ISSN XXXX XXXX © 2017 IJESC

Research Article Volume 7 Issue No.7

Design and Analysis of an Aerial Scissor Lift

Soma Raghavendra1, C. Raghunath Reddy2
M.Tech Student1, HOD2
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Tadipathri Engineering College, Tadipathri, India

Abstract:
Aerial scissor lifts are generally used for temporary, flexible access purposes such as maintenance and construction work or by
fire-fighters for emergency access, etc which distinguishes them from permanent access equipment such as elevators. They are
designed to lift limited weights — usually less than a ton, although some have a higher safe working load (SWL). This is
especially true when the work being accessed is raised off the floor and outside an operator’s normal ergonomic power zone. In
either case, it is much more economical to bring the worker to the work rather than bringing the work to the worker. The need for
the use of lift is very paramount and it runs across labs, workshops, factories, residential/commercial buildings to repair street
lights, fixing of bill boards, electric bulbs etc. expanded and less-efficient, the engineers may run into one or more problems when
in use. Considering the need for this kind of mechanism, estimating as well the cost of expanding energy more that result gotten
as well the maintenance etc. it is better to adopt this design concept to the production of the machine.The initial idea of design
considered was the design of a single hydraulic ram for heavy duty vehicles and putting it underneath, but this has limitations as
to the height and stability, and someone will be beneath controlling it. This is designed in Pro /E and analyzed in ANSYS.

I. INTRODUCTION scaffold and mechanical scissors lifts in getting to elevated

height such as the amount of load to be carried, conformability,
A scissor lift or mechanism is a device used to extend or time consumption, much energy expended etc. the idea of a
position a platform by mechanical means. The term ―scissor‖ hydraulically powered scissors lift which will overcome the
comes from the mechanic which has folding supports in criss above stated limitations is used.
cross ―X‖ pattern. The extension or displacement motion is
achieved by the application of force to one or more supports, SCOPE OF THE STUDY
resulting in an elongation of the cross pattern. The force The design and construction of the hydraulic scissors lift is to
applied to extend the scissors mechanism may by hydraulic, lift up to a height of 3.2m and carrying capacity of less than
pneumatic or mechanical (via a lead screw or rack and pinion 500kg (500 kilograms) with the available engineering
system). The need for the use of lift is very paramount and it materials. However, there is for academic purpose, a similar
runs across labs, workshops, factories, residential/commercial project for general carrying – capacity with a selection of
buildings to repair street lights, fixing of bill boards, electric better engineering materials.
bulbs etc. expanded and less-efficient, the engineers may run
into one or more problems when in use. Before this time IMPORTANCE / SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
scissors lift existing use mechanical or hydraulic system The design and construction of a hydraulic scissors lift is to lift
powered by batteries for its operations. Several challenges a worker together with the working equipment comfortably
were encountered in this very design. Some amongst many and safely to a required working height not easily accessible. It
include; low efficiency, risk of having the batteries discharged may be used without a necessary external assistance or
during an emergency, extended time of operation, dependent assistance from a second party due to the concept of the
operation, as well as maintenance cost. It is the consideration design. This project will be an important engineering tool or
of these factors that initiated the idea of producing this device used in maintenance jobs.
hydraulically powered scissors lift with independent operator.
The idea is geared towards producing a scissors lift using one AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
hydraulic ram placed across flat, in between two cross frames The project is aimed at designing and constructing a
and powered by a pump connected to a motor wheel may be hydraulically powered scissors lift to lift and lowers worker
powered by a pump generator. Also, the individual ascending / and his working equipment with ease and in the most
descending is still the same person controlling it. I.e. the economical way. The lift is expected to work with minimal
control station will be located on the top frame. A scissors lift technical challenges and greater comfort due to its wide range
is attached to a piece of equipment having a work station of application. The device can easily be handled to the site to
known as scissors lift table that houses the pump, the reservoir, be used with a tow-van and then powered by a generator.
the generator, control valves and connections and the motor. A Between the heights of lift (i.e. the maximum height) the
scissors lift does not go as high as a boom lift; it sacrifices device can be used in any height within this range and can be
heights for a large work station. Where more height is needed, descend immediately in case of emergency, and can be
a boom lift can be used. operated independent of a second party.

II.STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM TYPES OF SCISSOR LIFTS:

Scissor Lifts are one of very popular choice for material
A problem remains a problem until a solution is proffered. handling in Indian Industry and are being used in many
With the limitations encountered in the use of ropes, ladders, applications. A properly designed and equipped scissor lift

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enhances the logistics infrastructure, improving facility’s  Two scissor lifts in tandem operation co-ordinated by
competitiveness. The scissor lifts are available in wide ranges single hydraulic circuit.
with various options and provide optimum solution for lifting
awkward shaped objects to comfortable working heights with
least worker fatigue and physical strain. Josts now offers
Scissor Lifts for various jobs to suit customer needs and serves
variety of application in industries such as General
Engineering, Heavy Engineering, Defense, Railways,
Manufacturing & Processing Plants, Chemical Industries, Figure.4. Twin Scissors Lifts
Consumer Items, Electrical & Electronics, Logistics, Oil-Gas Semi-Electric Mobile Scissor Lifts:
& Fertilisers, Retail, Steel Industries etc.  Extensively used for light duty applications for lifting
goods to various lift heights.
Pit Mounted Scissor Lifts:  Ideal for carrying out maintenance as well as house
 Ideal for loading / unloading operations. keeping jobs at desired heights.
 Used where height difference is beyond the range of Dock  Capacity up to 1000 kg.
Levelers.  Lift Heights up to 12000 mm.
 Capacity from 500 kg up to 20000 kg.  Easily tow-able either manually or by powered
 Lift heights up to 12000 mm. vehicles.
 Available in variations of Heavy duty and Medium duty  Earth locking arrangements for greater stability.
lifts.

Figure.5. Semi-Electric Mobile Scissor Lifts

Figure.1. Pit Mounted Scissor Lifts Self Propelled Scissor Lifts:
 Ideal for Maintenance jobs as well as Order Picking
Tandem Scissors Lifts: applications.
 Ideal for heavy duty assembly shop & Production  Capacity up to 1500 kg.
shop applications.  Lift Heights up to 12000 mm.
 It is used for Jobs requiring long platforms.  Driven by AC / DC motor and MOSFET controller
 Capacities up to 20,000 kg. which can be operated from lift platform itself.
 Lift heights up to 3000 mm.  Quiter, Cleaner operation for a variety of
 Two or more scissor pairs in combination and environments.
operated by single hydraulic system  Narrow width fits most standard doorways and tight
aisles.

Figure.2. Tandem Scissors Lifts

Floor Mounted Scissor Lifts:
 Extensively used in light duty applications for lifting
goods to various lift height.
 Ideal for shop floor, assembly line, production line Figure.6. Self Propelled Scissor Lifts
applications as lift tables. Vehicle Mounted Scissor Lifts:
 Capacity up to 2000 kg.  Ideal for Maintenance purpose, Stationary shifting &
 Lift Heights up to 3000 mm. Order Picking jobs.
 Also available as Low Profile floor mounted scissor  Capacity up to 1000 kg
lift with the platform at the ground level.  Lift Heights up to 8000 mm.
 Available in variations of Pedestrian operated or
Ride-on models with Jost’s trucks.

