Method and system for automatically parking vehicles

Abstract

An automatic parking system having at least one parking level, the system comprises a plurality of transporters moveable in any direction about the parking level, wherein each transporter is adapted to hold a vehicle thereupon; at least one central computer that is configured to wirelessly direct one of the transporters to move to a desired location to form at least one arrival and / or retrieval circulation path. The system includes a transporter tracking system which tracks the locations of each transporter; and alternatively, at least one lift mechanism which vertically transports the transporter to a desired parking level. The system includes access bays configured to position an arriving vehicle onto and remove an exiting vehicle from the transporter. The system preferably includes storage devices to accept, release and recharge one or more transporters. The system preferably includes entry stations which measure the vehicle dimensions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a parking structure and in particular, to a method and system of automatically parking vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Existing automated parking garages and associated technologies pursue the goal of reducing the average amount of space required to park a car. The most rudimentary form of automated parking involves replacing ramps with an elevator or lift system. More sophisticated systems employ materials handling technologies to maneuver vehicles on systems of vertical lifts and horizontal tracks. Over the years, a variety of such systems have been described. The major distinctions are that the existing systems employ pallets or direct carrier mechanisms or such systems are exclusively vertical, or combine horizontal and vertical movement mechanisms. [0003] Several systems employ pallets to support vehicles during the handling process. In these pallet-based systems, the customer arrives at the p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The garage of the present invention comprises a single or multistory structure that houses a number of transporters which are low profile, self-powered, computer-controlled vehicle carriers that serve to move stored vehicles from place to place. The garage also includes access bays to enable vehicles to enter onto transporters and exit from transporters with ease. The garage preferably includes transporter stacker mechanisms and transporter recharging bays. In an embodiment of a multi-floor garage, the garage includes elevators or lifts to move transporters from floor to floor. An x-y coordinate system defines the garage space and enables the transporters and a central computer to communicate with each other regarding the positions of the transporters. The ability of the computer to maneuver a large number of transporters simultaneously eliminates the need for fixed circulation lanes and results in the garage achieving a high vehicle density as well as efficient time and space utilization.

Problems solved by technology

The space is limited due to the difficulty of shuffling pallets to positions adjacent to the circulation track which are accessible to the carriers.

This system is also disadvantageous, because the entire parking structure must be built and configured to allow the carriers to move thereabout to carry the pallets to and from their storage locations.

In addition, since the system depends on the carrier(s) to store and retrieve the vehicles, the system may take a substantial amount of time to retrieve or store a vehicle during peak parking / retrieval times.

These garages have the same disadvantages as the system described above.

Thus, a universal disadvantage of the prior art systems is that the garages are organized into dedicated areas for carrier circulation and vehicle storage.

In addition, since circulation tracks occupy dedicated areas, these existing systems are limited in storage efficiency by the ratio of circulation areas to storage areas.

The need for the carrier to travel from its waiting position to the pallet, lift the pallet from its storage rack, and bring the loaded pallet to the customer delays and complicates the retrieval sequence and storage sequence for vehicles awaiting to be stored.

In addition, all known prior art parking structures require large amounts of on-site installation of specialized fixed equipment within buildings built for the special purpose of enclosing the specific prior art system.

The cost of this installed equipment and construction is not easily financed through conventional real property capital sources.

Prior art systems cannot easily be installed within existing garages.

Despite fifty years of invention in the field of automated parking, most of the existing systems have not progressed far beyond their prototype stage.

The reason such systems have not received market acceptance is the inherent inflexibility of the prior art systems.

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