Car Park System - Conceptual Design, Different Design Models, System Operation, Morphological Chart - Report Example

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………. 2 2.0 Conceptual Design………………………………………………………….. 3 2.1 Design Requirements………………………………………………………... 4 2.2 Different Design models…………………………………………………….. 5 2.2.1 Frame models……………………………………………………………… 5 2.2.2 Lifting Methods…….……………………………………………………… 6 2.2.3 System operations…………………………………………………………. 7 2.3 Morphological Chart ……………………………………………………….. 8 2.4 Principle of Operation………………………………………………………. 10 3.0 Embodiment Design……………………………………………………….. 12 3.1 Overall Design Layout……………………………………………………… 12 3.3 Primary Sub-Systems………………………………………………………. 13 3.4 Auxiliary Components……………………………………………………… 14 4.0 Detailed Design……………………………………………………………. 14 4.1 Design Calculations………………………………………………………… 14 4.1.1 Overall Structure Weight………………………………………………….. 14 4.1.2 H-shaped support beams dimensions……………………………………… 15 4.1.3 System Path……………………………………………………………….. 15 4.1.4 Distance Required………………………………………………………… 15 4.1.5 System Movement Speed………………………………………………… 16 4.1.6 Structure Analysis………………………………………………………… 16 4.1.7 Bolts and Pin Shear Stress………………………………………………… 16 4.2 Selection and Sizing of Components……………………………………… 17 4.2.1 Frame Selection and Sizing………………………………………………… 17 4.2.2.Electric Motor Selection…………………………………………………… 18 4.2.3 Shaft Selection…………………………………………………………….. 19 4.2.4 Gear Selection……………………………………………………………… 19 4.2.5 Chain Selection……………………………………………………………. 19 4.2.6 Chain Sprocket Selection………………………………………………….. 19 5.0 Quantifiable Parameters…………………………………………………… 20 5.1 Safety………………………………………………………………………… 20 5.2 Ease of Manufacture………………………………………………………… 21 5.3 Maintenance…………………………………………………………………. 21 5.4 Aesthetics……………………………………………………………………. 22 6.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………… 22 7.0 References…………………………………………………………………… 24 Name Course Tutor Date Project design: Car park system Introduction Car park system is a mechanical system device that is used to multiply the parking capacity inside a parking lot. Car parking systems are generally run by the electric motors and hydraulic lifts that place the cars in their storage position. We have two kinds of car parking systems i.e. the traditional and the automated system, the traditional parking system is less expensive and more common however, they are less effective in terms of space usage. While the automated parking system is the modern type and it is mostly used in the big cities where the parking space of vehicles is limited. Automatic parking systems are expensive to install but they are effective in space usage. The automated multistory car park systems are less expensive per parking lot because they only require less building volume and ground area. Moreover, this system reduces noise pollution where the car drivers strive to find the parking space in the parking lot. Many cities in the developed countries have storied parking systems where the vehicles are moved to upper floors of buildings and hydraulic pumps and electric motors lift them. The owner of the vehicle leaves the vehicle at the entrance of the parking lot and the parking system moves the vehicle to where there is a space. The vehicles are again moved back to the entrance when the owner needs it (Kianpisheh, Mustaffa, Limtraitrut & Keikhosrokiani 2012). The development of the car parking system came during the time when the cars were invented in the 20th century. The engineers looked for the ways they could reduce the problem of car congestion in big cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, Washington etc. This was because the car parking space had become a big problem and caused a lot of delay and big losses. Over the years, like any other technology, the car parking system technology has improved greatly, initially, the automated multistory parking system were found in the United States cities where story building were constructed with the main purpose of providing the parking space for the vehicles. In the modern world, the automated parking systems are now found in many cities around the world since many cities overflows with traffic hence there is need to provide an ample parking space. One major advantage with the parking system is that it provides convenience with the car owners by reducing delays and providing security. 2.0 Conceptual Design 1. Design Requirements We have different types of car park designs but before we discuss these different design models, let us discuss the requirements for designing a good car parking system. In any parking lot, there are so many requirements that should be available in order for the parking exercise to be more efficient and convenient (Narayanan, p4). Some of the basic requirements that should be in place are, first the space. For any parking system to be efficient enough in storing the vehicles, there must be good parking space where many vehicles can be parked safely. Therefore, when engineers are designing a parking system, they ensure that the system would give enough space to accommodate as many cars as possible. They put in consideration the parking