Figure.3. Floor Mounted Scissor Lifts

Twin Scissors Lifts: Figure.7. Vehicle Mounted Scissor Lifts

 Ideally suited in assembly shop application for heavy Goods Scissor Lifts (Mast Lifts) :
duty jobs.  Ideal for lifting loads to various levels in warehouses,
 Capacities up to 6000 kg. offices and retail back end stores.
 Lift heights up to 3000 mm.  Capacity up to 2000 kg.
 Lift Heights up to 12000 mm.

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  Available with variations of single mast or double  Martensitic stainless steels
mast construction.  Ferritic stainless steels
 Austenitic stainless steels
 Duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels

Magnesium:
Compared with other metal materials, magnesium and
magnesium alloys have many outstanding performance
characteristics, which are widely used in automobile,
electronics and aviation. However, corrosion and plasticity are
Figure.8. Goods Scissor Lifts (Mast Lifts) the main problems in magnesium and magnesium alloys,
which have immensely restricted the wide application of
III. METALLURGICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS magnesium alloy in the field of engineering, making the
excellent properties of magnesium alloy unusable. In contrast,
Aluminum: aluminum alloy usually has very good corrosion resistance and
After iron, aluminum is now the second most widely used plastic form, and its surface can be repaired. Therefore, we
metal in the world. The properties of aluminum include: low coated a layer of corrosion resistant aluminum alloy forming
density and therefore low weight, high strength, superior laminated composite material on magnesium alloy surface so
malleability, easy machining, excellent corrosion resistance we can take full comprehensive performance advantages of the
and good thermal and electrical conductivity are amongst two materials; we expected to further expand their application
aluminum’s most important properties. Aluminum is also very areas. In this study, we made a more practical method for
easy to recycle. engineering to prepare the high performance magnesium
Properties of aluminum aluminum composite panel production.
 Weight
 Strength
 Linear expansion
 Machining
 Formability
 Conductivity
 Joining
 Reflectivity Figure.10. microstructure of magnesium
 Screening EMC
 Corrosion resistance PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A HYDRAULIC LIFT
 Non-magnetic material (EXTENSION AND CONTRACTION)
 Zero toxicity A scissors lift is a type of platform that can usually only move
After oxygen and silicon, aluminum is the most common vertically. The mechanism to achieve this is the use of linked,
element in the Earth’s crust. Aluminum compounds also occur folding supports in a criss-cross ―X‖ pattern, known as a
naturally in our food. scissors mechanism. The upward motion is achieved by the
application of pressure to the outer side of the lowest set of
supports, elongating the crossing pattern and propelling the
work platform vertically. The platform may also have
extending ―bridge‖ to allow closer access to the work area,
because of the inherent limits of vertical – only movement.
The contraction of the scissor action can be hydraulic,
pneumatic or mechanical (via a lead screw or rack and pinion
Figure.9. microstructure of aluminum system), but in this case, it is hydraulic. Depending on the
power system employed on the lift; it may require no power to
STAINLESS STEELS enter ―desert‖ mode, but rather a simple release of hydraulic or
Stainless steels are iron-base alloys containing at least 11 wt.% pneumatic pressure. This is the main reason that these methods
Chromium. They typically contain less than 30 wt.% Cr and of powering the lift (hydraulic) is preferred, as it allows a fail –
more than 50wt.% Fe. Stainless steels obtain their stainless safe option of returning the platform to the ground by release
characteristics because of the formation of an invisible and of a manual valve
adherent chromium-rich oxide surface film. This oxide film
has so few defects that oxygen cannot easily diffuse through it. DEFLECTIONS IN SCISSORS LIFT
The oxide establishes on the surface and heals itself in the
presence of oxygen. Some other alloying elements are often Deflection Defined
added to enhance specific characteristics. They include nickel, Deflection in scissors lifts can be defined as the resulting
molybdenum, copper, titanium, aluminum, silicon, niobium, change in elevation of all or part of a scissors lift assembly,
and nitrogen. Carbon is usually present in amounts ranging typically measured from the floor to the top of platform deck,
from less than 0.03% to over 1.0% in certain martensitic whenever loads are applied to or removed from the lift. ANSI
grades (e.g. cutting steels have between 0.3 and 0.6 wt.% C). MH29.1 - Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts
Corrosion resistance and mechanical properties are commonly states that all industrial scissors lifts will deflect under load‖.
the principal factors in selecting a grade of stainless steel for a The industry standard goes on to outline the maximum
given application. Stainless steels are commonly divided into allowable deflection based on platform size and number of
four groups: scissors mechanisms within the lift design.

