One of the most popular and versatile mechanical parking solution is the puzzle parking system. It is a fully automated parking system featuring combination pallets that enable horizontal and vertical movement of parking spots just like a puzzle to park retrieve cars. A puzzle parking system can be easily configured and customised into any property.
Puzzle parking systems are used in places where optimum usage of space is required. It typically comes in 2, 3, 4 and 5 level configurations. It comes with or without pits. It is ideal for new constructions and retrofits. This mechanical parking system is designed to go vertically up to 7 levels and horizontally to as much space is available on the ground. It works in a tandem configuration without impacting retrieval time. You will find puzzle parking systems in residential, mixed-use and public garages in most impacted urban areas.
These days, most traditional stackers are replaced with puzzles as they can drastically reduce valet costs since each space is independently accessed. The Puzzle can be used indoors or outdoors and requires a minimum clear height of 11’ 7 3/4” beginning with the 2 level systems.
The advantages of puzzle parking systems are:
• Independent access
• Can accommodate SUV’s
• No pit required, can be used on upper levels of a garage
• Almost doubles the amount of parking in the same space with no excavation
• Multiple entry to reduce time
• Low cost installation
• Simple operation and easy maintenance
• Low operating cost
• Variation available from 2 to 7 levels
The only disadvantage of puzzle parking system is that it is more expensive than simple stackers.
In puzzle parking systems, the parking spaces are arranged on two or three levels. The upper and lower level parking spaces move vertically and the middle parking spaces move horizontally (left and right) to allow upper or lower level cars to come up or down to driveway level and be driven off the platforms. The middle level of the machine has one less car than the upper and lower level to enable the lower cars to move left and right to create the vacant space.
At the moment, puzzle parking systems are the best automated parking systems available for large spaces.

Author's Bio: 

Mr. Radhakrishnan - Managing Director of Sieger Parking in India.