Multi-Directional Towing Assembly for Automated Car Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated car park systems face high energy consumption, risk of failure, and limited directional movement, leading to increased maintenance costs and inefficient use of space due to the need for multiple towing units and mono-directional platform movement.
Innovation Solution
A moving assembly with a supporting platform and dual towing units, each equipped with meshing and towing wheels, allows for movement in multiple directions by interacting with a guiding bar, providing stable and versatile platform translation with reduced energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple towing units are installed for each storage and loading positions, then the platform can be moved reliably, but the energy consumption and risk of failure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple towing units into a single integrated towing unit that serves multiple storage and loading positions. This single unit can move between different stations and tow platforms along rail guides, eliminating the need for separate towing units at each position while maintaining reliable platform movement through coordinated multi-directional towing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing unit is designed with universal functionality to operate at multiple storage and loading positions throughout the car park. It can tow platforms in various directions (forward, backward, laterally) and adapt to different station configurations, replacing the need for position-specific towing units and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If towing units move the platform along one predetermined direction only, then the system is simple to design, but the space utilization and storage/redelivery time are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The towing unit incorporates dynamic movement capability, transitioning from fixed mono-directional towing to multi-directional towing. The unit can change its towing direction dynamically based on the platform's destination and position, moving along rail guides in forward, backward, and lateral directions to optimize space utilization and reduce transfer time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds lateral movement capability to the traditional linear towing approach. The towing unit can move platforms not only forward and backward but also laterally between different storage rows, creating a two-dimensional movement pattern that significantly improves space utilization and access efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If mono-directional towing systems are used, then the installation cost is lower, but the available space for storage is not fully exploited
Solution Approach 1:
The towing unit employs dynamic multi-directional movement along rail guides, allowing platforms to be accessed and transferred from multiple directions. This dynamic capability enables more efficient packing and utilization of storage spaces, increasing the effective storage area without requiring additional physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing lateral movement capability alongside forward and backward motion, the system creates multi-dimensional access to storage positions. This allows for more compact and efficient arrangement of storage platforms, maximizing the usable area within the car park structure.
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 solution enables efficient, stable, and cost-effective movement of vehicles between storage stations in multiple directions, optimizing space utilization and reducing operational costs in automated car parks.
Implementation Method 1
each unit comprises at least one first row of first meshing and towing wheels and a second row of second meshing and towing wheels... The first meshing and towing wheels and the second meshing and towing wheels are configured to come into contact and interact with said guiding bar
Implementation Method 2
The first meshing and towing wheels and the second meshing and towing wheels are configured to come into contact and interact with said guiding bar... determine the dragging of the platform
Data Source
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AI summary
A moving assembly (1) for moving a vehicle between at least one first storage or loading/unloading station (101) of said vehicle and at least one second storage or loading/unloading station along at least one first direction of movement. The assembly comprises a supporting platform (2) of said vehicle comprising a guiding bar (25). The assembly also comprises a first towing unit (30) and a second towing unit (40), which are configured to interact with said bar (25) determining the dragging of said platform (2) along said at least one first direction of movement (201), said first unit (30) and said second unit (40) are installed in a first position characteristic of said first station (101) and of said second station (102). Each unit comprises meshing and towing wheels which act, on opposite sides (125', 125") of the bar to drag said platform along said first direction of movement.