Automated Parking Grid Platform Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated car parks face challenges in optimizing horizontal space usage, are often costly and complex, and require significant infrastructure for vertical movement or complex shuttle movements, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An automated car park design featuring a grid arrangement of platforms in two perpendicular directions with motorized movement capabilities, allowing coordinated sequential displacements between storage and entry/exit zones, facilitated by a control system for efficient platform movement and minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If vertical automated car parks are used to arrange vehicles on top of each other, then the plan volume is reduced, but the system becomes costly and complex due to underground vertical-movement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking (one dimension) to a two-dimensional grid arrangement where platforms move horizontally along perpendicular rails. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex vertical movement structures while maintaining space efficiency through coordinated horizontal movements in X and Y directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The car park is divided into multiple independent platforms that can move separately along the rail grid. Each platform operates independently, allowing flexible and efficient use of space without requiring complex interconnected vertical structures. This segmentation enables simpler, modular construction.
2Ease of operation
If rotating carousel structures are used, then the movement operation is simplified, but the overall volume becomes considerable and space usage is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating a carousel about a vertical axis (occupying large radial space), the patent uses linear horizontal movements along perpendicular rails. Platforms translate in X and Y directions to reach the loading/unloading zone, achieving operational simplicity without requiring large circular footprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanical carousel system is replaced with a linear translation system using motorized platforms moving along fixed rails. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated control while dramatically reducing the overall volume and space required.
3Ease of operation
If platforms are moved along transfer corridors, then vehicles can be transported between zones, but considerable space is required for manoeuvring and the movements become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage area and transfer function into a single integrated grid system. Platforms move directly between parking positions and the loading/unloading zone along the rail network without requiring separate transfer corridors or intermediate manoeuvring spaces. This consolidation eliminates wasted space while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using linear transfer corridors that require extensive lateral manoeuvring space, the patent employs a two-dimensional rail grid allowing platforms to move directly in X and Y directions. This enables efficient vehicle transport between zones without the need for complicated manoeuvring areas.
4Area of stationary object
If coordinated sequential movements of platforms are performed, then space usage is optimized, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor platform positions and coordinate movements efficiently. By receiving real-time position data from sensors and adjusting control signals accordingly, the system optimizes horizontal space usage through intelligent sequencing of platform movements without requiring overly complex control logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated car park for housing in an orderly manner a plurality of motor vehicles comprises mobile platforms (12) for housing the motor vehicles. The platforms are movable between a storage area (13, 113) and at least one zone (14, 114) for entry/exit of the motor vehicles. The storage area is a horizontal area housing the platforms (23) arranged alongside each other in a group in two perpendicular directions, and motorized means (17, 25) for the guided movement of the platforms in said two perpendicular directions are provided in order to be able to perform, when operated, coordinated translatory movements of the platforms so as to displace a selected platform between a rest position in the storage area (13, 113) and the entry/exit zone (14,114).