The project
Dropmatic was developed ad hoc for Enel Green Power, for application in the Oil & Gas sector. The innovative tarpaulin system is now mounted on a vehicle for geological prospecting used in the geothermal energy field.
The challenge
The original vehicle was fitted with a manually-operated tarpaulin, disconnected from the body profile in order to adapt to the angled shape of the technical compartment. Opening and closing the cover required manual intervention by the operator from inside the technical compartment, with the safety risks of not having a defined track.
Our challenge? To design an automatic cover that is perfectly integrated with the body and can be operated remotely in full safety for the operator.
The solution
Dropmatic, a fully automated tarpaulin system, with manual operation possible in case of emergency.
The structure uses two shaped guides at the sides, which eliminate corners and allow continuous opening and closing operation. The tarpaulin made up of two joined tarpaulins, each operated in different ways:
- active movement with electro-elastic operation (upper tarpaulin);
- semi-passive gravity movement (lower tarpaulin).
Advantages
- Fully automatic system, with the possibility of manual auxiliary operation.
- Safe operation from the ground or from inside the vehicle.
- Structure perfectly integrated with the shape of the technical compartment.
Patented technology
The structure features innovative Cramaro patented “self-lifting” pantographs with elastic return to facilitate the extension of the tarpaulin. Thanks to the elastic force, the tarpaulin can be extended without the need for external action or force.