Automated covering system

摘要

A covering system includes a flexible, web-like membrane having first and second portions. A first cross support is connected to the first portion of the membrane, and a second cross support is connected to the second portion of the membrane. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the second cross support relative to the first cross support so that the membrane is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a force multiplication mechanism for facilitating a longitudinal tensile stress application to the membrane when it is in the second, deployed position. A transverse tensioning mechanism that includes a catenary linkage is also provided for tensioning the membrane in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

主权项

1. A covering system, comprising:
a flexible, web-like membrane having first and second portions; a first cross support connected to the first portion of the membrane; a second cross support connected to the second portion of the membrane; and a drive mechanism for moving the second cross support relative to the first cross support so that the membrane is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position, and wherein the drive mechanism includes a force multiplication mechanism for facilitating a stress application to the membrane when in the second, deployed position wherein the force multiplication mechanism comprises a flexible drive member and a plurality of pulleys, and wherein the flexible drive member is configured to form more than one loop, thereby creating a force multiplication effect.