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What Causes Deflection? example: 1/16‖ of fluid compressibility in the cylinder(s)
Before attempting to discuss how to limit scissors lift translates into 5/16‖ of vertical lift movement.
deflection, it is important to understand the contributing factors
to a lift’s total deflection. An open, or raised, scissors lift acts Hydraulic Circuit – Hose Swell
very much like a spring would – apply a load and it All high pressure, flexible hosing is susceptible to a degree of
compresses, remove a load and it expands. Each component hose swell when the system pressure is increased. System
within the scissors lift has the potential to store or release pressure drops slightly because of this increased hose volume,
energy when loaded and unloaded (and therefore deflect). and the scissors table compresses under load until the
There are also application-specific characteristics that may maximum system pressure is re-established. And, as with
promote deflection. Understanding these Top 10 root causes compressibility, the resulting lift movement (deflection) is 5
helps to pinpoint and apply effective measures to limit times the change in oil column height in the hosing.
deflection.
Cylinder Thrust Resistance
Scissors Legs Cylinders lay nearly flat inside the scissors legs when the lift is
Leg deflection due to bending is a result of stress, which is fully lowered and must generate initial horizontal forces up to
driven by total weight supported by the legs, scissors leg 10 times the amount of the load on the scissors lift due to the
length, and available leg cross section. The longer the scissors mechanical disadvantage of their lifting geometry. As a result,
legs are, the more difficult it is to control bending under load. there are tremendous stresses (and resulting deflection) placed
Increased leg strength via increased leg material height does on the scissors inner leg member(s) that are designed to resist
improve resistance to deflection, but can create a potentially these cylinder forces. And, as already mentioned above with
undesirable increased collapsed height of the lift. any changes in column length along the line of the lifting
actuator(s)/cylinder(s), the resulting vertical lift movement is 5
Platform Structure times the amount of deflection or movement of cylinder hinge
Platform bending will increase as the load’s center of gravity points mounted to leg cross members.
moves from the center (evenly distributed) to any edge
(eccentrically loaded) of the platform. Also, as the scissors Load Placement
open during raising of the lift, the rollers roll back towards the Load placement also plays a large part in scissors lift
platform hinges and create an increasingly unsupported, deflection. Off-centered loads cause the scissors lift to deflect
overhung portion of the platform assembly. Eccentric loads differently than with centered or evenly distributed, loads. End
applied to this unsupported end of the platform can greatly loads (in-line with the scissors) are usually shared well
impact bending of the platform. Increased platform strength between the two scissors leg pairs. Side loads (perpendicular to
via increased support structure material height does improve the scissors), however, are not shared as well between the
resistance to deflection, but also contributes to an increased scissors leg pairs and must be kept within acceptable design
collapsed height of the lift. limits to prevent leg twist (unequal scissors leg pair deflection)
– which, in addition to platform movement due to deflection,
Base Frame often results in poor roller tracking, unequal axle pin wear, and
Normally, the lift’s base frame is mounted to the floor and misalignment of cylinder mounts.
should not experience deflection. For those cases where the
scissors lift is mounted to an elevated or portable frame, the Lift Elevation During Transfer
potential for deflection increases. To effectively resist As mentioned above, degree of deflection is directly related to
deflection, the base frame must be rigidly supported from change in system pressure and change in component stress as a
beneath to support the point loading created by the two scissors result of loading and unloading. Scissors lifts typically
leg rollers and the two scissors leg hinges. experience their highest system pressure and highest stresses
(and therefore the highest potential for deflection) within the
Pinned Joints first 20% of total available vertical travel (from the fully
Scissors lifts are pinned at all hinge points, and each pin has a lowered position).
running clearance between the O.D. of the pin and the I.D. of
its clearance hole or bushing. The more scissors pairs, or What can be done to Limit Deflection?
pantographs, that are stacked on top of each other, the more There are a variety of proven methods to reduce scissors lift
pinned connections there are to accumulate movement, or deflection, with varying design and cost impacts to accomplish
deflection, when compressing these running clearances under each. Listed below are the most common of these methods, in
load. no particular order, to provide the reader an understanding of
where to begin when attempting to reduce or eliminate
Hydraulic Circuit – Air Entrapment deflection during load transfer (i.e. applying a load, or
All entrapped air must be removed from the hydraulic circuit removing a load).
through approved ―bleeding‖ procedures – air is very
compressible and is often the culprit when a scissors lift over- Select a Lift with a Design Capacity Greater Than
compresses under load, or otherwise bounces (like a spring) Required for the Application
during operation. Most scissors lifts designed for duty at higher capacities will
experience less stress in all structural components, as well as
Hydraulic Circuit – Fluid Compressibility lower system pressures, at lower, or de-rated, working
Oil or hydraulic fluid will compress slightly under pressure. capacities. Reduced stresses & pressures always result in
And because there is an approximate 5:1 ratio of lift travel to reduced deflection. The amount of this reduction varies
cylinder stroke for most scissors lift designs (with the cylinders depending on the lift’s design, so consult the manufacturer to
mounted horizontally in the legs), there is a resulting 5:1 ratio obtain a more specific estimate of reduction in deflection.
of scissors lift compression to cylinder compression. For

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Minimize Potential for Air Entrapment ratio of lift travel to actuator stroke instead of the 5:1 ratio
Scissors lift manufacturers provide an approved method of normal with horizontal mounting of the actuators inside the
―bleeding‖ entrapped air from a new or repaired hydraulic scissors. This means a 1:1 ratio of lift deflection to actuator
system which may have had air introduced. This usually compression, 80% less than the 5:1 ratio experienced normally.
involves operating an empty lift through multiple cycles, and Vertical mounting and pushing upward against underneath side
then safely cracking open fittings near high spots in the system of the platform to raise the lift also eliminates the high stresses
where air accumulates. Refer to the O&M manual for this usually exerted at the actuator thrust inner leg member(s).
procedure.
DESIGN THEORY AND CALCULATION
Limit or Eliminate Hosing In this section all design concepts developed are discussed and
Flexible hose lengths should be limited wherever possible and based on evaluation criteria and process developed, and a final
replaced with pipe or mechanical tubing as practicable to here modified to further enhance the functionality of the
minimize or eliminate swell as the system pressure fluctuates. design. Considerations made during the design and fabrication
of a acting cylinder is as follows:
Use Mechanical Actuators in lieu of Hydraulic Actuators a. Functionality of the design
Although it is more difficult, and more expensive, to achieve b. Manufacturability
high vertical lifting forces with mechanical actuators, they do c. Economic availability. i.e. General cost of materials
eliminate the issue of fluid compressibility and provide a more and fabrication techniques employed.
accurate and repeatable means of achieving – and holding – a
desired transfer elevation. DESIGN THEORY
In this chapter, mathematical relationships are developed for
Avoid Transfer of Loads Within First 20% of Lift’s Travel the various parameters necessary for the implementation of this
To minimize stresses and deflection at transfer elevations, it is design and arranged in sections below corresponding to the
critical to design the conveyor or transfer system to ensure that sequence of their implementation. Hydraulic systems are used
these elevations are above the scissors lift’s ―critical zone‖ of to control and transmit power. A pump driven by a prime
the first 20% of the lift’s available travel. mover such as an electric motor creates a flow of fluid, in
which the pressure, direction and rate of flow are controlled by
Transfer Loads Over Fixed End of the Platform values. An actuator is used to convert the energy of the fluid
First, if possible, loads should not be transferred over the sides back into mechanical power. The amount of output power
of a raised scissors lift. It is much more difficult to control developed depends upon the flow rate, the pressure drop a
deflection when the load is not shared equally between the two cross the actuator and its overall efficiency. Most lifting
scissors leg pairs. Make it rule to only transfer over the ends of devices are powered by either electricity, pneumatic or
the lift – in line with the scissors legs. Second, load transfer mechanical means. Although these methods are efficient and
should be made over the hinged, or fixed, end of the lift satisfactory, they exist lots of limitations and complexity of
platform to avoid placing concentrated loads on the less design of such lifts as well as high cost of electricity,
supported, overhung end of the platform – provided the maintenance and repairs does not allow these lifts to exist in
platform is equipped with ―trapped‖ rollers, or is otherwise common places.
capable of withstanding this edge loading without risk of the
platform tipping up or losing contact with the rollers. CYLINDER SELECTION
The hydraulic cylinder (or the hydraulic actuator) is a
Ensure that the Base Frame is Lagged Down and Fully mechanical actuator that is used to give a unidirectional stroke.
Supported It has many applications, notably in engineering.
First, base frames should be adequately attached to the surface
on which they are mounted. Base frames that are not bolted, Single Acting Cylinders
welded, or otherwise attached to withstand the upward forces Single acting cylinders use hydraulic oil for a power stroke in
created by eccentric loading of the platform will contribute to one direction only. The return stroke is affected by a
deflection by bending or moving while resisting such forces. mechanical in one direction only. The return stroke is affected
Next, bases must be rigidly supported beneath the entire by a mechanical spring located inside the cylinder. For single
perimeter of the frame in order to withstand without deflection acting cylinders with no spring, some external actin force on
the four point loads imposed upon the frame from above by the the piston rod causes its return.
four scissors legs – (2) moving roller points and (2) fixed hinge
points. Double Acting Cylinders
Double acting cylinder uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid
Platform Locking Pins to pour both the forward and return strokes. This makes them
When there is no alternative to transferring loads over the sides ideal for bushing and pulling and pulling within the same
of a lift, or whenever lift deflection must be held to near zero application they are suitable for full stroke working only at
in any transfer orientation, consider using platform locking slow speed which results in gentle contact at the ends of stroke.
pins. These pins can be manual or powered, and mounted
beneath the scissors lift deck or an adjoining fixed landing. DESIGN THEORY AND CALCULATION
The pins are extended into receivers located in the mating In this section all design concepts developed are discussed and
elevated structure during load transfer, and then retracted based on evaluation criteria and process developed, and a final
before the lift can be operated again. Use Vertical Acting here modified to further enhance the functionality of the
Actuators in lieu of Horizontal Mounts Some permanent design. Considerations made during the design and fabrication
installations may accommodate actuators which are mounted of a single acting cylinder is as follows:
vertically beneath the lift instead of horizontally inside the lift a. Functionality of the design
structure. Vertical orientation of the actuators provide a 1:1 b. Manufacturability

