AGV Parking Bay Pre-Configuration for Faster Vehicle Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking garages face challenges in increasing vehicle density due to limitations from human valets and mechanical systems, which result in longer retrieval times for vehicles, especially in urban areas where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A parking system utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and bays that can be configured into insert-ready and retrieve-ready states based on collected data, allowing for efficient tray management and vehicle placement, reducing the need for human intervention and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If human valets are used to manually park vehicles in tight configurations, then parking density is improved, but retrieval time increases due to manual operations and steering limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human valets with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that use computer control and automated steering systems. The AGVs are equipped with sensors, controllers, and automated maneuvering capabilities that eliminate manual operation limitations, allowing both high-density parking and efficient vehicle retrieval without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicles to be parked and retrieved through automated processes where the AGV independently navigates, positions, and secures vehicles in parking bays. The AGVs self-coordinate their movements and automatically manage the parking workflow, eliminating the need for human valet services while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If mechanical parking systems such as stackers or rack and rail systems are installed, then parking density is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parking system into independent modular AGV units, each capable of autonomous operation. Instead of one large mechanical system, multiple smaller AGVs work independently to park and retrieve vehicles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high parking density through coordinated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, software-controlled AGVs instead of fixed mechanical structures. The AGVs can adapt their paths, speeds, and maneuvers in real-time based on system conditions, providing flexibility that rigid mechanical systems cannot achieve while maintaining high density through optimized space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If vehicles are parked in tight configurations, then parking density is improved, but retrieval time increases due to multiple vehicle movements required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions vehicles in optimized parking configurations when they are first parked, considering future retrieval needs. The AGV system records vehicle locations and plans retrieval paths in advance, allowing vehicles to be stored in dense arrangements while ensuring that retrieval operations can proceed efficiently without requiring excessive vehicle movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle locations, bay availability, and retrieval requests, using this feedback to dynamically optimize parking assignments and retrieval sequences. The control system adjusts vehicle positioning and AGV routing in real-time to minimize retrieval time while maintaining high parking density, adapting to changing conditions as new vehicles arrive or depart.
Data Source
AI summary
A parking system including a plurality of trays, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) configured to transport the plurality of trays, a plurality of bays, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a bay configuration ratio based on collected parking data, each bay being configured into one of an insert-ready state and a retrieve-ready state in accordance with the bay configuration ratio. When a bay is in the insert-ready state, a tray is placed within the bay and an outward-facing door of the bay is in an open position. When a bay is in the retrieve-ready state, the outward-facing door of the bay is in a closed position, an inward-facing door of the bay is in an open position, and no tray is positioned within the bay.