Tension release system

A tensioning system for a shade structure, configured to fit inside a structural component of the shade structure, the tensioning system comprising:

• a coupling mechanism, configured to couple to a shade membrane;
• a threaded member configured to, when actuated, move the coupling mechanism along an axis defined by the threaded member;
• and
• wherein the structural component comprises a slot, and wherein the coupling mechanism extends through the slot.

A shade assembly with removable shade membranes, the shade assembly configured for installation in an outdoor environment, the shade assembly comprising:

• a plurality of shade membranes, each with a corner;
• a plurality of tensioning mechanisms, each configured to couple to a corner through a coupling mechanism;
• wherein each of the tensioning mechanisms comprise a threaded membrane configured to extend at least partially through an internal sleeve of the tensioning mechanism, and wherein the threaded membrane is coupled to the coupling mechanism by a fastener;
• and
• wherein each threaded membrane is configured to be actuated, in a first direction, to apply tension to a coupled shade membrane, and, in a second direction, to remove tension from the coupled shade membrane.