The parking structures team has designed a retractable structure that provides shade for the parking lot.

               In the summer months, the sun often heats cars to unbearable temperatures. The primary goal of the project is to keep the temperatures in cars at a moderately comfortable range. In the beginning, the designers also looked at ways of giving it a secondary function, such as rain collection or solar power. In the end, they decided to focus on the primary goal of our project because of the multiple engineering challenges already associated with shading a large area.

               Once the team decided on this concept, they devised multiple initial sketches. These included a caterpillar style tent, a triangular canopy, and a large square tent with a rain hole which could cover four spots. The latter was the basis for our first prototype. It was surprisingly simple to produce, but the supports presented a potential hazard for many of the less experienced drivers at this school. After the triangular canopy was produced, the team was not satisfied with the amount of shade it provided. The design committee ultimately decided to further explore the retractable square canopy.

               After meticulous prototyping, Dr. Jiang realized that the project had a critical flaw; the amount of torque required to raise the canopy. At first, this issue was perceived as a fundamental flaw. However, after a few days, a preliminary solution was in sight. This was to attach the rigging to the opposite end of the canopy beams. This made it possible to raise the canopy, but it was not ideal. Then, the designers added extensions to the ends of the beams at perpendicular angles. This provided the optimal angle for the force applied to the rigging. The combination of portability and effectiveness of the parking canopy makes it an ideal solution to the heat problem present in the school’s parking lots.