This technology ensures the centre of mass is kept within the footprint of the stair climber. Load sensors and tilt actuators automatically adjust the platform angle, ensuring the machine is stable throughout the stair climb.
2D laser scanner technology
The 2D laser scanner provides the highest possible level of vehicle detection – another hi-tech safety feature for the automated parking system process. E.g. if the vehicle has a tow bar, or if an object is hanging out the vehicle window as it enters the entry room, it is quickly detected. Normal lasers and photo-cells which work on a single line point to point will only detect obstructions directly blocking the single beam.
Step Edge Detection
A fail safe mechanical sensing system automatically detects the edge of each step and applies the stair climber brakes. This ensures the machine cannot be rolled off a step accidentally.
High Speed Traction Lift
This technology provides smooth and fast vertical transportation of the vehicle.
The wire rope traction mechanism with a counter-weight reduces the amount of energy required – similar to passenger lifts in a building.
Shifting Drive-over Platform Technology
This technology is essential when grouping our Expanderpark machines two and three rows deep. It enables all machines to have a pit either one level or two below ground and still have the rear machines remain accessible – something our competitors cannot do. The shifting drive-over platform automatically orients itself to present a flat driveway in alignment with the chosen parking platform in the rear Expanderpark(s). Simply drive through and park – easy!
Precision ‘Inching’ Functionality
Negative electro-magnetic braking motors not only mechanically fail safe in the event of an electrical issue but can be driven in ‘inching’ mode. This allows exceptionally slow and deliberate movements to be made for manoeuvring in the tightest of spaces.
Simple Safe Operation
Whilst the stair climber is designed to be intuitive and simple to operate, many safety features are built in. Features include over angle sensors, automatic low battery warning, battery over ride, automatic shut down to preserve battery life and assistive slope braking for traversing slopes.
Multi Plate Friction Clutch
The ability to adjust the ergonomics of the stair climber is vital for different load centres and operator preference. We incorporate stainless steel multi plate friction clutches to allow infinite adjustment with zero slip.
Hydraulic Multiplying Pulley System
This Hydraulic Multiplying Pulley System allows cars to be stacked up to 16 levels above ground and two levels below ground and for the cars to be lifted and lowered at extremely high speeds. The vertical travel speed now increases to 28 meters a minute – which is up to 14 times faster than our competitors. * With our Expanderpark range – we can offer up to 3 rows deep and an unlimited amount of car bays wide. All 3 rows can have a pit. 16 levels high and two levels below ground is possible with our Expanderpark technology.
Ultra-clean climb
The unique glide belt and lift geometry ensures no moving part of the Staircat makes contact with the step. The wheels do not make contact with the edge of the step ensuring no possible damage to even the most ornate of staircases.
Tool-less Quick Release Power Packs
Lightweight yet powerful power packs are used with the ability to quickly switch them out for another unit. Single handed operation utilising a quick release without the use of tools.
Chain Driven Technology
This technology allows 2 levels below ground and one or two above. This electro-mechanical system uses an electric motor and lifting chains instead of hydraulics. There is a lifting motor for each platform ensuring redundancy in the system. Many of our competitors’ systems are reliant on a cheaper method of lifting by using one hydraulic pump for the entire system, so if this pump fails the entire machine comes to a grinding halt. A car stacker system with 2 levels below ground allows more cars overall – in fact 25% more cars in a very compact space.
Remote Joystick Control
Intuitive controls incorporating a joystick for complex manoeuvres. This can also be used to remote control the stair climb, ensuring the operator is separated from potential hazard.
Pallet-less system technology
Many automated parking solutions feature pallets which the car is parked on before being transported around the system. These pallet systems are also more energy intensive requiring more electricity to lug both a car and a heavy steel plate around as well. Using a direct car picker system without these pallets means the cycle times of operation are dramatically increased. Shuffling empty pallets around the system is no longer required. Cars are gently picked and are placed directly into an allocated space with maximum efficiency and speed. This rapid speed can be essential to reduce queuing times often mandated by councils.
Self-Loading
Moving 600 kg safely on stairs is impressive, however care must be taken loading the stairclimber for the climb. Pianoplan Vertical does this for you, safely traversing from vertical to horizontal, and back again.
Robot Parking Technology
AGV (automated guided vehicle) robotic parking is the latest breakthrough in mechanical carparking solutions. AGV’s are omni directional robots which can move and turn vehicles in the tightest of spaces. Parking cars with precision nose to tail and mirror to mirror achieves great parking densities. They are quick, compact, efficient, space saving and yet column friendly. AGV’s also enable buildings to be future proofed, as there are no structural changes made to the building and a reduction in future parking needs means that these areas may be transformed into more commercial, retail or residential tenancies at a later stage without difficulty.
Harmonic ‘Slinky’ Inspired Motion
By designing the stair climber to mimic a harmonic motion, the machines remain balanced and conserves energy, similar to a slinky descending steps.
Pin Gear Drive Mechanism
Unlike regular turntables which rely on a cheaper drive wheel system whereby the drive wheel pushes on an inner frame to rotate the table – the Hercules turntable system uses a pin-drive positive engagement system which lasts much longer. The Pin Gear Drive Mechanism provides a smooth, reliable turntable operation with minimal wear and tear. It is also much quieter than the noisy friction drive [i.e. drive wheel system] option which requires considerably more maintenance than the Pin Drive option we provide.
Non marking, puncture proof tyres and tracks
Careful design and material selection ensure the stair climber will not mark or damage any style of step. Suitable for marble bull-nose to glass and everything in between. Puncture proof tyres ensure the machines are always operational when required.
Over-engineering
Stairclimbers are a vital tool of the trade. Quality and reliability is critical. Victorian engineers used to say “if one chain will do, we will use two!” The same thought process is used with our machines.
Serapid Lifting Chains
The Serapid lifting chains push the car lift from underneath, which is advantageous where there is insufficient room above the lift for installation of traditional drive systems, wire ropes, pulleys or chains. So the very important benefit is there does need to be any overrun above the lift meaning you don’t lose any floor space above the lift. Using the Serapid system also means the lift shaft can be narrower as there is no need to have any mechanism on the side of the lift shaft as with conventional lifts. It also means The Serapid System is ideal for pits with limited depth. The chain is curled and enclosed in a case which lifts the platforms – an ingenious alternative to hydraulic lifting.
Electric Vehicle Charging
All parking systems can be provided with the option for Electric Vehicle Charging. The user enters the parking system with their vehicle where they will find a charging plug mounted on the platform. They then plug this into the electric vehicle and continue the parking procedure. Depending on the system, the vehicle will then be taken to a dedicated charging bay where the platform will dock into the charge unit and charge the vehicle.
Powered Beds & Compact Roller Drive Systems
An ingenious system whereby the entire floor area can be utilised to park vehicles. No aisles are necessary or needed, allowing for a very compact yet affordable automated parking system. The parking platforms are all automatically driven around a rotation path, on powered roller beds to shuffle the selected vehicle to the entry/exit bay. Parking platforms can be shifted sideways, forwards and backwards, utilising a gear rack and cam to lift platforms for a change in direction. When combined with a car-lift, these horizontal puzzle parks can operate over many floors.
