Robotic Parking with Grid-Based Load Handlers for High-Density Storage
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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 their volume being used for parked cars, and existing technologies for high-density storage and retrieval of items are impractical for vehicle parking.
Innovation Solution
A robotic parking system utilizing a framework structure with vertically stacked containers and load handling devices that move on a grid system, allowing for efficient access and storage of vehicles, with independent wheel sets enabling movement in two dimensions and redundancy to prevent system failure if one load handler breaks down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional multi-storey car parks are used, then vehicle storage is provided, but space utilization is low (only around 10% volume filled)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D ground-level parking to 3D vertical stacking, arranging containers in multiple levels stacked vertically. This dimensional change allows the system to utilize vertical space effectively, increasing storage capacity from 10% to approximately 40% volume utilization by stacking containers 2-4 high on robotic platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested stacking where containers are placed vertically one on top of another, with each container serving as a base for the next. The robotic load handlers are designed to navigate and operate within this nested vertical arrangement, picking up and depositing containers from various stack positions without requiring horizontal movement between stacks.
2Quantity of substance
If mechanized parking systems are used, then higher density is achieved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handlers are designed as multi-functional units that can perform multiple operations: traveling between stacks, climbing vertical rails, picking up containers, depositing containers, and navigating around obstacles. This universality reduces the need for specialized mechanisms for each function, thereby lowering overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The load handlers are autonomous robotic units that independently navigate the 3D space, locate containers, and perform pick-up and deposit operations without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms or extensive manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces control system complexity while achieving high storage density.
3Quantity of substance
If existing robotic container handling systems are adapted for vehicles, then high density storage is possible, but reliability and throughput capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of load handlers specifically for vehicle containers, including increasing payload capacity, adjusting speed and acceleration profiles, and optimizing navigation algorithms for the specific dimensions and weights of vehicle containers. These parameter changes enhance both reliability and throughput capacity while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning containers in optimal stack locations based on predicted retrieval patterns, pre-charging robotic handlers for upcoming operations, and pre-planning navigation paths to minimize travel time. This preliminary preparation enhances system reliability and throughput capacity by reducing wait times and avoiding operational bottlenecks.
4Volume of stationary object
If stacks of containers are arranged in rows, then storage volume is reduced, but access to specific containers becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical crane-based container handling systems with autonomous robotic load handlers that use sensors, navigation algorithms, and precise motor control to locate and retrieve specific containers. This substitution simplifies access operations by enabling automated container identification and retrieval from any position in the 3D stack arrangement without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic parking device (100) is described. The device (100) comprises a number of stacks (110) of containers (10) as shown in Figure 3, the stacks (110) being positioned within a frame structure (70) comprising uprights (72) and a horizontal grid (74) disposed above the stacks (110), the grid comprising substantially perpendicular rails (74a, 74b) on which load handling devices (50) can run. Cars or vehicles (20) are positioned in containers that are moved in to and out of the stacks (110) by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The cars are put in to the grid at entry points that may be positioned at points under the stacks (110).