Technical description of the puzzle parking system technology

The Puzzle Parking system is a semi-automated solution designed to replace traditional concrete parking floors. Each level accommodates a maximum height of 2100mm for SUVs and 1600mm for sedans. With this technology, drivers simply park their vehicles on a pallet at the first level of each parking block. The system then automatically moves the pallet to the parking spot using vertical and horizontal mechanisms.

This type of intelligent parking system is ideal for high-rise buildings with limited space in major cities such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It can be installed with 2 to 7 parking levels, with 2 and 3 levels being the most common, often found in the basements of high-rise buildings. Systems with 3 to 7 levels are typically installed above ground.

The Puzzle Parking system is versatile and can be adapted to irregularly shaped parking areas and those with a large number of parking spots. Examples include:

• 2-level parking systems in buildings like NHS, HATECO, BEASKY, AN QUÝ HƯNG, SƠN KIM LAND
• 3-level parking systems in buildings like SYMPHONY and 125 TRÚC BẠCH Hotel

The Puzzle Parking system offers a practical solution for parking in densely populated urban areas, providing an efficient, semi-automated parking experience.

Advantages of the Puzzle Parking System:

1. Space Efficiency: Each parking level accommodates up to 2100mm for SUVs and 1600mm for sedans. Investors only need to construct a basement with a clear height of 3850mm for 2 parking levels (1 SUV and 1 sedan) or 5950mm for 3 levels (2 SUVs and 1 sedan), instead of multiple concrete basement floors. This significantly reduces construction and ME (fire protection, ventilation, lighting, water supply, etc.) costs due to fewer basement levels.

Dimensions of a 2-level, 3-row automatic parking lot

Dimensions of a 3-level, 3-row automatic parking lot

Maximized Parking Space: The system allows multiple layers of cars to be parked within a single traffic lane, optimizing parking space utilization.

Dimensions of a 2-level multi-layer smart parking lot

Dimensions of a 3-level multi-layer smart parking lot

Efficient Operation: Unlike fully automated systems, the puzzle parking system can park/retrieve multiple cars simultaneously. For large parking areas (around 150 cars or more), there is minimal traffic congestion during peak hours.

Disadvantages of the Puzzle Parking System:

1. Maintenance Costs: As a mechanical system, it incurs additional maintenance and upkeep costs.
2. Semi-Automated Operation: Drivers must still drive to the basement and reverse the car into the pallet. For fully automated parking where cars are simply dropped off at the lift and automatically parked, a fully automated system is required.
3. Safety Concerns: People or animals may be present in the basement while the system operates, posing safety risks. TherefDimensions of a 2-level multi-layer smart parking lotore, additional safety devices (e.g., sensors, barriers) are necessary.
4. Longer Retrieval Time: Retrieving a car from the system takes longer compared to traditional parking methods (average time of about 52 seconds per retrieval).

Key Features of ETEK Parking Intelligent Parking System:

1. High-Quality Mechanical Frame: Produced at a specialized parking system factory with automated production lines, ensuring uniform quality and rapid production.
2. In-House Electrical and Sensor Design: Electrical systems and sensors are designed and assembled by ETEK, facilitating easier warranty and maintenance without reliance on foreign suppliers.
3. Customizable Control Software: Software is programmed by ETEK and can be customized to investor requirements, including integration with building management software.
4. Virtual Reality (AOA) Maintenance Software: Integrated software for maintenance and repair using virtual reality (AOA) for easy system inspection and stability.
5. Remote Monitoring (iOT): Remote monitoring software allows for system management and supervision from anywhere, reducing repair times in case of issues.
6. Automated Vehicle Control and Billing: Integrated system for vehicle access control and automatic billing to manage system entries and revenues, reducing operational manpower.
7. Comprehensive Solution Provider: ETEK offers a complete solution for parking systems, eliminating the need for managing multiple contractors.
8. Extensive Experience: Over the past three years (2018-2020), ETEK has consulted, designed, programmed, installed, and maintained intelligent parking systems for nearly 20 projects with around 1500 parking spots across Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City), demonstrating strong expertise in parking technology.

Features of the Puzzle Parking System

Price of Intelligent Parking System

The cost of the intelligent parking system depends on the features that the investor wishes to apply to their project’s parking area. ETEK will provide consultation to help customers select the features that match their investment goals.

