are
comprised of vent valves.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of vents are
comprised of inlet fan dampers.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the number of fans is not
equal to the number of sensors.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the number of fans is not
equal to the number of vents.
16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller further
performs the following step before step (b): if the measured
pressure has peaked, then continue to step (b).
17. A method for controlling fan instability in an aquatic sports
amusement apparatus, the sports apparatus having a plurality of
pneumatically controlled chambers that release water into a pool,
the chambers are connected to a plenum that is pressurized by a
plurality of fans, the method comprising: a. measuring the pressure
in the plenum; b. releasing pressure from the plenum when the
measured pressure reaches a preset set point.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the release of pressure in step
(b) continues for a preset time period.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the release of pressure in step
(b) continues until the measured pressure is less than a second
preset set point.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the release of pressure in step
(b) is performed by actuating a vent valve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claim priority as the non-provisional of
U.S. Ser. No. 62/812989 filed on Mar. 2, 2019, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. 16/149,051
filed on Oct. 1, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
14/808,076 filed on Jan. 27, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S.
Ser. No. 13/740,419 filed on Jan. 14, 2013, which is the
non-provisional of U.S. Ser. No. 61/721304 filed on Nov. 1, 2012,
all of which are by the same inventor, and all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their totality.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present application relates to wave generators, such as,
for example, wave generators for making waves in pools for
recreational purposes.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0004] This application claim priority as the non-provisional of
U.S. Ser. No. 62/812989 filed on Mar. 2, 2019, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. 16/149,051
filed on Oct. 1, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
14/808,076 filed on Jan. 27, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S.
Ser. No. 13/740,419 filed on Jan. 14, 2013, which is the
non-provisional of U.S. Ser. No. 61/721304 filed on Nov. 1, 2012,
all of which are by the same inventor, and all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their totality.
BACKGROUND
[0006] Previous disclosures by the present inventor have included
an aquatic sports amusement apparatus that includes a pool, a
plurality of wave generating chambers that release water into a
pool, and a mobile application controller that operates the
chambers, such that each chamber in the plurality releases water to
create waves. The controller can be connected to the plurality of
chambers via a network connection; such a connection could include
a local area network, a wireless network, the internet and/or a
virtual private network. The controller could be located at a
distant location from the pool and chamber complex, and the
controller may be a smart phone, a personal computer, a personal
digital assistant, a laptop and/or a tablet computer. Those
disclosures can be found in applications listed above.
[0007] The release of the water from the chambers may be performed
by manipulating the air pressure in the chambers, as disclosed in
detail in the patent applications listed above. During
implementation, however, the ability to create a stable amount of
useable pressure is difficult, with the fans that create the needed
air pressure often operating in the unstable region. Unfortunately,
this region is plagued by several drawbacks: (1) accurate control
of air pressure is difficult, if not impossible, (2) the fans are
inefficiently drawing power without contributing to the needed
pressure, and (3) the fans may prematurely wear.
[0008] What is needed therefore is a system that overcomes these
drawbacks.
SUMMARY
[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed
subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some
concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later.
[0010] What is provided herein is an aquatic sports amusement
apparatus to control fan instability. The apparatus includes a
plurality of wave generating chambers that release water into a
pool. A plenum is pneumatically connected to each chamber, and a
plurality of fans is connected to the plenum and pressurizes the
plenum. A plurality of sensors is also connected to the plenum and
measures the pressure of the plenum, and a plurality of vents is
connected to the plenum and can release pressure from the plenum
upon actuation. A controller connected to the vents and sensors
performs the following steps: (a) measure the pressure from a
sensor in the plurality of sensors; and (b) if the measured
pressure is greater than a preset set point pressure, then
actuating a vent from the plurality of vents to release
pressure.
[0011] The number of fans need not be not equal to the number of
sensors or the number of vents. The vent may be a vent valve or an
inlet fan damper.
[0012] The actuation of the vent by the controller may be for a
preset time period, or until a second preset set point is reached.
The controller step (b) may be delayed until the controller
confirms that the preset set point has been reached, which may be
helpful during the startup of the apparatus.
