Waterfall Swing

The Waterfall Swing consists of arrays of mechanical solenoids, that create a water plane falling in the path of its riders. It also operates in an alternative mode printing letters and shapes in water.

Image credit: Waterfall Swing.

How the Waterfall Swing Works:

“Water recirculates through 273 independently controlled solenoid valves at the top of the structure to create a wall of water. This water starts from a collection pool on the ground and is pumped up to a large pipe that feeds the solenoids.

Sensors mounted on the swingset gather information about the angle and speed of each swing. That information is sent to a computer that predicts the action of the rider. The computer then creates a hole in the wall of water, allowing the rider to swing through without getting wet.”

The swing is a collaborative project between Mike O’Toole, Andrew Ratcliff, Ian Charnas and Andrew Witte.