Robotic parking device and handling method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-storey car parks and mechanized parking systems face inefficiencies in space utilization, cost, reliability, and throughput capacity, with only about 10% of the volume being used for parked cars, and existing technologies for high-density storage of items do not effectively address these issues for vehicle parking.
Innovation Solution
A robotic parking system utilizing a framework structure with vertically stacked vehicle holding containers and load handling devices that move on a grid system, allowing for high-density storage and retrieval of vehicles without the need for aisles, with load handling devices capable of independent movement and redundancy to ensure continuous access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional multi-storey car parks are used, then drivers and passengers can access vehicles, but only around 10% of the volume is actually filled with parked cars
Solution Approach 1:
The parking system is segmented into multiple levels with containers stacked vertically, allowing independent access to each container. This segmentation enables high-density storage while maintaining ease of vehicle retrieval without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional parking (horizontal arrangement) to three-dimensional stacking with vertical containers. Load handlers traverse overhead rails to access containers at different heights, effectively utilizing vertical space to achieve 40% volume utilization compared to conventional 10%.
2Quantity of substance
If mechanized parking systems are used to increase density, then more vehicles can be parked, but cost and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Each container is designed as a universal unit that can be stacked and accessed in the same manner regardless of its position in the stack. This standardization improves reliability by reducing mechanical complexity and enabling modular replacement if one container or load handler fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant load handlers that can service multiple containers, ensuring that if one load handler fails, others can compensate to maintain system operation. This self-service capability reduces dependency on any single mechanical component.
3Quantity of substance
If mechanized parking systems are used to increase density, then more vehicles can be parked, but throughput capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load handlers operate simultaneously on overhead rails, continuously moving between containers to load and unload vehicles. This parallel operation maintains high throughput capacity while the vertical stacking achieves high density, eliminating the trade-off between the two parameters.
4Ease of operation
If aisles are provided for vehicle access, then drivers can access vehicles, but space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Load handlers serve as intermediaries between the vehicles in containers and the external environment. They traverse overhead rails to deliver vehicles to designated exit points, eliminating the need for ground-level aisles and enabling full utilization of parking space while maintaining vehicle accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary robotic parking device of the present disclosure includes a number of stacks of containers. The stacks being positioned within a frame structure including uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks. The grid having substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Cars or vehicles are positioned in containers and are moved into and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The cars are put into the grid at entry points that may be positioned at points under the stacks.