[0013] Additional aspects, alternatives and variations, as would be
apparent to persons of skill in the art, are also disclosed herein
and are specifically contemplated as included as part of the
invention. The invention is set forth only in the claims as allowed
by the patent office in this or related applications, and the
following summary descriptions of certain examples are not in any
way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal
protection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following figures. The components within the figures are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly
illustrating example aspects of the invention. In the figures, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
different views. It may be understood that certain components and
details may not appear in the figures to assist in more clearly
describing the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a pressure v. flowrate curve showing the fan
instability region.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a pressure v. flowrate curve with a pressure set
point that maintains the fan in the optimal region.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of an aquatic sports amusement
apparatus with a plurality of chambers with the improvements
disclosed here.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a top view of a single fan connected to a single
chamber.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a side cross-section view of FIG. 4A.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for
detecting the pressure in the plenum and controlling operation of
the vent valve, or alternatively the fan/fan inlet dampers,
according to the pressure set point.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the set point implementation
method.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the startup method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the
present invention, including any best modes contemplated by the
inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific
embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the
invention is described in conjunction with these specific
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit
the invention to the described or illustrated embodiments. To the
contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present
invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific
details. In other instances, process operations well known to
persons of skill in the art have not been described in detail in
order not to obscure unnecessarily the present invention. Various
techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes
be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be
noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a
technique or multiple mechanisms unless noted otherwise. Similarly,
various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not
necessarily performed in the order indicated, or performed at all
in certain embodiments. Accordingly, some implementations of the
methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those
shown or described. Further, the techniques and mechanisms of the
present invention will sometimes describe a connection,
relationship or communication between two or more entities. It
should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities
does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a
variety of other entities or processes may reside or occur between
any two entities. Consequently, an indicated connection does not
necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise
noted.
[0025] The following list of example features corresponds with
attached figures and is provided for ease of reference, where like
reference numerals designate corresponding features throughout the
specification and figures:
[0026] Fan 10
[0027] Plenum 15
[0028] Chamber 20
[0029] Pool 25
[0030] Exhaust Valve 30
[0031] Vent Valve 35
[0032] Pressure Sensor 37
[0033] Inlet Valve 40
[0034] Fan Outlet Nozzle 45
[0035] Fan Outlet Damper 50
[0036] Fan Inlet Damper 55
[0037] Fan Inlet Filter 60
[0038] Fan Inlet Isolator 65
[0039] Fan Inlet Flow Conditioner 70
[0040] Fan Pressure/Flowrate Curve 72
[0041] Fan Instability Region 75
[0042] Fan Optimal Performance Region 80
[0043] Fan Curve Position in Optimal Range 85
[0044] Movement of Fan Along Curve to Non-Optimal Region 90
[0045] Fan Curve Position in Non-Optimal Range 95
[0046] Movement of Fan Along Curve to Negative Flow Rate 100
[0047] Pressure Set Point 105
[0048] Movement of Fan Along Curve to Pressure Set Point 106
[0049] Return Movement of Fan Along Curve to Optimal Stable Range
After Venting Trigger By Pressure Set Point 107
[0050] Fan Energy Consumption 108
[0051] Controller 110
[0052] Set Point Implementation Method 200
[0053] Steps in Set Point Implementation Method 205-230
[0054] Startup Method 300
[0055] Steps in Startup Method 305-320
[0056] To create the air pressure needed to actuate the wave making
chambers described in the patent applications listed above, several
fans should be used. Such an aquatic sports amusement apparatus is
shown in FIG. 3, with ten fans 10 jetting air into a plenum 15, and
that pressurized air is made available to the wave making chamber
20, which can then release water into the pool 25. The plenum 15
may be a single volume that is maintained a near constant pressure.
The benefit of a single plenum 15 is that it will substantially
equalize from the plurality of fans 10 the pressure, making control
of the apparatus more reliable and robust. Also, should one fan
fail or decrease in performance, the apparatus can continue
operation by relying upon the pressure created by the other fans.
While a single plenum 15 is shown in FIG. 3, it would be apparent
that more plenums may be used. For example, two to five fans 10 may
share a single plenum 15.
