A Retractable Small-Span Roof Based on Thin-Walled Lightweight Spatial Units

摘要

This paper presents a concept for a low-cost, lightweight, small-span retractable roof, which retracts in a concertina manner. The roof is made of spatial units arranged in pairs, whose motion is coupled by edge pantographs. It is envisaged that thin-walled, high-stiffness composite panels, connected by hinges along the crest and valley lines, would be used for these units. The roof consists of two separate parts that move in opposite directions. Deployment and retraction are controlled by electric motors placed along the roof long sides. When the roof retraction is completed, about two thirds of the covered floor area become exposed to open air.