Automated Parking Structure Vertical Stacking for Urban Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban areas face challenges with pollution and congestion due to individual vehicle traffic, and public transportation systems are often inadequate, leading to a reliance on private vehicles, which are costly and inefficient in terms of space and time.
Innovation Solution
A system of autonomous vehicles with automated parking structures, such as 'Noria' type vertical displacement systems, is introduced to complement public transportation networks, allowing users to access and return vehicles quickly and efficiently near transit stations, reducing the need for personal vehicles and promoting the use of public transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional multi-story parking structures are built to accommodate private vehicles, then vehicle storage capacity increases, but land consumption increases and construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking of parking levels to utilize the third dimension (height) rather than expanding horizontally. Multiple parking floors are arranged vertically above each other, allowing many vehicles to be stored in a compact footprint. This dimensional transition from 2D to 3D space resolution directly addresses the contradiction between vehicle storage capacity and land consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking structure implements a nested configuration where multiple parking floors are contained within a single building envelope. Each floor is nested within the structural framework of the building, with vehicles parked on different levels occupying the same horizontal footprint sequentially. This nesting approach maximizes vehicle storage density while minimizing the overall land area required.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional multi-story parking structures are built, then vehicle storage capacity increases, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from horizontal expansion to vertical stacking, the patent reduces the total construction volume and material requirements. The building footprint is minimized, leading to lower costs for land acquisition, structural framework, and finishing materials. The vertical arrangement allows for more efficient use of construction resources while achieving higher vehicle storage capacity.
3Ease of operation
If private vehicles are used for transportation, then accessibility to destinations is improved, but pollution increases and congestion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service transportation through automated vehicles that operate autonomously without requiring a dedicated driver. The vehicles navigate, park, and transport passengers automatically based on programmed routes and real-time demand. This self-service capability enables widespread accessibility while reducing the number of human-driven vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing pollution and congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of human-operated vehicles with automated vehicle systems. The substitution of human drivers with automated control systems eliminates the need for extensive driver training, reduces human error, and allows for more efficient vehicle utilization. This mechanical substitution contributes to reduced pollution and congestion while maintaining or improving transportation accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If public transportation networks are expanded to serve peripheral areas, then transportation coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation system is segmented into multiple independent automated vehicles that can operate autonomously across different routes and zones. Rather than requiring a single integrated public transportation network, the system uses divided, modular vehicle units that can be deployed to specific areas as needed. This segmentation reduces the overall system cost while maintaining extensive transportation coverage through flexible, on-demand service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic routing and scheduling for automated vehicles, allowing routes to be adjusted in real-time based on demand patterns. Vehicles can dynamically change their operational paths and service areas to match current transportation needs, providing adaptability to peripheral areas without requiring permanent, fixed infrastructure. This dynamic approach reduces system cost while maintaining versatile transportation coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for the collective transport of people using a plurality of vehicles within a urban territory equipped with parking structures near transfer stations. Each parking structure comprises boxes for parking available vehicles in rows that provide a handling platform comprising a return area in front of a first row and a pick-up area in front of a second row. A mechanism displaces the boxes and brings, at the level of the handling platform, an empty box and an occupied box. The vehicle is thereafter advanced from the occupied box onto the pick-up area and taken therefrom. The vehicle is thereafter brought to the return area of a second parking structure, advanced and introduced in the empty box thereof. The empty box thereafter containing the vehicle is raised by the mechanism and replaced by a second empty box ready to receive a further vehicle.