[0057] While the use of a plenum has the benefits cited above, it
also has several drawbacks. The source of the problems is that a
multi-fan system can cause single fans within the system to become
unstable. Such instability has several drawbacks: (1) accurate
control of air pressure is difficult, if not impossible; (2) the
fans are inefficiently drawing power without contributing to the
needed pressure; and (3) the fans may prematurely wear.
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a pressure v. flowrate curve 71 showing a
fan's instability region 75. A fan can operate at various positions
along this curve 71. It should be noted that different fans have
different pressure v. flowrate curves. A fan's optimal region is
shown by bracket 80. In the unstable region, the fan has two
possible operating positions for the same pressure--but those
positions have significantly different flowrates. So if a fan is
operating at position 85, it is possible that the fan will move
along the curve to a non-optimal region, shown by arrow 90. If the
fan continues along the curve 72 past the origin (shown by arrow
100) the fan can actually have a negative flow rate--i.e., the fan
is turning but air is flowing in the wrong direction. Operating in
the negative flow region can cause premature wear on the fan, and
consumes power without any benefit from the fan.
[0059] When a plenum is used, it is possible for one or more fans
connected to the plenum to move into the unstable region to the
left of the curve hump. When this happens, it becomes difficult, if
not impossible, to maintain the needed air pressure in the plenum
for the proper operation of the chambers. Further, the operator
would not know which of the fans has become unstable.
[0060] To overcome this problem, the present disclosure presets a
pressure set point and a pressure relief structure to maintain the
pressure below that set point. This is shown graphically in FIG. 2,
which shows the same pressure v. flowrate curve 71 of FIG. 1. If a
fan begins at position 109, then moves along the curve to the
pressure set point 100, as shown by arrow 106, the system vents the
pressure so that the fan travels along the curve in the direction
of arrow 107--i.e., returning to the optimal fan operation
region.
[0061] Returning to FIG. 3, the various structures needed to
implement the pressure set point will now be discussed. The
apparatus includes a plurality of wave generating chambers 20 that
releases water into a pool 25. A plenum 15 is pneumatically
connected to each chamber 20, and a plurality of fans 10 is
connected to and pressurizes the plenum 15. A plurality of sensors
37 is also connected to and measures the pressure of the plenum 15.
A plurality of vents 35 is connected to and releases pressure from
the plenum 15 upon actuation. While FIG. 3 shows the same number of
vent valves 35 and pressure sensors 37 as fans 10, it will be
apparent that there need not be a one-to-one match.
[0062] But the pressure within the plenum is not uniform in all
portions of the plenum; indeed, fluctuation of greater than 5
inches of water have been measured within an operational plenum.
Therefore, fans 10 connected to particular portions of the plenum
15 may be more susceptible to going unstable. Using multiple
pressure sensors 37 and vents 35, wherein each sensor 37 and vent
40 is located near each fan 10, is a way to account for the
variations in the plenum 15 and to more effectively abate fan
instability.
[0063] FIG. 4A is a top view of a single fan 10 connected to a
single chamber 20 that releases water into the pool 25. A vent
valve 35 may vent air pressure to atmosphere. FIG. 4B is a side
cross-section view of FIG. 4A, showing the pressure sensor 37. This
view also shows additional structures, including an exhaust valve
30, inlet valve 40, fan outlet nozzle 45, fan outlet damper 50, fan
inlet damper 55, fan inlet filter 60, fan inlet isolator 65, and
fan inlet flow conditioner 70. Importantly and as discussed in more
detail below, the system may use the fan inlet damper 55 as a
structure to vent the system.
[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for
detecting the pressure in the plenum 15 and controlling the
operation of the vent valves 35, or alternatively that of the fan
inlet dampers 55, according to the pressure set point 105.
Specifically, the pressure sensors 37 are connected to a controller
110, which is also connected to the vent valves 40. The controller
110 may be a central processor with the appropriate algorithms to
detect the set point pressure and to open the valves
accordingly.
[0065] In preexisting systems, it may not be practical to modify
the plenum 15 with vent valves 37. It may instead be more practical
to control the operation of the fan 10 and its attendant inlet
damper 55. For example, the inlet damper 55 may be comprised of
variable vanes, which may be adjusted to actually allow air to flow
in reverse through the fan--thus venting the plenum 15.
