Deployable Canopy With Movable Ribs for Adaptive Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather protection devices for public spaces, such as theme and amusement parks, fail to provide selective shading, hide when not needed, and integrate with architectural themes, often blocking sightlines or requiring significant upkeep.
Innovation Solution
A deployable shading structure system with a flexible, air and water permeable canopy that can be automatically deployed and retracted based on sensor data, using a canopy support assembly with ribs that change stiffness and a controller to manage deployment stages, allowing for partial or full shading and integration with surrounding features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed awning is used to provide shading, then weather protection is provided, but sightlines are blocked and the structure is fixed in location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a deployable canopy structure that can transition between retracted and deployed states. The canopy is supported by movable ribs that allow it to be extended when shading is needed and retracted when sightlines are prioritized, resolving the contradiction between providing weather protection and maintaining clear views.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy structure is divided into multiple segments including a canopy portion and support ribs that can move independently. This segmentation allows the shading structure to be selectively deployed in specific directions and configurations, enabling both shading and sightline requirements to be met through selective positioning of individual segments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If trees are planted to provide shading, then weather protection is provided, but ongoing upkeep is required and sightlines are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a manufactured canopy structure that replaces natural trees for shading purposes. While the canopy requires deployment and retraction mechanisms, it eliminates the ongoing maintenance needs of living trees such as pruning, watering, and disease management, offering a more manageable long-term solution despite the mechanical systems required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a roof is installed to cover large spaces, then weather protection is provided, but visitors feel enclosed and views are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable canopy provides weather protection only when and where needed, rather than creating a permanent enclosed structure. The ability to retract the canopy completely opens up the space, maintaining the outdoor feel and unobstructed views, while still offering protection during sunny or rainy conditions when deployed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If umbrellas are provided for individual shading, then portability is achieved, but manual deployment is required and individual setup is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy system incorporates automated deployment and retraction capabilities through motorized or sensor-driven mechanisms. The structure can be deployed or retracted automatically based on environmental conditions or user input, eliminating the need for manual setup and takedown that individual umbrellas require, while still providing flexible, movable shading.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the canopy is made opaque to block sunlight, then shading effectiveness is improved, but air and water permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the canopy be made from a porous or mesh-like material that allows air and water to pass through while still providing effective sunlight blocking. This porous construction enables the canopy to function as a shade structure without behaving like a sail in wind or accumulating rain, maintaining breathability and drainage capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing weather protection including shading in an automated and selective manner. The system includes an enclosure with an inner chamber and an outlet to the inner chamber. The system also includes a canopy and a deploy and retract assembly, which includes a canopy support assembly supporting the canopy. The deploy and retract assembly operates to move the canopy support assembly to move the canopy into the inner chamber and out of the inner chamber. The system further includes a controller generating control signals to operate the deploy and retract assembly. Specifically, this assembly is configured to retract the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet into the inner chamber and further is configured to deploy the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet to be at least partially outside of the inner chamber.