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c. Economic availability. i.e. General cost of material and T = thickness of cylinder
fabrication techniques employed P = internal pressure (gauge) in the cylinder
c = circumferential or hoop stress
Hydraulic cylinder: l = longitudinal stress
The hydraulic cylinder is mounted in inclined position. The L = length of cylinder or pipe
total load acting on the cylinder consists of: Hoop stress c = pd/2t
 Mass to be put on lift : 500 kg Taking FOS = 1.5 for Longitudinal stress l = pd/4t
mass in pallet 500 x 1.5 = 750 kg rounding the mass Maximum Shear Stress Tmax = pd = c -l
to 800kg Bursting force (pressure) = pdL
 Mass of top frame= 22.5 kg Resisting strength = 2Ltc
 Mass of each link:5kg(5*8)=40kg
Busting force = resisting strength ( pdL = 2Ltc )
 Mass of links of cylinder mounting=4kg Mass of
Note: the maximum stress developed must not exceed the
cylinder=8.150kg
permissible tensile stress (t) of the material.
 Total Mass : 22.5+40+8.150+4+800 = 874.65 kg
 Total load = 874.65x 9.81 = 8580.316N
BASIC DIMENSIONS OF COMPONENT MEMBER.
Scissors lift calculations:
Lift Extension
For a scissor lift Force required to lift the load is dependent on,
At maximum extension, an ―X‖ arrangement of the lift moves
Angle of link with horizontal Mounting of cylinder on the links
0.9m = 900mm.
Length of link. Formula used
Total number of tiers of scissors (combined) = 3
Where W = Load to be lifted
Thus, total height of extension = 3 × 0.9 = 2.7m.
S= a2 + L2 -2aL*cos α
Length of base = 1400mm
S = Distance between end points of cylinder.
Width of base = 800mm
L= length of link = 0.6 m
Height of base from ground = 500mm
α = angle of cylinder with horizontal.
At maximum extension, Angle of inclination = 50
Now the maximum force will act on the cylinder
At maximum extension, distance between two scissors feet =
When the cylinder is in shut down position i.e when the scissor
800mm
links are closed .For calculations we will consider α=300
Distance moved by sliding foot to full extension = 400mm
Thus substituting α=300 in eqn (1), We get F=8580.316N
Selecting 63mm diameter cylinder
Bearings
Area of the cylinder= force/pressure
Number of ball bearings = 4
Area=(3.14*632)/2=3117.24mm2
Number of shell bearings = 36
Pressure =(Force/Area)=(8580.316/3117.24*10-6)
Internal diameter of ball bearings = 30mm
=27.52bar
Internal diameter of shell bearings = 11mm
DESIGN OF LINK
External diameter of ball bearings = 50mm
Now Let Hy0 =Mass applied on the lift=800kg
External diameter of shell bearings = 15mm
B=Mass of the lit which the cylinder needs to lift=74.65kg
Pivot pin diameter = 14.6mm
Hyi=Total weight =8580.316N
 Only two forces are calculated here
Platform
1. Forces at the end of link: as forces at ends of link are same
Total height of platform = 1400mm.
in magnitude.
Total width of plat form = 800mm
2. Force at middle of link.
Total height of platform = 800mm
 In our case, the levels are numbered from the top.
Permissible load on plat form + platform weight = 300kg =
For level 1 X1 = XBi-1
2.94kn.
For level 2 X 2= XBi
The angle of cylinder with horizontal is θ=200.
Jointed Members
Hyi=8580.316N
Thickness of rectangular pipe = 3mm
X2=Hyi*i
Thickness of angle bar = 3mm.
=8580.316*1*0.5*(cot20/2)
=11787.112N
Scissors Arm
Resultant of X 2 & HYi/4
The material used for the scissors arms (members), is stainless
R1 = √(11787.112)2+(8580.316/4)2 = 11980.708N.
steel. With the density and the dimensions of the scissors arms
Above force will act on all the joints at end of each link.
known, the mass can be calculated using the relationship.
Density (ρ) = Mass (M) kg/m3
STRESSES IN CYLINDERS
Volume
When cylinders are subjected to internal fluid pressure, the
Mass = ρ.v
following types of stresses are developed.
Density of stainless steel (type 304) = 7900kg/m3
 Hoop or circumferential stress.
Area (cross sectional area) = A1 – A2
 Longitudinal stress.
A1 = Outer cross sectional area
Hoop stress is produced as a result of forces applied
A2 = Inner cross sectional area
from inside the cylindrical pipe pushing against the pipe walls.
A1 = Height × breadth = h × b
Hoop stress is the result of forces pushing against the
A2 = (h – t)(b – t)
circumferential cylinder walls. While, longitudinal stress is as
Where h = scissors arm height
a result of forces pushing against the top ends of a cylinder.
b = breadth
These forces are derived using Newton’s first law.Let
t = thickness of material.
d = internal diameter of cylinder