The investment cost for an automatic parking system ranges from:

• 60,000,000 VND to 70,000,000 VND per parking space for a 2-tier system.
• 70,000,000 VND to 75,000,000 VND per parking space for a 3-tier system.

Design of Puzzle Parking System

To design an automatic parking lot, we need the following basic information:

• Parking lot drawings including floor plan and section (in CAD format).
• Requirements for the number of parking spaces.
• Special requirements (VIP parking positions, automatic car wash area, areas for other functionalities within the parking lot, etc.).

After completing the intelligent parking solution, we will provide the following documents:

• Parking space allocation drawings (floor plan, section).
• Technology description.
• Estimated price list.

During the design phase of the automatic parking solution, we offer free support. Any activities related to charging for design services at ETEK are prohibited. Please call our hotline for assistance if such issues arise.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PUZZLE PARKING SYSTEM

System Operation

User Interface: The system features a user-friendly interface, available in both Vietnamese and English.

Operation: Users can operate the system by pressing buttons on a touch screen or swiping a card to retrieve or store their vehicle

Semi-automatic Operation

Semi-automatic Operation

Drivers can swipe cards and park vehicles at any block

Specifically: Typically, each card issued (parking card) is assigned to a specific spot in each parking block to simplify control software and material costs. However, this is only suitable for small parking facilities (around 3 to 4 blocks with up to 30 parking spots) and parking facilities with security personnel managing operations.

For large parking facilities without security personnel, this can create difficulties for drivers who must find a suitable parking spot assigned to their card. Drivers need to locate and move to the block with the available spot assigned to their card. Meanwhile, other available spots not assigned to a card cannot be accessed by the driver.

The feature allowing each card to park at any available spot, as long as it matches the vehicle type (SUV or SEDAN), resolves the inconvenience.

Control Panel: Touchscreen, integrated card reader, and emergency stop button

• 7” display, easily shows: Notifications, warnings, instructions, etc.
• Proface brand screen: Quick connection, stable, sharp, and sensitive
• Easy to operate and user-friendly

Control Panel: Touchscreen and standard screen combined with physical buttons

3. Safety

• Warning Lights and Emergency Stop: The control panel is equipped with an emergency stop button for use when the system encounters issues.

Electromagnetic Brake: The system is equipped with an advanced and safe electromagnetic braking system.

Anti-Fall Hooks: The system includes electric anti-fall hooks at all four corners of the pallet. When not in operation, these hooks remain locked, ensuring absolute safety for vehicles. The hooks only receive power and unlock when the system is active, allowing the vehicle to be lowered.

The system includes a three-layer protection mechanism when lowering vehicles:

The first layer of protection is the limit switch, which ensures the pallet does not exceed its designated travel range. The second layer is the over-travel limit switch, which acts as a backup to prevent the pallet from going beyond its maximum travel range. The third layer is the chain slack sensor, which monitors the tension in the chains to prevent unsafe operation.

When lowering the pallet, the system must have three layers of protection, including:

• Limit switch for lowering travel
• Over-travel limit switch (backup switch)
• Chain/cable slack switch

To enhance safety and redundancy, each safety switch must operate independently with a single function. No switch should be used for two or three functions.

Intrusion Sensor: When the system is operating, if a person or animal intrudes into the vehicle’s path, the system will immediately stop and issue a danger warning.

Sensor stops the system when the vehicle height exceeds the limit When the system lifts the car to the second level or higher, if the vehicle height exceeds the allowed limit, the height sensor will detect it and stop the system immediately to prevent collision.

Sensor stops the system when the vehicle length exceeds the limit When a car enters the system, if the length of the vehicle exceeds the allowed limit, the system will stop operating and issue a danger warning

Stop operation when the vehicle exceeds the allowed load capacity: When a vehicle enters the system, if its load exceeds the permitted limit, the system will stop operating and issue a danger warning.

Voice alerts and reminders: When the system detects an error, or if the driver incorrectly maneuvers the vehicle into the system, the system will notify the driver with a voice alert instead of a loud horn, minimizing surprise and confusion for the driver and reducing the risk of unintended incidents.

System stops operating if a vehicle is parked in a position without a pallet: If a driver parks a vehicle incorrectly, particularly in a position without a pallet, the system will immediately stop operating and issue a danger warning to prevent damage to the vehicle from pallets above or adjacent pallets shifting.

If maximum utilization of parking positions is required, this feature can be turned off, but only with the request or consent of the authorized personnel responsible for operating the parking facility

Preventing people or animals from entering the parking system when the system is in operation: The system is generally equipped with intrusion sensors; however, in the worst-case scenario where the sensors malfunction, this feature is not completely foolproof.