lots of small vehicles such as saloons, pickups and big vehicles such as trucks and Lories. They ensure that the size of the parking lots are good enough to park the vehicle comfortably in that when they are needed by the owners, they are again easily retrieved with minimal disturbances. The fourth requirement is that a good parking system should have modern, efficient and enough equipment such as folk lifters, hydraulic lifts, conveyor belts, and other handling equipments for easy handling of vehicles of different weights and size. These equipments should not just operate manually but they should be automated for efficient working. Moreover, the equipment should be well maintained in that, there should be regular repair in cases of wear. The parking lot should be kept clean and organized; the slots should be demarcated well for the traditional parking slots where the owners park the vehicles on their own. Finally, the project will be guided by the quantifiable parameters. These parameters include weight, maximum dimension, ability of the machinery to transport the car and the steel weights, operating time, safety and aesthetics among other things. The project will place considerable emphasis on the issue of safety because the user of the car needs convenience. This parameter will also help in marketing. The figure below shows some of the common quantifiable parameters of a car. The figure shows the dimensions and the weight as well. The car is 144cm high, 520cm wide and 500cm long and its weight is 2.3 tons. 3.0 Different Design models 3.1 The Frame model There is only one type of model for the frame. In this type, the load must have a support at the back for safety purposes. The underneath parking can have cars and this will still be safe for one to safely descend the upper platform. The location of the chain support is one that exposes it to a lot of stress. In this type of frame model, the load does have a lot of support from behind and this is good for purposes of safety. To descend the upper platform, there can be cars in the underneath parking because the support at the back provides the needed safety. This type of model is supported on all the sides by the chain that runs from the chair sprochet to the upper part of the parking system (Kianpisheh et al. 2012).This is safe enough. This model provides the assurance of safety for the user because there are no fears of deflections of the platforms as in other types of car parking systems. It accommodates more than one car on the various platforms and this helps to save on space as shown in the diagram below. 3.2 Lifting methods The first method consumes lesser space than others and this is important since it is among the objectives of the project. The second method has a concern about safety. The car needs a system of locking to make it stable because of the critical angle tilt. In the third method the level of safety is highest. The method provides for simple operation and even construction. This is advantageous because it saves on space. The fourth method also needs a locking system and this has the effect of increasing the cost. This method also takes up bigger space. 3.3 System Operation 3.3.1 Gear system The gear system gives the car a movement that is more effective and the performance is better when compared to the other methods. It also needs very minimal maintenance. It gives variable control of the speed using the gear and the space it occupies is not too much. It moves the chain up and down with great firmness. The gear system of the whole car park system is a very important part. It gives the system good performance and movement by providing a force to the chain sprochet and the rest of the chain. Its maintenance requirements are moderately high. The gear helps to control the speed at which the chain sprochet moves and hence the platforms. The gear system takes up only little space (Kianpisheh et al. 2012). 3.3.2 Electric motor This is seen as an equipment of very high cost. This system appears to consume less space and its maintenance requirements are very high. When applied on high loads it raises the issue of safety. An electric motor 3.3.3 Chain sprochet This system is known to be of high cost and it consumes a lot of space besides having high maintenance demands. When high loads are being used, there is always the assurance of safety. The chain sprochet provides the mechanism through which the chain supports the loads. It is important on the system although its maintenance is mandatory. It must be lubricated regularly to ease movement (Stockton-on-Tees 2006). A chain sprochet 3.3.4 Chain The chain system is not very costly and it consumes less space. The positions for mounting and maintaining the system presents no big problem. This system is efficient in lifting very heavy loads and therefore very much applicable to the industrial sector. The chain is made of very strong metal such as steel to ensure that it does not break when lifting heavy objects. 