Rotatable Cover Track System with Non-Rotational Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering systems for objects like boats lack efficiency in manipulation between installed and uninstalled positions, especially without a preexisting overhead structure, making them difficult to move and store effectively.
Innovation Solution
A covering system comprising translational members along a track suspended from rotatable hangers, which can be rotated between a covering and stored position, allowing for easy installation, use, and disassembly, with a non-rotational track support for additional stability and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a covering system is designed to be movable and easily manipulated between installed and uninstalled positions, then ease of operation and storage are improved, but structural complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The covering system is divided into separate functional modules: hangers that can be independently mounted to structures, tracks that can be assembled in sections, and covers that can be detached. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler in design while the overall system achieves the desired mobility and ease of operation through modular assembly and disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a covering system is designed without requiring preexisting overhead structures, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but the need for additional mounting structures increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hangers are designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow them to be attached to various types of structures (trees, poles, buildings, temporary frames) without requiring specialized overhead infrastructure. The hangers serve multiple functions: structural support, rotational movement for cover manipulation, and adaptable mounting to different surface types, thereby reducing the need for location-specific custom structures.
3Ease of operation
If the track is made rotatable to facilitate storage, then ease of operation and storage are improved, but stability during cover manipulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger-track assembly incorporates controlled rotational capability that allows the system to transition between static (stable during cover manipulation) and dynamic (rotatable for storage and retrieval) states. The rotational mechanism is designed to maintain stability during normal operation while enabling easy repositioning and storage when needed, achieving both stability and ease of operation through dynamic adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for covering and uncovering a desired object. Particular embodiments include a covering system comprising: a cover operably connected to a plurality of translational members translationally positioned along a track suspended above the cover, the track being operably attached to two or more hangers, each of the two or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an outwardly extending portion, the track being operably attached to the outwardly extending portion and suspended below the outwardly extending portion of the hanger; and, a non-rotational track support configured for releasable connection to the track and extending from below the track.