Title of Invention

AUTOMATED MULTILEVEL MODULAR SYSTEM FOR PARKING VEHICLES

Abstract This application discloses an Automated Multilevel Modular System for Parking Vehicles vvhich comprises a parking system provided with a platform which is removable and capable of rotation with in its axis ; having a plurality of circular parking racks for parking vehicles, the system afso provided with an entry/exit section wherein a vertical telescopic shaft having plurality of threaded blocks capable of moving up and down on its axis by a screwing mechanism, each block having at its bottom locking means for preventing the block from going down beyond a predetermined position in the shaft, the vertical telescopic shaft facilitating the indentifying placing. and removing the vehicle appropriately.
Full Text

Field of the invention
The invention relates to an Automated Multilevel Modular System for parking vehicles. More particularly the Automated Multilevel Modular System of the present invention is useful for parking vehicles particularly, automobiles. The system of the present invention has many features both essential and optional to meet the increasing demands based on the modern advanced technologies. The features of the system of the present system are exquisite and totally different from any other existing parking systems, which are hitherto known in the art.
The invention also relates to vertical telescopic shaft having plurality of threaded blocks capable of moving up and down on its axis by a screwing machanism, each block having at its bottom locking means for preventing the block from going down beyond a predetermined position in the shaft
Background
Vehicle such as car parking is becoming a serious problem in the modern times especially in large metro cities. This is because of the explosive growth of urban population as well as enormous increase in the use of automobiles. Such a situation has resulted in acute congestion for parking the vehicles. The establishment of huge shopping complexes, multistoried apartments, and office buildings etc... .had complimented to this congestion. Parking in the road sides also not possible due to the heavy vehicular traffic. In addition, to the above problem in the recent times the theft of the vehicles parked in public places has also increased. Therefore there is an urgent need to find out a solution for this problem which is increasing day by day particularly in metro cities, a need to device innovative techniques for motor parking.

Present scenario
One of the standard techniques used in developed countries is by providing multilevel parking or ramp style multilevel parking. This system consists of a building with open or closed walls with multi levels of floors, accessed through by centralized or surrounded slanted passages. The driver of the vehicle which is to be parked drives the vehicle through the slanted lengthy passages or ramps.
The above system requires a fairly large area as the number of levels that can be built is two or three. Considerable space has also to be provided to maneuver the vehicle in the parking area and the parking will be usually congested. Safety of the vehicles parked and the safety of the valuables that may be left in the vehicle is also a problem. Therefore such system needs attendants to monitor entry and exit of the vehicles as well as for assuring the safety of the vehicles already parked.
Another approach to solve the parking problem is providing a fully automated multilevel parking system. This system consists of parking space provided side by side and above or below of a building by way of pigeon hole stacking, fork lifts, sliders with rollers and chain or pulley mechanism used for parking or delivery of the vehicle . Such a system has been disclosed in the US patent no 5467561.
The drawbacks of this system are the requirement of more space, time consuming exercise and the requirement of large number of man power.
In view of the circumstances explained above there is a need to provide an improved parking system which overcomes or at least minimizes to the maximum extent the above mentioned problems thereby providing a safe and efficient parking system which can be easily installed and operated economically in the thickly populated metro cities.
Therefore the main objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which requires only a minimum
space.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which requires only by a single operator.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles for parking vehicles, which is not only efficient but also safe.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which is economical, quick and easy to operate.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which offers a wide range of unique and innovative space and time saving features in vehicle parking.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which affords both loading and unloading affected at the same time thereby making it convenient, saving time and space.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which is portable.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide vertical telescopic shaft having plurality of threaded blocks useful for incorporation in the automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles.
The system has been developed based on integration of a foundation of concrete and steel structures with automatic functional devices and manipulation mechanism.
The entire parking system is controlled from a central computer through customized software to enable fully automated storage and retrieval of the vehicles within a stipulated time which has been done for the first time.
The novelty of the invention resides in (I) avoiding the lift mechanism. Instead the intention utilizes a novel vertical telescopic shaft having plurality of threaded blocks (ii) the system is circular in shape thereby occupying less space and (iii) the passage