The system is additionally equipped with automatic barriers at the vehicle entry and exit points. When the system is operational, the barriers remain lowered to prevent people and animals from entering the system, ensuring safety.

Preventing people or animals from entering the parking system at the sides and behind the block:

Notification and Warning System

LED Signage for Block Names: The block name sign is made using an illuminated LED box, making it easy to identify the block name from a distance and in the dark. This is more aesthetically pleasing compared to a simple acrylic nameplate.

Vacancy Notification at Each Block (Differentiated by Vehicle Type – SEDAN/SUV)

Each block is equipped with additional vacancy indicator lights, allowing drivers to proactively move to available parking spots. The indicator lights differentiate between types of parking spaces (SUV-SEDAN) as follows:

• Green Light: Available spots for both SUV and SEDAN
• Yellow Light: Available spots only for SEDAN
• Red Light: No available spots in the block

Vacancy Notification at Each Parking Area on LED Indicator Board (Differentiated by Vehicle Type – SEDAN/SUV)

At each entrance to the parking area (both indoor and outdoor, including basement entrances), the parking facility will have LED indicator boards that display the available parking spots. The number of available spots is detailed by vehicle type and color. Drivers can use this information to navigate to the appropriate parking area based on their vehicle type and the available spaces.

Vehicle Density Notification in Each Parking Area on Central Screen via Internal Network and Internet

At the central control room, a layout map of the entire parking facility will be displayed on a screen. This map shows the vehicle density within the system, helping the parking facility operator to:

• Monitor vehicle density in the parking areas.
• Direct traffic within the facility to avoid local congestion.
• Balance system usage to prevent overloading specific areas.

Notification of Vehicle Location in the System

If a driver forgets the location of their vehicle within the mechanical parking facility, they can swipe their parking card at any card reader located at a parking block. The control screen of the block will then display the location where their vehicle is parked within the facility.

The information shown on the screen can be customized to fit actual conditions.

Maintenance and Repair Support for the System

Central Control Room and System Monitoring: The central control room displays the entire system’s status on a monitor, showing:

• System Errors
• User Operation Errors
• Usage Frequency of Each Parking Block
• Scheduled Maintenance Based on Usage Frequency
• Parking Density

Remote Monitoring of System Status (2-year software license per account): All information monitored in the parking facility’s technical room can be remotely accessed via the internet.

Advanced Remote Fault Diagnosis: For software issues, service personnel can troubleshoot remotely without on-site intervention. For hardware issues, service personnel can remotely check and diagnose faults, preparing repair solutions or replacement parts before arriving on-site. Basic issues can be resolved with on-site guidance; more complex issues are addressed with pre-prepared tools and parts, minimizing repair time.

Cloud Server for Remote Management: The system allows for remote setup and user account creation, enabling remote management and permissions for authorized personnel.

Software Security Standards: The software meets ISA99 cybersecurity standards and was certified for cybersecurity safety by ISACA in 2019.

Virtual Reality Software for System Status Check: Using augmented reality software, users can scan the parking system with a smartphone or tablet camera to view:

• Device Specifications (motors, chains, sensors, etc.)
• Operational Status (operating time, number of start/stop cycles, etc.)
• Scheduled Maintenance Needs

Support for Maintenance with Augmented Reality Software:

• Maintenance Alerts: The system provides alerts when devices require maintenance.

Dynamic Alerts: Vibrant, attention-catching alerts (such as color changes or flashing) are used to draw the user’s attention to the need for maintenance.

Support for Repairs with Augmented Reality Software:

• Error Notifications: Alerts are provided for detected errors.
• Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Detailed guidance on how to identify and resolve issues.
• Documentation Display: Access to relevant documents (such as drawings, datasheets, videos, and website links).
• Error Status Updates: Current error conditions are updated, and repair history is recorded.

Visibility of Obstructed Components: Allows viewing of internal components that are blocked by other equipment.

Notification of Usage Frequency and Maintenance Timing for Each Parking Spot on the Control Screen:

The system will schedule maintenance based on the usage frequency of each parking spot. Spots with higher usage will receive maintenance first, while those with lower usage will be maintained later. This approach ensures that maintenance is prioritized according to actual wear and tear, rather than adhering to a fixed schedule (e.g., every 3 months), which may result in uneven maintenance across the system.

