CRAWLER MECHANISM FOR LARGE MOVABLE STRUCTRURES
USA
IDOM has developed and patented an innovative mechanism to drive large movable structures, such as telescope enclosure shutters and retractable roofs.
The system is based on a set of combs with crawling movement and provides a compact and robust solution for moving large structures, whilst energy needs are highly reduced.
As an innovative solution implemented for the first time, the crawler was subjected to functional and endurance tests before being implemented in the enclosure for the DKIST, (formerly the ATST), where the crawler showed a smooth operation at solar tracking speeds as well as at maximum speed.
CLIENT:
AURA (Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy)
SCOPE:
Building & Construction
Commissioning
Design