of the rotating cradle holding the vehicle moving up and down amidst the parking racks as compared to sliding ones in the existing known systems
The system of the present invention is illustrated in the figures shown in the. Drawings accompanying the specification
In the drawings
Fig 1 shows an embodiment of the general construction of the system of the
Present invention Fig 2 shows top view of the whole system of the present invention Fig 3 plan view of the whole system of the present invention Fig 4 shows the sectional view of the vertical telescopic shaft having the threaded
Blocks Fig 4 (a) shows external view of the single threaded block of the vertical Telescopic
Shaft Fig 4(b) & (b') shows the male & female sections respectively of the single
Threaded block of the vertical telescopic shaft Fig 5 shows the normal and expanded views of the locking means provided in the
Block(s) of the vertical telescopic shaft Fig 6 shows sectional view of the delivery system incorporating the pinion & rack
System connected with the toothed pillar Fig 7 shows the sectional view of the cradle unit
Fig 8 shows the side view of the cradle unit showing the pinion & rack system Fig 9 shows the top view of the cradle unit showing the pinion & rack system Fig 10 shows the side view of the carousal system incorporating a stepper motor Fig 11 shows the top view of the carousal system
Accordingly, the present invention provides an automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, which comprises a parking system (1) provided with a platform (2) which is removable and capable of rotation with in its axis provided with a plurality of circular parking racks (3) for parking vehicles,
The system provided with an entry or exist section (4) and having a shuttle mechanism (5) for allowing entry and exist of the vehicle in and out of the system,

The shuttle mechanism (5) provided with sensors and pinion and rack assembly (6) and being capable of rotation to 90 degree, for removing the vehicle at normal conditions or under unexpected conditions when it is on the exit section.
The platform (2) being also provided with a carousal (7) connected to pinion & rack system (12a) for placing the vehicle in the adjacent places in the platform(2), a vertical telescopic shaft (8) having plurality of threaded blocks (9)capable of moving up and down on its axis by a screwing mechanism, each block having at its bottom locking means for preventing the block from going down beyond a predetermined position in the shaft, the shaft being provided amidst the circular parking racks (3), the vertical telescopic shaft enclosing a central shaft (11) provided with a stepper motor (12) for detemnining the free spaces in the parking racks, and to identify the vehicle to be taken out. The racks being mounted on a holder (13), a pinion & rack system (14) being fixed beneath the holder (13) for facilitating placing or removing the vehicle to and from the racks rings (15 ) corresponding to the number of racks being connected with two or more revolving U shaped pillars (16), at least one of the pillars (17) being toothed and fixed on to the stepper motor(18) of the central shaft (11), for the upward and downward movement of the carrier (19 ), a cradle unit (20) for placing or removing the vehicle from the racks (3) being fixed at a predetermined place alongwith the vertical telescopic shaft (8) at the top of the central shaft (11).
A pinion and rack system (not shown) being also fixed to the underneath of the cradle unit (20) for facilitating placing or removing the vehicle to and from the racks and the system is capable of being connected to a centarlised computer system for its operation.
In preferred embodiment of the invention the system of the present invention may be operated manually or by a centralized computer system
According to another embodiment of the Invention the number of pillars may be two or more.
Yet another embodiment of the invention a motion sensor or (Close Circuited Device) CCTV monitor can also be provided which ensures that no people, animals, inflammables, explosives or any other materials are left in the vehicle.

stilt another embodiment of the invention by increasing the number of U shaped pillars the system can be employed for placing or removing vehicles from the parking racks simultaneously without any disturbance of the two operations.
The system may also be provided with a digital scanner to get the recordable details of the vehicle parked.
In another embodiment of the invention the system may also be provided with a printer for issuing the ID cards for the person who is parking the vehicle
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred embodiments of an automated high-raised parking system of the present invention will now be described in details with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, same reference numerals are used to denote components of the present invention if they represent the same components
FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate an automated high-raised parking system according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In the Figs 1 & 2 an embodiment of the general construction of the system of the present invention is shown. This system includes a platform (2) which is removable and capable of rotation with in its axis. The platform is provided with a plurality of pillars (P) for holding the multilevel circular parking racks (3) for parking vehicles mounted on a holder (13). The parking rack is arranged apart from each other with a space S there between, and each structure has a plurality of stories of parking racks for parking vehicles circularly, A pinion & rack system (14) has also been fixed beneath the holder for placing or removing the vehicle to and from the racks. On the ground-level area of the system, there is provided a vehicle n automobile entrance or exit section (4) for allowing entrance and exit of the automobile with its fore-and-aft orientation which is normal to the above-described sideways orientation of parking. The entrance or exit section (4) has its opening at the front face of the construction on the ground level area the platform being provided with an entry or exit section (4) provided with a shutter mechanism (6) for allowing entry and exit of the vehicle in and out of the system.