[0066] Determining the set point pressure will be a function of the
unique characteristics of the wave making apparatus. Many variables
may affect the proper selection of the set point pressure
including, but not limited to: the number of fans, the type of
fans, and the fluid dynamic flow of the air within the plenum from
the fans to the chambers. Therefore, the set point pressure may be
set by trial and error for a particular apparatus.
[0067] The set point implementation method 200 is shown in FIG. 6.
For each pressure sensor 37, the controller 110 measures the
pressure in step 205. If the measured pressure is greater than or
equal to the set point pressure (step 210), then the controller 110
actuates the vent valve 35 in step 215. At this point, the system
may continue venting for a predetermined time (step 220), such that
the pressure will drop back into the optimal and stable region of
the curve. Alternatively, the system may continue measuring the
pressure (step 225) until the measure pressure is less than or
equal to a second set point pressure--e.g. the set point pressure
minus a margin pressure (step 230). The second set point pressure
may be set based on the particulars of the system, such that the
pressure returns to the optimal and stable region of the curve.
Moreover, the second set point pressure (or the predetermined time
period) should be set such that the system is pushed far enough
away from the set point pressure to avoid a constant set point
triggering. In other words, if the second set point pressure (or
the predetermined time period) is not appropriately set, the system
may trigger the set point too frequently.
[0068] Also, the system may not implement the set point pressure
until the system is started up and operational. This avoids the set
point pressure from triggering on the left side of the curve
hump--see FIGS. 1 and 2. By delaying the implementation of the set
point pressure until the system is warmed up--i.e., operating with
reasonable certainty in the region to the right of the curve
hump--the set point pressure venting will move the operation of the
fan along the curve to the right.
[0069] The system may also record the historical pressures within
the plenum upon startup, and those pressures should increase to a
maximum and then decrease as the fans travel along the curve--see
FIGS. 1 and 2. Based on the measured historical values, the system
begins the pressure set point venting after the measured pressure
has passed the peak of the curve hump, or, more preferably, when
the measured pressure reaches the set point pressure to the right
of the curve hump. A startup method 300 is shown in FIG. 7. For
each pressure sensor 37, the controller 110 measures the pressure
in step 305. If the measured pressure has peaked (step 310), then
the system may begin the set point implementation method at step
315. Implementing the pressure set point method immediately after
the hump, however, may be sub-optimal. It is possible that the
system retreats to the left of the curve hump. Instead, it may be
preferred to continue measuring the pressure after the pressure has
peaked and has reached the set point pressure (i.e., to the right
of the curve hump), as shown in step 320.
[0070] The system may also associate a particular pressure sensor
37 with a particular vent valve 40. As described above, the
variation in pressure can be significant across the plenum 15;
therefore, exceeding the set point pressure may be a localized
issue within the plenum 15. To optimize the system, associating or
pairing a sensor or group of sensors 37 with a vent valve or group
of vent valves 40 could target venting the plenum 15 in the
localized area. And because the vent valve 40 is optimally located
near the fan 10, such venting will ensure that the fans experience
the appropriate pressure and stay in the optimal region of the
pressure v. flowrate curve. The controller 110, therefore, may
perform the set point implementation method 200 on a pressure
sensor/vent valve associated complex, such that the when the
pressure of a sensor 37 exceeds the set point pressure (step 210),
the controller in step 215 actuates the particular vent valve 40
associated with the sensor 37 that is reporting the exceeded
pressure. Likewise, the step 225 and 230 may be done using the
sensor/vent valve associated complex. Similarly, the startup method
300 may begin implementing the set point implementation method 200
in a sensor-by-sensor manner--which again reflects the reality that
the plenum 15 is not at a uniform pressure throughout.
[0071] The above description of the disclosed example embodiments
is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use
the invention. Various modifications to these example embodiments
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the
generic principles described herein can be applied to other example
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and
drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred example
embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the
subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present
invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present
invention fully encompasses other example embodiments that may
become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of
the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than
the appended claims.
* * * * *