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Volume (v) = area × lengt V = AL (m3) and a standard diameter of 48.3mm. The basic difference
between the two types of tubes is the lower weight of
IV. INTRODUCTION TO CAD/CAM aluminum tubes (1.7kg/m as opposed to 4.4kg/m) and also a
greater flexibility and so less resistance to force. Tubes are
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD): generally bought in 6.3m length and can be cut down to certain
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of wide range of typical sizes. Boards provide a working surface for users of
computer based tools that assist engineering, architects and the scaffold. They are seasoned wood and are very strong.
other design professionals in their design activities. It is the Scaffolds for increased height are preferably made of hardened
main geometry authoring tool within the product life cycle materials like metal pipes. After arranging the pipes, a flat
management process and involves both software and materials usually made of wood is placed on top so that the
sometimes special purpose hardware. Current packages range worker can stand comfortable on top.
from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric
surface and solid design models. BOOM LIFT
Boom lifts are used for lifting materials especially on
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE construction sites, they are designed to carry heavy equipment
Mans quest for improvement has never been satisfied. The and materials from one place to another. They are usually
drive towards better and greater scientific and technological connected to cars or trucks that move from one place to
outcome has made the world dynamic. Before now, several another. Boom lifts can lift materials and equipment high to
scientist and engineers have done a lot of work as regards the height so great that carrying this equipment by other means
scissors lift in general. A review of some of that work gives the will almost be impossible. According to material handling
design and construction of a hydraulic scissors lift a platform. equipment from ask search engine, Boom lifts can move
vertically, horizontally and sideways and some can even rotate
UPRIGHT’S SCISSORS LIFT depending on the circumstance. Boom lifts are very complex
In Selma California, there is a manufacturer of aerial platforms iron design and the jointed parts should be lubricated to reduce
by name ―UPRIGHT‖, this world – wide company was friction and improve efficiency. Boom lifts are formed mainly
founded in 1946, and now it manufactures and distributes its in construction sites and building sites. They are also utilized
product. According to Wikipedia article, upright was founded by Electrical companies and firms such as PHCN (Power
by an engineer, Walkce Johnson who created and sold the first Holding Company of Nigeria) Plc. They are very expensive
platform which was called a ―scissors lift‖ due to the steel and are not available in crude or semi mechanized type of
cross bricking that supported the platform giving it the product production. Boom lift possess advantage over other types of
name ―magic carpet‖. The magic carpet was able to provide lifts because it can lift heavy materials, keep them at elevated
instant revenue for the young company due to its quick heights for a long period of time; rotate and the lift span of the
popularity among its companies. equipment is long. Boom lift can fold together to become
Wikipedia further explained that the company constructed compressed and portable. There are two basic types of boom
innovating and by early 1930s their product included the X – lifts: straight boom lift and articulated boom lift. These units
series scissors lift. By 1986, they had introduced their first are often hydraulically powered.
sigma arm lift, model SL20. In 1990, they improved upon their
product line by introducing the sigma arm speed level. This THE STRAIGHT BOOM LIFTS
feature continued to be unique to be upright product and allow Straight boom lifts are generally used for jobs that required a
self-leveling of the platform on rough terrains Upright high reach without obstruction. The machines turntable can
introduced an equal innovative family of boom lift in 1990s. In rotate 360o with an extensible boom that can be raised
1995 they produced their first trailer mounted boom. The 8P37 vertically to below horizontally. The operator can maneuver
(known as AS38) in 1996. This truly innovated company has and steer the vehicle while the boom is fully extended. It is
left their mark with the other products including compact available in gas, propane or diesel-powered models with two or
scissors design and modular alloy bridging, as well as four wheel drive.
expanding the versatility of instant span towers with aircraft
docking and faced system, you will find upright products, ARTICULATED BOOM LIFT:
especially the scissors lift, as standard equipment for a variety Articulated boom lifts are used for jobs that require reaching
of application it is now a visual application in numerous fields up and over obstacles to gain access to a job not easily
and locations. achieved by a straight telescopic boom. This lift is nearly
identical to the straight boom lift in every aspect; except in the
SCAFFOLD boom’s ability to articulate. Articulation points on the boom
Scaffold allows workers to transport themselves and their allow it to bend in any number of different directions enabling
materials to elevated heights, usually up and down in an it to maneuver around various obstacles on a job site. Boom
unfinished building. Scaffolds are designed to allow workers lifts can be equipped with out riggers to stabilize the unit while
get to elevated heights; they are used in building sites and the boom is fully extended.
construction sites but used mainly in building sites. According
to Google internet search machine, scaffold is cross section of MECHANICAL SCISSORS LIFT
pipes, irons or woods which are arranged in such a way that The mechanical scissors lift is used for lifting materials
workers or operators can climb on the arranged pipes to get to especially on construction sites. This is one of the most recent
elevated heights. Scaffolds cannot be adjusted automatically advancement on scissors lift. There, the lift utilizes a belt drive
and they only can remain fixed the way it is arranged unless system connected to a load screw which constructs the ―X‖
rearranged. The tubes are either steel or aluminum, although pattern on tightening and expands it on loosening. The lead
composite scaffolding using filament wound tubes of glass screw actually does the work, since the applied force from the
fiber in a nylon or polyester matrix. If steel, they are either wheel is converted to linear motion of the lift by help of the
―black‖ or galvanized. The tubes come in a variety of length lead screw. This can be used to lift the working and equipment

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to a height. A general knowledge however, regarding screws safe option of returning the platform to the ground by release
will reveal the loss due to friction in the screw threats. of a manual valve
Therefore, the efficiency of this device is low due to losses in
friction. Also, the power needed to drive the machine is DEFLECTIONS IN SCISSORS LIFT
manual, and much energy is expanded to achieve a desired
result. Its suitability however, cannot be overemphasized as it Deflection Defined
can be used in almost every part of the country whether there is Deflection in scissors lifts can be defined as the resulting
availability of electricity or not. change in elevation of all or part of a scissors lift assembly,
typically measured from the floor to the top of platform deck,
HYDRAULIC LIFT: whenever loads are applied to or removed from the lift. ANSI
Hydraulic lift is a device for carrying persons and loads from MH29.1 - Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts
one floor to another, in a multi-storey building. The hydraulic states that all industrial scissors lifts will deflect under load‖.
lifts are of the following types. The industry standard goes on to outline the maximum
1. Direct acting hydraulic lift and allowable deflection based on platform size and number of
2. Suspended hydraulic lift. scissors mechanisms within the lift design.
The direct acting hydraulic lift consist of a ram sliding in a
cylinder. A platform or a cage is fitted to the top end of ram on What Causes Deflection?
which goods may be placed or the persons may stand. As the Before attempting to discuss how to limit scissors lift
liquid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, the ram deflection, it is important to understand the contributing factors
moves up and the cage is lifted. The lift of the cage is equal to to a lift’s total deflection. An open, or raised, scissors lift acts
the stroke of the ram. The cage moves in the downward very much like a spring would – apply a load and it
direction when the liquid from the fixed cylinder is removed. compresses, remove a load and it expands. Each component
The suspended hydraulic lift is a modified form of the direct within the scissors lift has the potential to store or release
acting hydraulic lift. It is fitted with a jigger which is exactly, energy when loaded and unloaded (and therefore deflect).
same as in the case of a hydraulic crane. The cage is suspended There are also application-specific characteristics that may
by ropes. It runs between guides of hard wood round steel. In promote deflection. Understanding these Top 10 root causes
order to balance the weight of the cage sliding balance weights helps to pinpoint and apply effective measures to limit
are provided. [Gupta, 2006] deflection.