The shuttle mechanism(6) provided with sensors, for vacating unexpected conditions of the take away vehicle when it is on the exit section being fixed to the platform at the entry or exit section. The platform (2) being also provided with a carousal for placing the vehicle in the adjacent places in the platform
In the Figs 4, 4a, 4b & 4b* sectional views of the vertical telescopic shaft with the threaded blocks are shown. Each threaded block is provided at its bottom with locking means to prevent the block from going below a predetermined position in the shaft. Normally, the position below which the block will be prevented from going down will depend on the height of the vehicle to be parked. The telescopic shaft encloses the central shaft (11) provided with a stepper motor (12) for determining the free spaces in the rack, and to identify the vehicle to be taken out.
The shutter mechanism which is provided with sensors, for vacating unexpected conditions of the take away vehicle when it is on the exit section being fixed to the platform at the entry or exit section
Fig 6 shows the Sectional view of a known pinion & rack mechanism which are provided in the system (I) for the delivery system (ii) for placing and removing the vehicles to and from the racks provided beneath the cradle unit and(iii) for controlling the shuttle mechanism . The revolving U shaped pillars , at least one of the pillars is toothed and fixed at the stepper motor of the central shaft(11), for the upward and downward movement of the holder (13)
As shown in Figs 7,8 & 9 showing the various views of the cradle unit the system for placing or removing the vehicle from the racks (3) is fixed at a predetermined place along with the vertical telescopic shaft ( 8 ) at the top of the central shaft (11).
As illustrated in Figs. 1,10 & 11, at the ground-level area of the parking system, a carousal device (7) is provided for placing the vehicles in the vacant adjacent places in the platform. To describe the operations more specifically, the vehicle is introduced with its fore-and-aft orientation through the entry or exit section (4). Then, by the carousal device (7), the placement of the vehicle to the nearby rack is effected. Reversely, the vehicle, which has been removed from the rack is deposited back to the entry or exist.

As shown in FIG. 1, on a ground-level floor at the entry or exit area (4) a forward ground portion is formed at the same level as the floor, and rearward of the forward ground portion a pit is dug into the ground. Within this pit, a block is laid to provide the same height as the ground-level floor.
As shown in FIG.2, on a bottom surface of the pit there is disposed a base structure. This base structure includes, at two forward and rear positions thereof relative to the entry or exit section (4), vertically extending guide posts each having a rectangular section in its plane view. Each guide post is surrounded at its three sides by guide rollers which are attached to a central shaft and are placed in Rota table contact with the guide post so that as being guided through this Rota table contact the central shaft is moved up and down.
Operation of the System
The vehicle is driven into the entry section of the automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, and left over the cradle. The Driver comes out of the vehicle and leaves the vehicle. The sensor provided in the cradle measures the weight, height, width and length of the vehicle. If the size and other measure of the vehicle do not match with the specifications of the system, it will not accept the vehicle. If the specifications match with the system, then it accepts the vehicle. On acceptance a card is issued to the driver manually by the attendant. In this connection it may be noted that the issue of the card can also be made automatic by utilizing known computer operated systems. In that case an electronically encoded ID card will be issued.
It is possible to incorporate into the system a motion sensor or (Close Circuit TV) CCTV which can be monitored by an attendant to ensure that no people, animals, inflammables or explosives are left in the vehicle.
Once the card is issued, the shutter of the entry or exist section of the system closes the carousal (7) provided at the platform identifies the vacant places in the platform. The transfer mechanism (the pinion & rack system) holds up the vehicle along with the cradle. The cradle, then, transfers the vehicle to the parking area where closer and suitable spaces are available. It may be noted that this operation can also be

effected by employing a central computer for identifying efficiently and quickly the vacant parking slot for the vehicle in the rack.
The vertical threaded telescopic shaft raises the vehicle to the appropriate level in the system and the cradle base elongates (affected by the pinion & rack system) by pushing the vehicle in to the vacant slot and places the vehicle in the space.
When the driver returns to pick up the vehicle, he presents the card to the attendant or to the automatic card reader. The attendant or the central computer then locates the vehicle parked in the system. The transfer mechanism (the pinion & rack system) performs all the operations in the reverse and brings back the vehicle to the exit section for delivery.
Within each parking slot, there is provision for considering various sizes and weight of the vehicle. Limit switches and proximity sensors provided in each rack ensure that vehicles are safely positioned without touching the walls or materials it surrounds or even the vehicles parked the next to it. Sophisticated fire detection and alarm system provided in each rack ensures the safety of vehicles within the total structure.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles, consists of a pair of racks at the central areas of the construction with said racks being disposed one above the other with a space in between.
The entry or exit section may be constructed at the ground level at one side of the system. At the entry or exit section a forward ground portion is formed at the same level as said ground level.
CCTV equipment when provided in the system also ensures no unauthorized persons are allowed entry into the system so that the system is safe from theft and burglary.
The automated control system of the present invention allows for efficient placing and usage of the parking slots. It is possible to provide "SMART CARDS for regular

users, which allow for monthly billing for usage of the parking by providing appropriate means in the system. Short and long term parking can also be provided. Optionally, automatic servicing and air checking of the tyre and so on can also be provided.
The entire system can works on a minimum power levels of only around 11KW? Backup generators can also be provided for operation during power failure.
The system of the present invention can be fabricated using steel frame with steel or reinforced concrete slabs as per convenience. It may also be noted that the system can be fixed on the ground or can be made portable and fixed appropriately at the desired places.
Advantages of the System
• The system is economical, saves time and space especially in the congested areas particularly in the metros,
• Ground level can accommodate a minimum of 30 numbers of medium size
• Vehicles at given point of time whether it is for storage or delivery as per the schedule that implied.
• The system can be fabricated using reinforced concrete or heavy steel which is available anywhere.
• As per the demand suitable generator and small sufficient electric motors are used
• Reduction in man power- requires only one single attendant
• The system does not use any lift for the operation
• The system is safe ,quick and fast



