Garage Parking Visual Alignment Panels for Straight Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking systems fail to ensure vehicles are parked straight and centered in garages, leading to potential door obstruction and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A passive visual aid comprising two colored panels with contrasting stripes that provide a continuous line indication when the vehicle is correctly aligned, allowing drivers to adjust their parking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If no visual alignment aid is used, then the garage space can be used freely without restrictions, but the vehicle cannot be parked straight and centered, leading to door obstruction and wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The visual aid is segmented into two separate panels (first panel and second panel) positioned at different locations. Each panel displays a portion of the alignment indication, and when the vehicle is correctly positioned, these segments form a continuous visual line that guides the driver to achieve precise parking alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual aid panels act as an intermediary between the driver and the parking target position. Instead of directly measuring vehicle position, the system uses visual indicators (panels with alignment markings) that mediate the alignment process, allowing the driver to indirectly assess and adjust vehicle positioning through visual feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex electronic alignment systems are used, then parking alignment precision can be improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The visual alignment system is self-service and passive, requiring no external power source or complex electronics. The panels are statically positioned and automatically provide alignment information when the vehicle enters the garage, eliminating the need for active systems while maintaining precision guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or mechanical alignment systems with a simple optical/visual system. Instead of using sensors, motors, or electronic displays, the invention uses strategically positioned visual panels that provide alignment information through their physical arrangement and visual markings, substituting complexity with simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If the vehicle is parked too close to adjacent objects, then garage space is maximized, but door opening is prevented and objects may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The visual panels provide continuous feedback to the driver about vehicle alignment and position. As the vehicle moves into the garage, the driver observes the visual indicators to determine when the vehicle is properly aligned and positioned at the optimal distance from adjacent objects, allowing real-time adjustment to avoid door obstruction and object damage while maximizing space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to be viewed by a driver to aid parking their car parallel to the walls of their garage. The driver will be able to park in exactly the same spot each time, at the desired distance from other cars, walls, or other stationary objects. This will help minimize banging car doors on objects on opening while maximizing use of space within the garage. The apparatus is installed in a fixed position in front of the driver at eye level as they sit comfortably in the driver's seat of their vehicle. As the driver drives their car into their garage to park, they are guided by visual cues from the apparatus to park the car in the same footprint on the floor each time.