HYDRAULIC SCISSORS LIFT Scissors Legs

Scissors lifts has developed overtime, and at each stage of its Leg deflection due to bending is a result of stress, which is
development, critical problems are solved. The hydraulic type, driven by total weight supported by the legs, scissors leg
but this time, the load screw is replaced by a hydraulic ram length, and available leg cross section. The longer the scissors
powered by a pump and on electric motor and generator. One legs are, the more difficult it is to control bending under load.
outstanding feature about this design however. Is its Increased leg strength via increased leg material height does
independent operation and increased efficiency. Fluid power is improve resistance to deflection, but can create a potentially
one of the greater form of power where small input results in a undesirable increased collapsed height of the lift.
very large output. This scissors lift can be handled by one
person to a place of use, and power the generator. The lift does Platform Structure
not lifting immediately, the operators climbs on the platform Platform bending will increase as the load’s center of gravity
and switches open the hydraulic circuit thereby leading to an moves from the center (evenly distributed) to any edge
upward extension. When the required height is reached the (eccentrically loaded) of the platform. Also, as the scissors
circuit is closed, and lifting stops the control panel or station is open during raising of the lift, the rollers roll back towards the
located on the top frame. When work is done, the scissors lift platform hinges and create an increasingly unsupported,
is folded by hydraulic means and handled back to the point of overhung portion of the platform assembly. Eccentric loads
collection. applied to this unsupported end of the platform can greatly
impact bending of the platform. Increased platform strength
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A HYDRAULIC LIFT via increased support structure material height does improve
(EXTENSION AND CONTRACTION) resistance to deflection, but also contributes to an increased
A scissors lift is a type of platform that can usually only move collapsed height of the lift.
vertically. The mechanism to achieve this is the use of linked,
folding supports in a cross-cross ―X‖ pattern, known as a Base Frame
scissors mechanism. The upward motion is achieved by the Normally, the lift’s base frame is mounted to the floor and
application of pressure to the outer side of the lowest set of should not experience deflection. For those cases where the
supports, elongating the crossing pattern and propelling the scissors lift is mounted to an elevated or portable frame, the
work platform vertically. The platform may also have potential for deflection increases. To effectively resist
extending ―bridge‖ to allow closer access to the work area, deflection, the base frame must be rigidly supported from
because of the inherent limits of vertical – only movement. beneath to support the point loading created by the two scissors
The contraction of the scissor action can be hydraulic, leg rollers and the two scissors leg hinges.
pneumatic or mechanical (via a lead screw or rack and pinion
system), but in this case, it is hydraulic. Depending on the Pinned Joints
power system employed on the lift; it may require no power to Scissors lifts are pinned at all hinge points, and each pin has a
enter ―desert‖ mode, but rather a simple release of hydraulic or running clearance between the O.D. of the pin and the I.D. of
pneumatic pressure. This is the main reason that these methods its clearance hole or bushing. The more scissors pairs, or
of powering the lift (hydraulic) is preferred, as it allows a fail – pantographs, that are stacked on top of each other, the more
pinned connections there are to accumulate movement, or

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deflection, when compressing these running clearances under each. Listed below are the most common of these methods, in
load. no particular order, to provide the reader an understanding of
where to begin when attempting to reduce or eliminate
Hydraulic Circuit – Air Entrapment deflection during load transfer (i.e. applying a load, or
All entrapped air must be removed from the hydraulic circuit removing a load).
through approved ―bleeding‖ procedures – air is very
compressible and is often the culprit when a scissors lift over- Select a Lift with a Design Capacity Greater Than
compresses under load, or otherwise bounces (like a spring) Required for the Application
during operation. Most scissors lifts designed for duty at higher capacities will
experience less stress in all structural components, as well as
Hydraulic Circuit – Fluid Compressibility lower system pressures, at lower, or de-rated, working
Oil or hydraulic fluid will compress slightly under pressure. capacities. Reduced stresses & pressures always result in
And because there is an approximate 5:1 ratio of lift travel to reduced deflection. The amount of this reduction varies
cylinder stroke for most scissors lift designs (with the cylinders depending on the lift’s design, so consult the manufacturer to
mounted horizontally in the legs), there is a resulting 5:1 ratio obtain a more specific estimate of reduction in deflection.
of scissors lift compression to cylinder compression. For
example: 1/16‖ of fluid compressibility in the cylinder(s) Minimize Potential for Air Entrapment
translates into 5/16‖ of vertical lift movement. Scissors lift manufacturers provide an approved method of
―bleeding‖ entrapped air from a new or repaired hydraulic
Hydraulic Circuit – Hose Swell system which may have had air introduced. This usually
All high pressure, flexible hosing is susceptible to a degree of involves operating an empty lift through multiple cycles, and
hose swell when the system pressure is increased. System then safely cracking open fittings near high spots in the system
pressure drops slightly because of this increased hose volume, where air accumulates. Refer to the O&M manual for this
and the scissors table compresses under load until the procedure.
maximum system pressure is re-established. And, as with
compressibility, the resulting lift movement (deflection) is 5 Limit or Eliminate Hosing
times the change in oil column height in the hosing. Flexible hose lengths should be limited wherever possible and
replaced with pipe or mechanical tubing as practicable to
Cylinder Thrust Resistance minimize or eliminate swell as the system pressure fluctuates.
Cylinders lay nearly flat inside the scissors legs when the lift is
fully lowered and must generate initial horizontal forces up to Use Mechanical Actuators in lieu of Hydraulic Actuators
10 times the amount of the load on the scissors lift due to the Although it is more difficult, and more expensive, to achieve
mechanical disadvantage of their lifting geometry. As a result, high vertical lifting forces with mechanical actuators, they do
there are tremendous stresses (and resulting deflection) placed eliminate the issue of fluid compressibility and provide a more
on the scissors inner leg member(s) that are designed to resist accurate and repeatable means of achieving – and holding – a
these cylinder forces. And, as already mentioned above with desired transfer elevation.
any changes in column length along the line of the lifting
actuator(s)/cylinder(s), the resulting vertical lift movement is 5 Avoid Transfer of Loads Within First 20% of Lift’s Travel
times the amount of deflection or movement of cylinder hinge To minimize stresses and deflection at transfer elevations, it is
points mounted to leg cross members. critical to design the conveyor or transfer system to ensure that
these elevations are above the scissors lift’s ―critical zone‖ of
Load Placement the first 20% of the lift’s available travel.
Load placement also plays a large part in scissors lift
deflection. Off-centered loads cause the scissors lift to deflect Transfer Loads Over Fixed End of the Platform
differently than with centered or evenly distributed, loads. End First, if possible, loads should not be transferred over the sides
loads (in-line with the scissors) are usually shared well of a raised scissors lift. It is much more difficult to control
between the two scissors leg pairs. Side loads (perpendicular to deflection when the load is not shared equally between the two
the scissors), however, are not shared as well between the scissors leg pairs. Make it rule to only transfer over the ends of
scissors leg pairs and must be kept within acceptable design the lift – in line with the scissors legs. Second, load transfer
limits to prevent leg twist (unequal scissors leg pair deflection) should be made over the hinged, or fixed, end of the lift
– which, in addition to platform movement due to deflection, platform to avoid placing concentrated loads on the less
often results in poor roller tracking, unequal axle pin wear, and supported, overhung end of the platform – provided the
misalignment of cylinder mounts. platform is equipped with ―trapped‖ rollers, or is otherwise
capable of withstanding this edge loading without risk of the
Lift Elevation During Transfer platform tipping up or losing contact with the rollers.
As mentioned above, degree of deflection is directly related to
change in system pressure and change in component stress as a Ensure that the Base Frame is Lagged Down and Fully
result of loading and unloading. Scissors lifts typically Supported
experience their highest system pressure and highest stresses First, base frames should be adequately attached to the surface
(and therefore the highest potential for deflection) within the on which they are mounted. Base frames that are not bolted,
first 20% of total available vertical travel (from the fully welded, or otherwise attached to withstand the upward forces
lowered position). created by eccentric loading of the platform will contribute to
deflection by bending or moving while resisting such forces.
What can be done to Limit Deflection? Next, bases must be rigidly supported beneath the entire
There are a variety of proven methods to reduce scissors lift perimeter of the frame in order to withstand without deflection
deflection, with varying design and cost impacts to accomplish the four point loads imposed upon the frame from above by the

