Puzzle Systems

Puzzle systems offer the densest form of automated parking decks, typically utilizing around 95% of the floor area, and are often used in smaller systems. In a horizontal puzzle system a grid of pallets covers a solid floor, or steel frame, and each pallet is supported by a set of rollers and belts that are driven by motors fitted to the support frames underneath each pallet location. The rollers and belts maneuver the pallets until the pallet with the required vehicle on is maneuvered to the desired location, e.g. parking module, elevator, etc. The pallet support frames are installed in all possible parking positions and typically there are two fewer pallets than support frames per floor which provides the necessary free spaces to maneuver the pallets.

Puzzle systems also provide flexible layout options as the system configuration is highly adaptable as a pallet can be maneuvered from one support frame to an adjacent on in any direction. This means the system shape can vary greatly, instead of being rectangular or square, puzzle systems can also be "T" shaped, "U" shaped, "L" shaped, "H" shaped, etc. as long as there is a route for pallets to get from their current location" to their destination location via an adjacent support frame. This also makes maneuvering around structural members possible that may not otherwise be possible with other system types. Scissor lifts are typically used in puzzle systems as they allow the pallets to move on and off the lift platforms in all directions. Electrical cantilevered lifts can also be used be the pallet movements on and off the lift platform are more restricted. Turning the vehicles can be done in the parking module, on an elevator, or within the car park system.

FATA Puzzle Parking
Puzzle systems use the same technology as skid/pallet conveyor systems and FATA has designed and installed over 150 skid/pallet conveyor systems with over 100 km (60 miles) of conveyor in total.