Notification of Usage Frequency and Maintenance Timing for Each Position and Block on the Central Screen via Internal Network and/or Internet:

Clear Error Alerts on the Control Screen and Audio

Clear Error Alerts on the Central Screen via Internal Network and Internet

Components (Hardware/Software) in the System:

1. Mechanical Parking System:
   • Mechanical System: Imported or locally manufactured.
   • Steel Type: SS400 / Q235 / Q235B or equivalent, Epoxy Paint.
2. Two-Tier Frame System:
   • Front Column: H 150x150x7x10
   • Rear Column: H 125x125x6.5×9
   • Front Beam: H 298x149x5.5×8
   • Rear Beam: H 298x149x5.5×8
   • Side Beam, Middle Beam: H 248x124x5x8
3. Three-Tier Frame System:
   • Front Column: H 150x150x7x10
   • Rear Column: H 150x150x7x10
   • Front Beam: H 300x150x6.5×9
   • Rear Beam: H 300x150x6.5×9
   • Side Beam (3rd Tier): H 248x124x5x8
   • Middle Beam (3rd Tier): H 248x124x5x8
   • Sliding Frame (2nd Tier): H 200x100x5.5×8

Pallet and Platform Specifications:

• Pallet Floor: Uses galvanized sheet metal pallets, assembled with smaller plates approximately 200mm in size (avoid using solid pallets due to poor load-bearing capacity; entire sheet replacement required during repairs. Avoid painting as it easily peels and rusts from continuous contact with car tires).
• Platform Thickness: Approximately 2.3mm
• Edge Thickness: Approximately 4.0mm

Motor Specifications:

• Origin: Taiwan, South Korea
• Lifting Motors:
  • 2.2 kW for 2nd and 3rd floors
  • 3.7 kW for 4th floor

Sliding Motor: 0.2 kW

Drive Mechanism:

• Drive Shaft: Ф60
• Motor Chain: 16A-2
• Lifting Chain: 16A
• Sliding Chain: 08B
• Lifting Cable: Diameter 10 mm

Electrical Control System:

• Imported or Locally Produced
• PLC Controller: OMRON/SIEMENS/SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Power Supply: CARLO GAVAZZI/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Main Circuit Breaker (MCCB): SIEMENS/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Load Circuit Breaker (MCB): SIEMENS/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Contactor: SIEMENS/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Thermal Relay: SIEMENS/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Phase Protection: CARLO GAVAZZI/SCHNEIDER/ABB or equivalent
• Indicator Lights: HANYOUNG NUX or equivalent
• Lifting and Lowering Limit Switch: OMRON/SICK/SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Horizontal Sliding Limit Switch: OMRON/SICK/SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Photoelectric Sensor – Vehicle Height Detection: OMRON/SICK/SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Control Screen: SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Tablet: SAMSUNG or equivalent
• Industrial Computer: SCHNEIDER or equivalent
• Industrial Switch: SCHNEIDER or equivalent

Operational Process Description:

• Vehicle Parking Process:

Initial System State: Position 202 is empty. The user wants to park the vehicle in position 202.

Step 1: Swipe the card or press the button to confirm the parking position.

Step 2: After the system confirms the parking position, the vehicle in position 102 will be moved to the right.

Step 3: The pallet at position 202 will lower to the ground floor.

Step 4: The safety barrier will be raised.

Step 5: The driver parks the car in position 202.

Step 6: Swipe the card to confirm; the safety barrier will lower. If the user forgets to swipe the card for the second time, a reminder notification will be issued. If no further action is taken within a specified time, the barrier will lower automatically, completing the parking process.

Process for Retrieving a Car:

Initial System Status: The customer wants to retrieve the car from position 201.

Step 1: Swipe the card or press the button to confirm the retrieval request.

Step 2: The pallet at position 102 moves to the right.

Step 3: The pallet at position 201 descends to the ground floor.

Step 4: The safety barrier rises.

Step 5: The driver exits the parking area

Step 6: Swipe the card a second time to lower the safety barrier. If the card is not swiped within the set time period and no further action is taken, the barrier will automatically lower, accompanied by a notification and alert. This concludes the vehicle retrieval process.

ETEK Automation Solutions Joint Stock Company specializes in providing smart parking solutions for both large and small projects. With a commitment to professionalism and dedication, ETEK is always committed to delivering the highest quality products at reasonable prices and ensuring timely delivery.