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four scissors legs – (2) moving roller points and (2) fixed hinge to exist in common places. The idea of a hydraulically
points. powered scissors lift is based on Pascal’s law employed in car
jacks and hydraulic rams which states that ―pressure exerted
Platform Locking Pins anywhere in a conformed incompressible fluid is transmitted
When there is no alternative to transferring loads over the sides equally in all directions throughout the fluid such that the
of a lift, or whenever lift deflection must be held to near zero pressure ratio remains the same‖ .
in any transfer orientation, consider using platform locking
pins. These pins can be manual or powered, and mounted CYLINDER SELECTION
beneath the scissors lift deck or an adjoining fixed landing. The hydraulic cylinder (or the hydraulic actuator) is a
The pins are extended into receivers located in the mating mechanical actuator that is used to give a unidirectional stroke.
elevated structure during load transfer, and then retracted It has many applications, notably in engineering.
before the lift can be operated again. Use Vertical Acting
Actuators in lieu of Horizontal Mounts Some permanent Single Acting Cylinders
installations may accommodate actuators which are mounted Single acting cylinders use hydraulic oil for a power stroke in
vertically beneath the lift instead of horizontally inside the lift one direction only. The return stroke is affected by a
structure. Vertical orientation of the actuators provide a 1:1 mechanical in one direction only. The return stroke is affected
ratio of lift travel to actuator stroke instead of the 5:1 ratio by a mechanical spring located inside the cylinder. For single
normal with horizontal mounting of the actuators inside the acting cylinders with no spring, some external actin force on
scissors. This means a 1:1 ratio of lift deflection to actuator the piston rod causes its return.
compression, 80% less than the 5:1 ratio experienced normally.
Vertical mounting and pushing upward against underneath side Double Acting Cylinders
of the platform to raise the lift also eliminates the high stresses Double acting cylinder uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid
usually exerted at the actuator thrust inner leg member(s). to pour both the forward and return strokes. This makes them
ideal for bushing and pulling and pulling within the same
Summary on Deflection application they are suitable for full stroke working only at
Deflection is a normal and expected characteristic of industrial slow speed which results in gentle contact at the ends of stroke.
scissors lifts. And though odds are that most scissors lift users
have not had to concern themselves with this issue because DESIGN THEORY AND CALCULATION
their lifting application is fairly immune to the effects of In this section all design concepts developed are discussed and
deflection, there is always a chance that it matters greatly. based on evaluation criteria and process developed, and a final
ANSI MH29.1accurately points out that ―It is the here modified to further enhance the functionality of the
responsibility of the user/purchaser to advise the manufacturer design. Considerations made during the design and fabrication
where deflection may be critical to the application.‖ Though of a single acting cylinder is as follows:
deflection is easier to qualify than it is to quantify, there are a. Functionality of the design
industry best practices which can be applied to reduce the b. Manufacturability
impact or amount of deflection being experienced. c. Economic availability. i.e. General cost of material and
fabrication techniques employed
DESIGN THEORY AND CALCULATION
In this section all design concepts developed are discussed and Hydraulic cylinder:
based on evaluation criteria and process developed, and a final The hydraulic cylinder is mounted in inclined position. The
here modified to further enhance the functionality of the total load acting on the cylinder consists of:
design. Considerations made during the design and  Mass to be put on lift : 500 kg Taking FOS = 1.5 for
fabrication of a acting cylinder is as follows: mass in pallet 500 x 1.5 = 750 kg rounding the mass
d. Functionality of the design to 800kg
e. Manufacturability  Mass of top frame= 22.5 kg
f. Economic availability. i.e. General cost of materials  Mass of each link:5kg(5*8)=40kg
and fabrication techniques employed.  Mass of links of cylinder mounting=4kg Mass of
cylinder=8.150kg
DESIGN THEORY  Total Mass : 22.5+40+8.150+4+800 = 874.65 kg
In this chapter, mathematical relationships are developed for  Total load = 874.65x 9.81 = 8580.316N
the various parameters necessary for the implementation of this
design and arranged in sections below corresponding to the Scissors lift calculations:
sequence of their implementation. Hydraulic systems are used For a scissor lift Force required to lift the load is dependent on,
to control and transmit power. A pump driven by a prime Angle of link with horizontal Mounting of cylinder on the links
mover such as an electric motor creates a flow of fluid, in Length of link. Formula used
which the pressure, direction and rate of flow are controlled by Where W = Load to be lifted
values. An actuator is used to convert the energy of the fluid S= a2 + L2 -2aL*cos α
back into mechanical power. The amount of output power S = Distance between end points of cylinder.
developed depends upon the flow rate, the pressure drop a L= length of link = 0.6 m
cross the actuator and its overall efficiency. α = angle of cylinder with horizontal.
Now the maximum force will act on the cylinder
Most lifting devices are powered by either electricity, When the cylinder is in shut down position i.e when the scissor
pneumatic or mechanical means. Although these methods are links are closed .For calculations we will consider α=300
efficient and satisfactory, they exist lots of limitations and Thus substituting α=300 in eqn (1), We get F=8580.316N
complexity of design of such lifts as well as high cost of Selecting 63mm diameter cylinder
electricity, maintenance and repairs does not allow these lifts Area of the cylinder= force/pressure

