Wave Rider

Temecula Pediatric Dentistry
Temecula, CA 2011
This sculpture is installed in the waiting area of Temecula Pediatric Dentistry in Temecula, California, and features a pinnacle event that occurs periodically and consistently throughout the day.  As the track switches disperse the balls through the sculpture, every fourth ball lands in a ball queue at the top.  Once the ball queue is filled with 10 balls, the 11th ball takes an alternate path to trigger the release of the 10 balls waiting in queue.  One at a time, they zoom down the track and jump high through the air, landing in a basket and rolling on their way.  Back at the top of the sculpture, the next ball arrives in the empty ball queue to start the cycle over.  Other tracks send the balls through spirals and zooming around loops in constant motion throughout the day.

Other unique features of this sculpture are the curved frame and the curved chain lift.  The frame is made out of bent and welded stainless tubing.   The shape depicts a cresting wave and water lapping against a beach.  The chain lift follows the shape of a cresting wave.    

This sculpture features:
  • Wall-mounted design,  48” tall, 60” long, and 12” deep.
  • Continuously running during operating hours.
  • Two track switches and three tracks
  • Pinnacle event: after 10 balls collect on the track, they automatically release in succession to a jump over track and into a basket.
  • Wave and water inspired structural theming.
  • Unique curved chain lift designed to follow the curves of a cresting wave.
The Wave Rider Rolling Ball Sculpture as seen by kids at Temecula Pediatric Dentistry, Temecula, California
The waiting area is an interesting place to be now.
During build-out, a custom enclosure was built into the wall to house the sculpture.  The sculpture is isolated from the walls with dampers to prevent the wall from transmitting the sounds from inside the case.   The isolation system works great and hardly produces any noise.   It is a great-looking and popular addition to the space.
Wave Rider looks great in the Waiting room
Wave Rider coordinates with the shapes, materials, and colors of the waiting area, greeting people as they come in. (Notice the fun kid's door next to the full-sized door!!)
Picture
The Wave Rider Rolling Ball Sculpture mimicks the imagery of a wave crashing on a beach.
The Wave Rider Rolling Ball Sculpture in action.
Two balls jump through the air as a flurry of activity occurs during the pinnacle.
Wave Rider rolling ball sculpture with curved chain lift
Wave Rider's curved chain lift creates the shape of a crashing wave.
A Ball rests on a stainless steel track of Wave Rider Rolling Ball Sculpture
A blue ball rests on the polished stainless steel track.

Details about the curved chain lift can be found in the Basic Lifting Mechanisms page.   

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