AGV Parking Garage Layout for Dense Storage and Fast Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking garages face challenges in maximizing vehicle density due to limitations from human valets and mechanical systems, leading to inefficient vehicle retrieval times and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to manage vehicle storage and retrieval, with a controller that assigns classifications to parking spaces and rearranges vehicles based on pick-up times and priority preferences, optimizing space utilization and retrieval efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vehicles are parked in tight configurations to increase parking density, then parking capacity increases, but vehicle retrieval time increases due to needing to move multiple vehicles out of the way
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively moving vehicles out of the way before the target vehicle needs to be retrieved. The controller monitors pickup times and schedules vehicle movements in advance, so that when a vehicle is needed, its path is already clear, eliminating retrieval delays without sacrificing parking density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic parking space classification that changes based on real-time conditions. Spaces are classified as blocked, partially blocked, or clear based on current vehicle arrangements and anticipated retrieval needs. This dynamic classification allows the system to optimize both parking density and retrieval efficiency by adapting the parking configuration as vehicles are added or removed.
2Quantity of substance
If human valets are used to manually park vehicles in tight configurations, then parking density increases, but operational costs increase due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where vehicles are automatically parked and retrieved without human intervention. The controller manages all parking space assignments, vehicle routing, and space classification automatically, eliminating the need for valet personnel while maintaining high parking density through automated decision-making and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical human valet system with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses sensors, processors, and communication networks to perform all functions previously done manually, including vehicle guidance, space management, and optimization algorithms, thereby eliminating labor costs while improving operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated guided vehicles are used to transport vehicles to and from parking spaces, then operational flexibility increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AGVs are designed as universal platforms that can perform multiple functions: transporting vehicles to parking spaces, retrieving vehicles from parking spaces, repositioning vehicles within the garage, and collaborating with each other to clear paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while managing system complexity through standardized vehicle designs and centralized control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A parking system including a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), a bay, and a controller. The controller is configured to send instruction to an AGV to move into the bay to receive a target vehicle in response to receiving a parking reservation from a user device, send instruction to the AGV to navigate the target vehicle to a target parking space, and send instruction to at least a subset of the AGVs to rearrange the target vehicle based on a pick up time indicated in the parking reservation.