Compact Parking Robot Layout for Light Vehicle Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking robots are too large to enter the limited space between the wheels of vehicles, particularly light vehicles with small entrance spaces, making it difficult to manage and park such vehicles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The parking robot is designed with modularized components, including a first drive module, a second drive module, a first lifting module, and a second lifting module, which are compactly disposed to allow the robot to enter the lower sides of vehicles and lift them for parking, while a caster unit supports the robot from the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the parking robot includes a lifting device, drive device, and battery, then it can perform vehicle lifting and conveyance functions, but the entire size of the parking robot is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is disposed inside the conveyance mechanism, with the lifting device including a lifting plate that can be nested within the conveyance mechanism structure. This nesting arrangement allows the robot to maintain both lifting and conveyance capabilities while minimizing overall volume when not in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the lifting device in the vertical dimension within the conveyance mechanism structure. The lifting plate can be raised and lowered within the vertical space of the conveyance mechanism, effectively using three-dimensional space to accommodate multiple functions without increasing horizontal footprint.
2Length of moving object
If the parking robot is designed to be compact to enter vehicle lower spaces, then it can access light vehicles with small entrance spaces, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device and conveyance mechanism are merged into a single integrated structure. The lifting device is disposed inside the conveyance mechanism, sharing structural components and space. This merging reduces overall size while avoiding the need for separate, complex systems for lifting and conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance mechanism serves dual functions: it acts as both the conveyance structure for moving vehicles and as the housing/structure for the lifting device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Length of moving object
If the parking robot size is reduced to enter vehicle lower spaces, then it can access light vehicles, but reliability may be compromised when lifting heavy vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is nested within the conveyance mechanism, allowing the compact robot to maintain full lifting capability. The lifting plate is positioned to directly contact the vehicle, and the lifting force is transmitted through the nested structure to the conveyance mechanism, ensuring reliable lifting despite the compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting plate includes contact portions with curved surfaces that conform to the shape of vehicle components being lifted. This curvature design increases the contact area and distributes lifting forces more evenly, enhancing reliability when lifting heavy vehicles through the compact lifting device.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a parking robot and a method of operating the same. A parking robot according to the present embodiment may include a first drive module including first driving wheels, a second drive module including second driving wheels and provided rearward of the first drive module, a first lifting module disposed between the first drive module and the second drive module, and a second lifting module provided at one side of the first lifting module, in which the second lifting module includes a caster unit having a caster wheel supported from a ground surface together with the first driving wheels and the second driving wheels.