Hinged Folding Roof Panels Suspended by Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable roofs for large buildings, such as stadiums, are not capable of supporting heavy snowfall while maintaining a lightweight structure, and they often require complex and costly installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight retractable roof system featuring hinged folding panel structures suspended by cables, with a motorized tackle wire system for rapid opening and closing, allowing for efficient snow load distribution and easy retrofitting onto existing buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a lightweight structure is used for the retractable roof, then the weight is reduced, but the ability to support heavy snowfall is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is divided into multiple panel structures that can be independently folded and positioned. Each panel is supported by cables suspended to a high structure, allowing the load to be distributed across multiple segments rather than requiring a single heavy support structure. This segmentation enables the lightweight design to accommodate snow loads through distributed cable support.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables serve as intermediary elements between the lightweight panel structures and the high structure. These cables transfer and distribute the snow loads from the panels to the supporting high structure, enabling the panels to remain lightweight while still supporting heavy snowfall through the mediating cable system.
2Strength
If a complex supporting cable arrangement is used to support heavy snowfall, then the snow load capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structures are designed to be dynamic, capable of folding and unfolding through hinge connections. The cable arrangement works in conjunction with this dynamic movement, allowing the panels to be raised and lowered smoothly. This dynamic design simplifies the cable arrangement compared to static support systems, as the cables work with the motion rather than constraining it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical support arrangements with a simpler cable suspension system. Instead of using heavy mechanical beams or rigid supports, the invention uses flexible cables suspended to a high structure to provide support. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining snow load support capacity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional retractable roof mechanisms are used, then the opening and closing function is achieved, but the operation time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is segmented into multiple panels that can be folded independently, allowing for faster operation. Each panel can be raised or lowered separately through the hinge connections, enabling the entire roof to open or close more quickly compared to monolithic designs. The segmented structure reduces the overall operation time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic hinge connections and cable suspension system enable rapid movement of the panels. The flexible cable arrangement allows the panels to move freely and quickly without the constraints of rigid mechanical linkages. This dynamic design significantly reduces the opening and closing time while maintaining operational ease.
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 system enables rapid and efficient opening and closing of the roof, can support heavy snow loads by distributing weight through cables, and can be easily integrated into existing building structures, addressing the limitations of current retractable roof technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a second distal end of the second panel structure being suspended to the high structure with a distal end cable connected to a distal motorized winch member
Implementation Method 2
a winch mechanism connecting to the tackle member to control a wire length of the wire side
Implementation Method 3
first panel structure having a first proximal end being hingeably mountable on the supporting frame at a proximal hinge member and a first distal end hingeably connecting to a second proximal end of the second panel structure at a distal hinge member
Data Source
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AI summary
A retractable roof for a building having a supporting frame and a high structure extending vertically above the supporting frame. The roof has at least one structure section with first and second panels. The first panel is hingeably mounted on the supporting frame at a proximal hinge and the second panel is hingeably mounted on the first panel at a distal hinge. A distal end of the second panel is suspended to the high structure with a distal cable connected to a distal motorized winch. A tackle member connects to both first and second panels adjacent the proximal hinge and the distal end, respectively, and includes a tackle wire that forms a wire side of a triangular cross-sectional shape with the first and second panels. The tackle wire connects to a winch mechanism to control a length of the wire side.