I Claim
1. An automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles which comprises a parking system (1 ) provided with a platform ( 2 ) which is removable and capable of rotation with in its axis provided with a plurality of circular parking racks (3) for parking vehicles ,
the system provided with an entry or exist section (4) and having a shuttle mechanism (5) for allowing entry and exist of the vehicle in and out of the system,
the shuttle mechanism (5) provided with sensors and pinion and rack assembly (6) and being capable of rotation to 90 degree, for removing the vehicle at normal conditions or under unexpected conditions when it is on the exit section,
the platform (2) being also provided with a carousal (7) connected to pinion & rack system (12a) for placing the vehicle in the adjacent places in the platform (2),
a vertical telescopic shaft (8) having plurality of threaded blocks (9)capable of moving up and down on its axis by a screwing mechanism , each block having at its bottom locking means for preventing the block from going down beyond a predetermined position in the shaft , the shaft being provided amidst the circular parking racks (3), the vertical telescopic shaft enclosing a central shaft (11) provided with a stepper motor (12) for determining the free spaces in the parking racks, and to identify the vehicle to be taken out,
the racks being mounted on a holder (13), a pinion & rack system (14) being fixed beneath the holder (13) for facilitating placing or removing the vehicle to and from the racks,
rings (15) corresponding to the number of racks being connected with two or more revolving U shaped pillars (16) , at least one of the pillars (17) being toothed and fixed on to the stepper motor (18) of the central shaft (11), for the upward and downward movement of the carrier (19),
a cradle unit (20) for placing or removing the vehicle from the racks (3) being fixed at a predetermined place along with the vertical telescopic shaft (8) at the top of the central shaft (11) and

the system is capable of being connected to a centarlised computer system for its operation ,
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the number of pillars is two pairs.
3. A system as claimed in claims 1 & 2 wherein the entry or exit section is constructed at the ground level at one side of the system and a foreword ground portion is formed at the same level as said ground level.
4. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein a motion sensor or (Close Circuit TV) CCTV monitor is fixed to the shutter mechanism for ensuring safety of the vehicle from theft or burglary.
5. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 4 wherein limit switches and proximity sensors are provided in each rack which are connected to a central electrical unit to ensure that vehicles are safely positioned without touching the walls or materials it surrounds or even the vehicles parked the next to it.
6. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 5 wherein means for fire detection and giving alarm are provided in each rack to ensure the safety of vehicles.

7 A system as claimed in claims 1 to 6 wherein means to provide "SMART CARDS for regular users, which allows for monthly billing for usage are provided in the system.
8 A system as claimed in claims 1 to 7 wherein the system is provided with a digital scanner to get the records of the details of the vehicle parked.
9. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 8 wherein the system is provided with a printer
for issuing the ID cards for the person who is parking the vehicle,
10. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 9 wherein means for automatic servicing and
air checking of the tyre are provided in the system.

11. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 10 wherein the system is portable provided
with appropriate support means for the stability of the system
12. An automated multilevel modular system for parking vehicles substantially as
herein described with reference to the Figs 1 to 11 of the drawings accompanying
this specification


Documents:

034-che-2004-abstract.pdf

034-che-2004-claims filed.pdf

034-che-2004-claims granted.pdf

034-che-2004-correspondnece-others.pdf

034-che-2004-correspondnece-po.pdf

034-che-2004-description(complete)filed.pdf

034-che-2004-description(complete)granted.pdf

034-che-2004-drawings.pdf

034-che-2004-form 1.pdf

034-che-2004-form 19.pdf


Patent Number 211865
Indian Patent Application Number 34/CHE/2004
PG Journal Number 02/2008
Publication Date 11-Jan-2008
Grant Date 13-Nov-2007
Date of Filing 19-Jan-2004
Name of Patentee SHRI. JOY ABRAHAM
Applicant Address MANNA, GANDHIPURAM, SREEKARIYAM, P.O. TRIVANDRUM 695017,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 JOY ABRAHAM MANNA, GANDHIPURAM, SREEKARIYAM, P.O. TRIVANDRUM 695017,
2 AUBIN JOE MANNA, GANDHIPURAM, SREEKARIYAM, P.O. TRIVANDRUM 695017,
PCT International Classification Number E04H 6/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA