Automated Parking AGVs Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking garages are inefficient in maximizing parking space due to 'dead space' from ramps and aisles, and existing automated systems require multiple vehicle transfers and long distances for parking, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated parking system with vertically stacked cubicles and independently movable AGVs equipped with drive sprockets or gears that allow horizontal and vertical movement, using self-loading and off-loading trays to minimize transfer distances and aisle space, enabling direct vehicle handling and efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional parking garage designs are used with ramps and driving lanes, then vehicles can be accessed and maneuvered, but a large amount of dead space is created that cannot be used for parking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal parking arrangements to vertical stacking of parking platforms, utilizing the third dimension (height) to increase parking capacity. Multiple platforms are stacked vertically and accessed by elevators, transforming the conventional 2D parking layout into a 3D structure that maximizes land use efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the conventional ramp and driving lane structures from the parking system. Instead of integrating vehicle access routes within the parking structure, the invention separates the parking storage function from the vehicle access function, using elevators to transport vehicles between platforms rather than using inclined ramps.
2Area of stationary object
If continuous chain systems with multiple platforms are used to store vehicles vertically, then parking density increases, but retrieving a vehicle requires moving the entire chain length
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous chain system is divided into discrete, independently movable platforms. Each platform can be positioned and stopped at different vertical levels, allowing individual vehicle access without moving the entire system. This segmentation enables selective retrieval of vehicles from specific platforms without affecting other parked vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static continuous chain to dynamically controllable individual platforms. Each platform can independently move to required positions and stop, allowing flexible and efficient vehicle retrieval. The dynamic control system enables platforms to be positioned precisely where needed, minimizing retrieval time.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple transfer devices (platforms and elevators) are used to move vehicles into parking bins, then vertical storage is achieved, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle transport and parking functions into a single integrated platform system. The same platform that transports vehicles vertically also serves as the parking location, eliminating the need for separate transfer devices between elevators and parking bins. Vehicles are parked directly on the platforms where they are transported.
Solution Approach 2:
The platforms serve multiple functions: they act as transport carriers for moving vehicles between levels, serve as temporary holding areas, and function as the final parking location. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated transfer equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
4Volume of moving object
If vehicles are transferred lengthwise into parking bins over long distances, then vertical storage is achieved, but the transfer distance increases to twenty-five feet or more
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transferring vehicles lengthwise along horizontal paths, the system utilizes vertical movement to position vehicles. By stacking platforms vertically and using vertical elevators, the transfer distance is converted from horizontal to vertical dimension, reducing the overall path length required for parking operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system maximizes parking space by reducing aisle size and eliminating the need for additional transfer equipment, allowing multiple AGVs to operate simultaneously and efficiently manage vehicle entry and exit within a given footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the AGVs are independently movable and have sets of drive sprockets or gears that permit the vehicles to ascend and descend the vertical stacks of cubicles by engaging with teeth or chain or gear rack elements
Implementation Method 2
drive sprockets or gears that permit the vehicles to ascend and descend the vertical stacks of cubicles by engaging with teeth or chain or gear rack elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.