AR 02 - Fully Automated Multilevel Parking Garage

The project aims at creating a Fully Automated Multilevel Parking System that would cater to modern dilemma challenges in urban parking. The design is a 3x2 slot system where cars would be parked and retrieved efficiently; it would have the capability to store six cars in three rows and two columns. It integrates mechanical, electrical, and software systems seamlessly into one efficient, robust, secure, and user-friendly system. A programmable logic controller (PLC) generates this output control signal, which interfaces with stepper motors and actuators, input sensors, and output relays, to effectuate flow control in the parking lot.

And it is an automated controlled system featuring web applications by ESP32 module for customers to check availability of slots and also park or retrieve from distance. Everything will be powered on 24V power supply with basic safety features like E-stop (Emergency Stop) and MCR for safe and secure operation. 

In the mechanical design, a well-structured ground-solid model holds everything, and a floor plan is set for movement of vehicles installed in the X, Y, and Z axes. In addition, the car extraction system will consist of stepper motors, a linear actuator, and the gear system for smooth movement. Functionally, this will help in solving many possible problems such as the classical parking problem. Just by selecting the option Park my car automatically from the web interface, the system does everything. It will create a unique code associated with that vehicle, which will be used for retrieval. When he wants the car back, he just enters the code through the interface, and then the car comes back to its original place. The ESP32 interface also indicates the real-time occupancy of the parking slots; thus, it keeps users informed about the prevailing garage status. The system works in two modes automatic and maintenance. When the system is in automatic mode, everything is handled over the web interface-user selects where to park or to retrieve, and the system does the rest of the work. The manual mode will mostly still show how every slot is handled; this is very good if for whatever reason, the user forgets the code and wants a simpler method. The PLC takes all the input from the sensors and user interface, manages the movement of motors and actuators, and makes sure the system reacts correctly and efficiently to every command.

This project was initiated because of the increasing issues regarding urban parking. Cities nowadays are too crowded for parking to add traffic jams and energy waste to the masses of road constructions. The traditional method of parking is also very slow, and efficiency is becoming poorer due to human error. These factors contribute to greater urban sprawl and an undesirable dependency on using private vehicles. We feel this is an opportunity to apply our mechatronics skill in creativity that combines electrical, mechanical, and control systems to produce a more intelligent and efficient solution to real-life problems. Beyond just real-world problem-solving, the project pushed us to break out of the classic automated parking systems that solely rely on internal memory or Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). By connecting the system to a digital server through the ESP32 module, we have created a modern solution that is well in tune with the latest trends on the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city initiatives. Besides, this connectivity makes it future-ready for scalable integration with mobile apps or other smart systems. Another prime reason we designed this and developed skills in the fields of electronics and mechanical engineering, central to our major study, was to showcase how innovative and feasible solutions in these fields could come together. The project illustrated how much of the learning has been turned into practice through mechanical design and development of the PLC program, wiring electrical system, and building web interface.

Finally, our Fully Automated Multilevel Parking System is practically designed to add value to the space that is available, free up jams, and provide users with a smart and easy method to park their cars. In effort combining state-of-the-art control techniques with ageless mechanical-electrical designs, we would ensure a technical sound and, more importantly, a super practical solution for bustling urban settings today.