Deployable Canopy Cable Control for Clear Sight Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures that provide covered protection in large outdoor spaces often obstruct sight lines and are not aesthetically compatible with themed environments, making them undesirable for use in places like theme parks and stadiums.
Innovation Solution
A deployable canopy system with a canopy, cables, and columns featuring drive assemblies that can wind-in, wind-out, or hold cables to deploy or retract the canopy to various positions, allowing it to provide covered protection when needed and retract when not needed, while minimizing sight line obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent roof structure is constructed to provide covered protection, then protection from adverse environmental conditions is improved, but sight lines and aesthetic compatibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static permanent roof into a dynamic deployable canopy system. The canopy can be deployed to provide protection from sun and rain, and retracted to restore sight lines and aesthetic appearance. The coordinated control of multiple cables and drive assemblies enables the canopy to transition between deployed and retracted states, allowing the structure to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between providing protection and maintaining aesthetic compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the structural parameters of the support system. Instead of using traditional permanent columns, the system employs cable-supported architecture where cables can be tensioned and relaxed to adjust the canopy's position. The drive assemblies modify cable length parameters dynamically, enabling the canopy to move between positions while maintaining structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between protection provision and aesthetic compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable canopy system is implemented to maintain aesthetic compatibility and sight lines, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the columns to serve multiple functions. Each column contains both structural support elements and drive assemblies, eliminating the need for separate mechanical rooms or equipment structures. The columns simultaneously provide architectural support, house the cable winding mechanisms, and serve as aesthetic elements that blend with the themed environment. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the drive assemblies and cable storage mechanisms within the column structures themselves. The mechanical components are nested inside the architectural columns, which also contain the inner chambers for cable storage. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into single structural elements, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining the deployable functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to support the canopy for flexible positioning, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the control functions for multiple cables into integrated drive assemblies located at each column. Rather than having separate control systems for each cable, the drive assemblies are coordinated to work together as a unified system. The controller synchronizes the operation of all drive assemblies, merging the control logic into a coordinated system that manages cable tension and canopy positioning collectively, thus reducing control complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The canopy system offers flexible deployment and retraction based on environmental conditions, maintaining guest experience by providing covered protection without obstructing sight lines and can be strategically moved for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly arranged to wind-in or wind-out a cable connected to a corner of the canopy
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy system includes a canopy, cables respectively connected to the canopy, and a plurality of columns spaced from one another. The columns include a canopy column and at least two cable columns. Each column has a drive assembly arranged to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables. The drive assemblies are controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place their respective ones of the cables to deploy or retract the canopy to one of a plurality of positions, including a deployed position in which the canopy provides covered protection and a retracted position in which the canopy is, at least in part, retracted within an inner chamber defined by the canopy column.