Preassembled Vertical Parking Platform for Fast Site Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle parking and storage solutions are costly, time-consuming to install, and inefficient, particularly in urban areas, and lack suitability for personal use by individuals or automobile collectors due to high labor and travel expenses, as well as security and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled platform for vertical vehicle parking and storage that can be easily installed at an existing site without the need for on-site assembly or specialized installers, utilizing a self-contained, self-driven platform with integrated motor and electronics, suitable for supporting vehicles above another vehicle or space, and compatible with both free-standing and overhead structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vehicle parking structures are constructed on-site with multiple components, then the structure can be customized to fit the site, but the installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is preassembled off-site with all components integrated before delivery to the installation location. This preliminary assembly action eliminates on-site construction time and labor while maintaining the ability to customize the platform configuration for different sites through modular design options.
2Reliability
If specialized mechanical and electrical installers are dispatched to complete the installation, then the structure can be properly assembled, but travel and per diem expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed as a self-contained unit that requires minimal installation intervention. The integrated design allows for simple mounting procedures that can be performed by general installers rather than requiring specialized mechanical and electrical experts, thereby reducing travel and per diem expenses while maintaining installation quality.
3Productivity
If multi-story parking structures are built to improve vehicle density, then more vehicles can be parked on given footprint, but the cost of staffing and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform enables vertical vehicle storage by utilizing the third dimension (height) rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional transition allows multiple vehicles to be stacked vertically on a single platform level, achieving high parking density without requiring complex multi-story structures with multiple floors, ramps, and elevators.
4Device complexity
If automated vehicle parking systems are implemented to reduce overhead costs, then staffing costs decrease, but the initial construction cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform extracts and eliminates the need for complex automated mechanical systems, control software, and electrical infrastructure typically associated with automated parking garages. By using a simple manual lifting platform design, the system removes these expensive and complex components while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage includes a platform having a platform drive assembly and a side rail assembly that is preassembled for cost effective installation at an existing site. The platform drive assembly includes a motor, a drive axle and a control panel. The side rail assembly includes a continuous chain that is driven by the motor and drive axle using an exterior control pendant to move the preassembled platform between a lowered position for receiving a vehicle and a raised position for parking and storing the vehicle. The preassembled platform is suspended from an overhead supporting structure in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the preassembled platform is supported on an elevating structure. The side rail assembly may further include one or more drive sprockets, driven and loop sprockets, chain guides, locks, slack sensors, limit switches, over length position sensors and/or over height position sensors.