Deployable Canopy with Translating Members for Tensioned Spooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for retracting or deploying screens, fabrics, and canopies often struggle with maintaining material tension, making spooling difficult or impossible due to the need for rigid support members.
Innovation Solution
A deployable canopy apparatus featuring a spool rod, canopy rails with channels and slits, translating members, and a translation drive assembly that allows for tensioned deployment and easy retraction, utilizing spring rods for retaining the canopy in a taut position while enabling smooth spooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support members are used to hold the canopy in place and apply tension, then the canopy stability and rigidity are improved, but the spooling operation becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from static rigid support members to dynamic translating members that move along the canopy rails. The translating members can be positioned at different locations along the rails to provide tension at various stages of deployment, enabling both stable canopy support and smooth spooling operation. The members translate rather than remain fixed, adapting their position as the canopy deploys or retracts.
2Speed
If the translating members are positioned closer to the free ends of the canopy rails, then the canopy deployment speed is improved, but the mechanical advantage for spooling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The translating members dynamically adjust their positions along the canopy rails based on the deployment stage. During rapid deployment, members are positioned near free ends for speed. During spooling operations, members translate to positions providing better mechanical advantage. This dynamic repositioning resolves the trade-off between deployment speed and spooling force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple translating members are used to provide tension at different locations, then the canopy tension distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each translating member is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple roles: providing tension, guiding canopy movement, and potentially storing energy. By making each member universal rather than specialized, the system achieves good tension distribution with fewer components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining performance.
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
Enables convenient retraction and deployment of canopies while maintaining tension, facilitating easy spooling and allowing for removable and adjustable canopy configurations.
Implementation Method 1
retaining members extending through the canopy loops and secured within the canopy rail channels
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable canopy apparatus includes canopy rails having a first, free end and a second end proximal to a spool rod. The canopy rails include a channel and a slit extending along the length of the canopy rail. A canopy is secured to the spool rod and secured to a translating member that extends between the canopy rails. The canopy has a first and a second side defining a loop housed in the canopy rails through the slits. Retaining members extend through the canopy loops and are secured within the canopy rail channels. A translation drive assembly is configured to translate the first translating member between the first and second ends of the canopy rails and spool or unspool the canopy from the spool rod.