3.4 Morphological chart 3.5 Principle of Operation The mode of operation of this car parking system is not hard. The electric motor working with the gear, provide the force to the chain sprochet which makes the chain attached to the sprochet to start moving. The movement of the chain through the chain sprochet as a conveyor helps to descend the upper platform as well as the lower platform (Stockton-on-Tees 2006). This movement makes the chain to either to rise or come down. In this manner it can bring down the platforms for the cars to get in and out of the parking and after wards, the same movement on the chain raises the platforms to their normal positions. The cars are therefore parked in this manner. 4.0 Embodiment Design 4.1 Overall Design Layout 4.2 Primary Sub-Systems 4.3 Auxiliary Components 4.0 Detailed Design 5.1 Design Calculation 5.1.1 Overall Structure Weight The overall structure of the system has four main parts. These are the upper and lower platforms the H-shaped beams and the sprochets. The chain is also part of the system. The upper platform is a flat rectangular surface often made of steel. The platform accommodates the car on the upper side of the system. The lower platform is like it and both of them are connected to the chain and supported by the H-shaped beams (Toom 2013). The calculation for the upper and lower platforms will give the total weight. The total weight for these two platforms will be calculated by taking the weight of one of them and multiplying it by two because the platforms are identical. Total weight = 725.17kg x 2= 1450.34kg. The weight for one platform was arrived at by calculating the weight of the steel plate and that of the steel frame. The assumption here is that the thickness if 4cm. Steel plate weight= (A1 x A2) + (A3 x A4) = [(290x4.6 m) + (2.6x29.45 m) The total weight = [(1334 kg) + (76.58 kg) =1450.34kg. 5.1.2 H-shaped support beams dimensions The H-shaped beams were two in number and their dimensions are the same. The flange width as calculated from the internet websites was 540m. The height was 700m. 5.1.3 System Path The system path consists only a straight line on which the chain slides to lower the upper platform. The straight path from top to bottom is approximately 700cm. 4.1.4 Distance Required It was also necessary to determine the total distance through which the system runs as the platforms descend. The total distance required is the distance from the upper platform to the lower platform then to the ground. This was found to be 600 cm. 5.1.5 System Movement Speed The speed at which the system moves is arrived at through calculation. The time taken for the system to move from the upper most part to the lowest is supposed to be 45 seconds. There is a slightly higher speed to ensure efficiency but the aspect of safety has been taken into consideration. For the upper platform to go through a distance of 6m downwards, it will take 45 seconds. Velocity = speed x time = 45 x 6 = 270m/s. 5.1.6 Structure Analysis The car park system is designed in a manner that when some cars are parked on the upper platform, there are other cars on the lower platform and the on the ground as well. The system structure has therefore been designed in a way that it withstands the weight of platform and the car parked on the platform. The process of finite element analysis in this case ANSYS to put the car model par structure into the program for calculating the stress exerted by the platform and the car it carries. Both the car and the platform weighed 3725 kg. The frame of the car park was made from mild steel (1018) with very high tensile strength of approximately 470 MPa. The CAD program was used in the design of the model which was then placed in the ANSYS program to produce a proper structure analysis. Half of the entire load was distributed into four distinct forces upon which it was then applied to the structure. A big part of the stress was found to be between 90 MPa and 180 MPa. To put the safety factor into consideration, the tensile stress is divided with the maximum majority stress (Menlo 2013). 5.1.7 Bolts and Pin Shear Stress The upper platform on which the second car rests is supported by the frame structure and the H beam structure is fixed to the platform using two pins. The implication is that the two pins holding the platform and the H beam continue to have stress exerted on them as the system operates. The two pins bear the stress when the platform comes down with the car. In order to reduce the stress that the pins bear, the bolt joints were used together with the pins. 10 bolts were used on each of the sides of the H-beam. On one side, five bolts hold one end while the other five hold the other end. This means that five bolds will support the front load of the car while the remaining five support the rear load. Finding the right bolt requires that one finds the bolt cross section. The full load is 3725kg. Therefore, one side of the system supports 3725/2 = 1862.5kg. The front and the rear parts each have a load of 1862.5 kg. Therefore, each bolt supports 1862.5/5 = 372.5kgf. Otherwise, it is also possible to consider calculating the suitable diameter to the movable pin found at one end of the platform. The pins needed to support the weight both at the front and the rear needs to be strong enough. Its diameter should be 1.4cm. This