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Area=(3.14*632)/2 Distance moved by sliding foot to full extension = 400mm
=3117.24mm2
Pressure =(Force/Area) Bearings
=(8580.316/3117.24*10-6) Number of ball bearings = 4
=27.52bar Number of shell bearings = 36
Internal diameter of ball bearings = 30mm
DESIGN OF LINK Internal diameter of shell bearings = 11mm
Now Let Hy0 =Mass applied on the lift=800kg External diameter of ball bearings = 50mm
B=Mass of the lit which the cylinder needs to lift=74.65kg External diameter of shell bearings = 15mm
Hyi=Total weight =8580.316N Pivot pin diameter = 14.6mm
 Only two forces are calculated here
1. Forces at the end of link: as forces at ends of link are same Platform
in magnitude. Total height of platform = 1400mm.
2. Force at middle of link. Total width of plat form = 800mm
 In our case, the levels are numbered from the top. Total height of platform = 800mm
For level 1 X1 = XBi-1 Permissible load on plat form + platform weight = 300kg =
For level 2 X 2= XBi 2.94kn.
The angle of cylinder with horizontal is θ=200.
Hyi=8580.316N Jointed Members
X2=Hyi*i Thickness of rectangular pipe = 3mm
=8580.316*1*0.5*(cot20/2) Thickness of angle bar = 3mm.
=11787.112N
Resultant of X 2 & HYi/4 Scissors Arm
R1 = √(11787.112)2+(8580.316/4)2 The material used for the scissors arms (members), is stainless
R1 = 11980.708N. steel. With the density and the dimensions of the scissors arms
Above force will act on all the joints at end of each link. known, the mass can be calculated using the relationship.
Density (ρ) = Mass (M) kg/m3
STRESSES IN CYLINDERS Volume
When cylinders are subjected to internal fluid pressure, the Mass = ρ.v
following types of stresses are developed. Density of stainless steel (type 304) = 7900kg/m3
 Hoop or circumferential stress. Area (cross sectional area) = A1 – A2
 Longitudinal stress. A1 = Outer cross sectional area
Hoop stress is produced as a result of forces applied A2 = Inner cross sectional area
from inside the cylindrical pipe pushing against the pipe walls. A1 = Height × breadth = h × b
Hoop stress is the result of forces pushing against the A2 = (h – t)(b – t)
circumferential cylinder walls. While, longitudinal stress is as Where h = scissors arm height
a result of forces pushing against the top ends of a cylinder. b = breadth
These forces are derived using Newton’s first law.Let t = thickness of material.
d = internal diameter of cylinder Volume (v) = area × lengt V = AL (m3)
T = thickness of cylinder
P = internal pressure (gauge) in the cylinder V. MODAL IS DRAWN:
c = circumferential or hoop stress
l = longitudinal stress
L = length of cylinder or pipe
Hoop stress c = pd/2t
Longitudinal stress l = pd/4t
Maximum Shear Stress Tmax = pd = c -l
Bursting force (pressure) = pdL
Resisting strength = 2Ltc
Busting force = resisting strength ( pdL = 2Ltc )
Note: the maximum stress developed must not exceed the
permissible tensile stress (t) of the material.
Figure.11. Base part
BASIC DIMENSIONS OF COMPONENT MEMBER.
Lift Extension
At maximum extension, an ―X‖ arrangement of the lift moves
0.9m = 900mm.
Total number of tiers of scissors (combined) = 3
Thus, total height of extension = 3 × 0.9 = 2.7m.
Length of base = 1400mm
Width of base = 800mm
Height of base from ground = 500mm
At maximum extension, Angle of inclination = 50 Figure.12. Bolt
At maximum extension, distance between two scissors feet =
800mm

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 PROCEDURE:
Importing the Model:
In this step the PRO/E model is to be imported into ANSYS
workbench as follows:
In utility menu file option and selecting import external
geometry and open file and click on generate. To enter into
simulation module click on project tab and click on new
simulation
Figure.13. Hydraulic setup asm

Figure.14. Inner connecting frame

Figure.19. Importing geometry

Defining Material Properties:

To define material properties for the analysis, following steps
are used The main menu is chosen select model and click on
corresponding bodies in tree and then create new material enter
the values again select simulation tab and select material

Defining Element Type:

To define type of element for the analysis, these steps are to be
Figure.15. Outer connecting frame followed:
Chose the main menu select type of contacts and then click on
mesh-right click-insert method
Method - Tetrahedrons
Algorithm - Patch Conforming
Element Mid side Nodes – Kept

Meshing the model:

To perform the meshing of the model these steps are to be
followed:
Chose the main menu click on mesh- right click- insert sizing
and then select geometry enter element size and click on edge
Figure.16. Side stud behavior curvy proximity refinement and then right click
generate mesh.

Figure.17. Top Plate

Figure.20. messing modal

Figure.21. Fixed supports

Figure.18. Total assembly of lift

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Figure.22. Force acting Equivalent stress Total Deformation

ANSYS RESULTS:

Stain less steel

Mode 1 Mode 2
Equivalent stress Total Deformation

Mode 3 Mode 4

Mode 1 Mode2

Mode 5 Mode 6
Mode 3 Mode 4
Magnesium alloy

Equivalent stress Total Deformation

Mode 5 Mode 6
Aluminum alloy

Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Mode 6

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VI. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Table.1. stress and deformation
Material Equitant stress Total Deformation

Mini Max Min Max

Aluminum alloy 0 41.407 0 17.254

Magnesium alloy 0 40.949 0 27.288

Stainless steel 0 42.042 0 6.0984

Table.2. total deformation

Material Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Mode 6

Aluminum alloy 5.0365 4.4864 1.2897 4.6839 5.3044 4.2924

Magnesium alloy 5.0351 4.9799 5.3649 5.9013 6.3762 5.6374
Stainless steel 2.9754 2.6525 2.6049 3.1404 2.9588 2.608

VII. CONCLUSION

We have developed a final design that will meet the customer

requirements using the determined engineering specifications.
The following is a final summary of what we did and how we
went about it. Stability, comfort, noise level, and hand control
were determined to be the most important requirements. All
these requirements have been used in developing our concepts
and have been implemented in our alpha design, which was
then modified to become our final design. mWe developed and
followed through with a fabrication plan that produced a
working product. This plan gave a detailed description of the
process needed if our work is to be replicated. The validation
tests that we conducted on the final lift produced results that
exceeded customer and sponsor requirements. The final design
has been broken down into four subsections: the scissor lift,
the seat mechanism, the lean bar frame and the wheel locking
mechanism. We created each of these subsections separate in
the machine shop and fabricated these with the plan we have
laid 16 out above. We then assembled these sections together
and created our final model.

VIII. REFERENCES:

[1]. Christopher S. Pan, A.H., Michael McCann, Mei-Li Lin,

Kevin Fearn, Paul Keane, Aerial lift fall injuries: A
surveillance and evaluation approach for targeting prevention
activities. Journal of Safety Research, 2007

[2]. McCann, M., Deaths in construction related to personnel

lifts, 1992-1999. Journal of Safety Research, 34, 507-514.

[3]. Riley, W.F., Sturges, L.D. and Morris, D.H., Mechanics of

Materials, 5th Edition, 1999, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., United
States of America.

[4]. Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), Safety

Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts. 1994, Charlotte:
ANSI.

[5]. S. Mingzhou, G. Qiang, G. Bing, Finite element analysis

of steel members under cyclic loading, Finite Elements in
Analysis and Design. 39 (1) (2002), pp. 43–54

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