Watch out Lexus: Students design auto-park system
A rather creative group of mechanical engineering students at the University of Toledo have taken on a unique task: parallel parking. We all know that Lexus has made headlines with the LS460 and the Advanced Parking Guidance System, but these guys have designed a relatively simple alternative that doesn't require a Master's degree to operate.
The basic design is a simple hydraulic system that lifts the rear of the vehicle and slides it sideways into the spot. You really have to see it to realize how simple and effective it is...the video tells the rest.
Thanks to Martijn for the tip!
[Source: University of Toledo Capstone Project Group #16]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DriftPunch 5:10PM (11/15/2006)
I remember seeing this idea in a clip from the '50s...
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Tom B. 5:34PM (11/15/2006)
thanks for this information
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scooter 5:22PM (11/15/2006)
Or...people could learn how to freaking park a car. Something they will be doing for 50-60 years of their lives.
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aaron 5:37PM (11/15/2006)
every engineering students need their share of fun times in college...
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g 5:50PM (11/15/2006)
If you don't know how to park, then you shouldn't be licensed to drive. How lazy or stupid can one be if he or she doesn't know how to park a car? Out of all the time I have been driving, I think I have parrarell parked maybe twice.
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Sammy B 6:10PM (11/15/2006)
On expensive cars like the lexus I think it makes sense to have a system on it. If the people driving it, who usually park in their drive way or use valet services, have to parallel park, they will probably need the help of some system.
This clip is a fun exercise, but how much does it weigh? I think the weight alone would make it very impractical.
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BOB 7:03PM (11/15/2006)
Of course, half the Yayhoos who would buy the system will pull up to spaces that are shorter than the car, bash in the left front corner of the next car, quit, and drive off.
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JayP 7:37PM (11/15/2006)
Sbarro did it again in the '80s.
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Ryan 7:58PM (11/15/2006)
"5. If you don't know how to park, then you shouldn't be licensed to drive. How lazy or stupid can one be if he or she doesn't know how to park a car?"
-Shall we quit using calculators and go back to using slide rules as well, since calculators are too lazy?
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salguod 10:44PM (11/15/2006)
#1 - Me too, it was a continental it (spare tire on the rear bumper) that would drop down and do the same thing. Don't think it was actually produced, just prototyped.
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Peter 4:05AM (11/16/2006)
> Out of all the time I have been driving, I think I
> have parrarell parked maybe twice.
LOL, it's more like twice a day around here...
Anyhow, such a complex mechanical system doesn't stand a chance cost-wise against assistance systems that make use of the EPS (e.g. VW) and don't need any additional hardware apart from a few additional distance sensors. Looks like they've had fun though...
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Martin 11:19AM (11/16/2006)
"5. If you don't know how to park, then you shouldn't be licensed to drive. How lazy or stupid can one be if he or she doesn't know how to park a car?"
- Yeah because that's what everyone is doing on the roads today isn't it ? Parallel parking.
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Richard Warren 12:37PM (11/16/2006)
Wow, you folks need to losen up, #4 hit the nail right on the head.
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Huecifcer 2:00PM (11/16/2006)
...i bet lexus' system does't take up the entire trunk and undercarriage of the car...
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