pin should be suitable to the parking system in question especially for the type of materials being used. In this case the material is mild steel 1018 with a yield stress of about 275MPa. 5.2 Selection and Sizing of Components 5.2.1 Frame Selection and Sizing Mild steel was chosen as the suitable material for this car park system. This type of steel is commonly found and it is not very much expensive. Its material properties can also be applied to many requirements. It has 0.16 to 0.29 percent of carbon. It is not ductile or brittle. The tensile strength of mild steel of mild steel is relatively low, although it is malleable and cheap and the hardness of its surface can be stepped up by carburizing. Mild steel is applicable where huge quantities of steel are required in cases such as structural steel. Mils steel has a density of 7,861.093 kg/m³, 500 Mpa tensile strength and 210, 000 MPa Young’s modulus. The design of the parking system was made in consideration of the space available and the comfort and convenience of the user (Narayanan 2002). 5.2.2 Electric Motor Selection In the design of the car park system, only one motor is used. The electric motor in the system works together with the gear system to move the chain sprochet. Since the total weight of the two platforms used in the design has already been calculated, it will therefore be used to make the best choice of the electric motor to be used. Total weight = car weight + (platform weight x2) + (beam weight x2) Total weight = 2300 + (725.17kg x 2= 1450.34kg) + (80 x2 = 160) The total weight =2300 + 1450.34+ 160 = 3910.34 kg. Force = m * g Force = 3910.34 kg * 270 m/s² Force = 1446825.8 N Electric motor The electric motor shown in the figure above was the most suitable for the car5 park design. It is a baldor AC brake motor. This motor was selected because it has a good breaking mechanism and can stop instantly. It can reset automatically and operate even when power is not available. It is very applicable to this car park design because it is suitable for machine tools, door operators, conveyors, speed reducers and other applications that need positive hold and quick stops. The motor is capable of raising the force required to operate the system. 5.2.3 Shaft Selection The shaft in the system links the gear system and the electric motor. The shaft is made of strong material, possibly mild steel that can withstand vibrations and other forms of stress from the rest of the system. 5.2.4 Gear Selection The gear is expected to generate a lot of force just as the electric motor. The gear was select on the basis of its strong levers that can support the operation of the whole system. It has very strong parts made of mild steel. These parts move against one another and therefore their ability to wear off and tear is relatively low (Stockton-on-Tees 2006). 5.2.5 Chain Selection The chain is made of pure steel. This was necessary given the weight it supports. It has to be long lasting and strong enough for purposes of safety. It does not rust and has high tensile strength and the toughness to resist the forces of wear and tear. It maintenance is easy because it only requires lubrication on regular basis. 5.2.6 Chain Sprocket Selection The chain sprochet selected for this project has various qualities. First it is strong enough to withstand the pull from the chain. It does not rust since it is made from steel and also withstands wear and tear given that it slides against other metallic parts. 6.0 Quantifiable Parameters: 6.1 Safety Safety is very crucial to the system because the car user would put it as a priority. It is therefore prioritized in the construction and fining of the system, the system of control and other components (Narayan 2002). The system must have a good finish without any sharp edges that could harm the user. To enhance safety, the design of the control system and calibration are done in time and speed. This makes it possible for the user to have a kind of profile during operation. This process is important because it saves time and ensures that the car is always safe. The car gets no shock during the process of landing. The sequence in operation concept was adhered to during the designing process of the control system. This means that when the system is in operation is guarantees that the adjacent parking system will not be in operation. This is very necessary because it helps avoid disturbance and even accidents. The system components help to ensure that the system is safe. The structure of the frame has a member with a triangular shape which supports the upper platform especially on the front, back and sides in order to overcome the stresses that might be exerted on any of the sides. Again, the power pack system is collected in the right place under a suitable cover that keeps away the heat and rainwater as well as any other harmful factors that could compromise on its performance. In addition, a tilted track on that very axis of the same platform will be placed on the front side of the upper platform so that when the car is landing it can go on the upper platform. The tilting is done at a specified and secure degree. A rubber will be placed under the upper platform to absorb the shock created during the process of landing. In addition the upper platform is made 2 m high to ease the in and out movement of people and avoid injuries. A guideline for parking to give guidance to vehicles parking in the lower platform is provided so that it can provide space for the landing of the upper platform. 