Automated Parking Pallet Control for Fewer Retrieval Moves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated parking systems require numerous pallet displacement movements for vehicle retrieval, leading to prolonged retrieval times and suboptimal utilization of storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A pallet pickup device, such as a stacking device, is used to collect and manage pallets, allowing flexible adaptation of pallet numbers based on system utilization, combined with a controller that optimizes storage and retrieval strategies to minimize displacement movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of pallets in the system is increased to maintain storage capacity, then the maximum number of vehicles that can be stored is improved, but the retrieval time increases due to more displacement movements required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of pallets in circulation based on real-time utilization. The controller monitors how many transport modules are occupied and controls the pallet pickup device to remove excess pallets when utilization is low, or add pallets when utilization is high. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal retrieval performance across varying occupancy conditions while preserving storage capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of pallet quantity based on system state. By monitoring utilization metrics and adjusting the number of active pallets accordingly, the system transforms a static configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining storage capacity and minimizing retrieval time.
2Loss of time
If the number of pallets is reduced to shorten retrieval time, then the retrieval speed is improved, but the storage capacity of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed number of pallets, the system implements dynamic control where the pallet count is continuously adjusted based on utilization. When utilization is low, excess pallets are removed to speed up retrieval. When utilization increases, the pallet pickup device adds more pallets to maintain storage capacity. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for retrieval speed when possible while preserving capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational data (utilization metrics) to automatically adjust its configuration. The controller monitors system state and autonomously controls the pallet pickup device to add or remove pallets, allowing the system to self-optimize its performance characteristics based on actual usage patterns without external intervention.
3Device complexity
If a fixed number of pallets is used in the system, then the system structure is simplified, but the adaptability to varying utilization levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pallet configuration to a dynamic one controlled by a controller that monitors utilization. The pallet pickup device, under controller instruction, adds or removes pallets based on real-time system state. This dynamic element provides adaptability to varying utilization levels while maintaining relatively simple physical infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
4Quantity of substance
If more displacement movements are performed to retrieve pallets, then the storage capacity is maintained, but the retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining a full complement of pallets at all times, the system uses only the necessary number of pallets based on current utilization. The pallet pickup device removes excess pallets when they are not needed for storage, reducing the number of displacement movements required during retrieval operations. When storage capacity is needed, pallets are added back to the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated parking system having pallets movable within a parking deck in the longitudinal and transverse directions for vehicles to be stored thereon, and having transport modules permanently installed on the parking deck for receiving the pallets, which are at least partially arranged adjoining one another in rows and columns, and are designed for alternately transporting the pallets in the longitudinal and transverse directions and for transfer to the respective adjacent transport module in the transport direction. The number of the pallets movable in the system is dynamically adapted to the utilization of the system in that, using a pallet pickup device, pallets are collected from the transport modules or additional pallets are provided. Unused pallets can be grouped using a stacking device into pallet stacks, which remain movable on the transport modules in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and pallet stacks can be broken up to provide additional pallets.