6.2 Ease of Manufacture From the car design used in this project, it is evident that manufacturing this type of car is not hard. It only needs light fabrication, joining parts with the use of bolts and welding. It is possible to make the frame in a workshop without the use of sophisticated equipment for fabrication. The frame is made of a square beam with space inside it. The different components and parts are fixed on to the frame by drilling, welding, and cutting. For instance, the square has one side on it removed so that the roller can move on the face of the beam that is hollow. The same thing is applied on the opinion and rack. In addition the beams and the platform will be joined using simple drilling and fitting of pins. To add to this, rotary equipment needs mounting like the rack and opinion, the reduction gear and the electrical winch. Moreover, the secondary sections need to be located in the right position. This is necessary because of the exposure they have on loads and stresses among others the pin, rollers and pulleys. The rotary equipment and secondary equipment and the mild steel that serves as the raw material is obtained from the market within the country. These features make the system an easy one to manufacture (Narayan 2002). 6.3 Maintenance The system is simple to maintain since it requires measures such as carrying out preventing maintenance on regular basis for the electric motor. Maintenance also requires the checking of the strength of the cable because it can be affected by fatigue, corrosion, working life and abrasion. The capability of the electrical winch hook should be checked because of exposure to high stress (Par 2013). The flexibility as well as the degree of tilting on the track must be checked because of the deflection. The rubber positioned underneath should be checked as well because it is subject to vibration and friction. The control system should be inspected regularly and tested for time and speed because of its level of sensitivity. Specific parts should have lubrication applied to them. These include the gear parts since lubricant viscosity is helps to absorb heat resulting from friction. The tolerance of the rollers on the upper platform should also be checked and changed so that the efficiency of the system is improved to get rid of noise pollution. For the system, maintenance is very important because it makes the system to last longer. 6.4 Aesthetics The system is meant for commercial purposes and therefore aesthetics is very important. Therefore, it should be given a beautiful look. The upper platform is made as a rectangular plate with a hollow space inside it. It provides beauty and seals the underneath. The structure of the frame is composed of mild steel because it resistant to corrosion. Mild steel looks beautiful to the eye when painted. The arrangement of the power packed system is very much organized and therefore provides space as well as the aesthetic aspect. The simple procedure in construction is also an aspect of beauty. This makes them good for use in many applications and therefore suitable for the needs of the client (Kianpisheh, Mustaffa, Limtraitrut & Keikhosrokiani 2012). 7.0 Conclusion At the beginning of this project, certain important issues were prioritized such as having a system that is easy to operate, is of low cost and is efficient so that different types of people can be able to operate it. The initial take involved a study of parking system designs as well as the materials and the operation of the system. The project was guided by the quantifiable parameters including machinery capability, maximum weight and dimension, the capability of the system to transport to carry the car and the safety, time of operation, steel weights and several other things. Safety was prioritized and as a result, some things on the system had to be changed so that it could become convenient to user. This will help a lot in selling the system. The design of the project was good. Works Cited Kianpisheh, A, Mustaffa, N, Limtraitrut & Keikhosrokiani, P. Smart parking system Architecture using ultrasonic detector. (2012) Accessed on web 5th Jan 2013. Menlo Par. Parking stalls and driveway design guidelines. Accessed on web 5th Jan 2013 Narayanan, Parthiban. Intelligent car parking system. (2002). Accessed on web 6th Jan 2013 Nbmcw.com. Parkon multilevel car parking system. (2010). Accessed on web Jan 6th 2013 Paricarparking.com. Features of Automatic car parking system. Accessed on web Jan 5th 2013 Stockton-on-Tees. Parking provision for new development: Supplementary planning documentary (2006). Accessed on web 5th Jan 2013. Toom. n. Chess parking. Accessed on web Jan 6th 2013 Commonfloor.com. Automated car parking system for the residential apartments. Accessed on web 5th Jan 2013. Read More