DESIGN OF A SCISSOR LIFT WITH CROSS ARRANGEMENT

Objective:
The objective of the project is to design and analyze an industrial scissor lift with
cross arrangement, capable of lifting cars of varied dimensions and weights upto a
reasonable height and to be able to sustain all loads during its range of motion.

Design Criteria:
The following criteria are to be satisfied by the design:-
1. Height adjustable upto 75 inches.
2. Maximum weight capacity : 7500 lbs
3. Time for raising the platform to max height : 50 sec
4. No sliding/toppling for extra weight addition of 450 lbs (200 kg) at end
section of car (Assumed)

Design Approach:
1. Identify the common car models and their dimensions, weight and position
of center of gravity.

a) Wrangler

Length : 188.2 inches

Wheelbase : 118.4 in
Track : 64.4 in
Weight : Front axle : 2273 lbs
Rear axle : 2124 lbs
Ref : https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/official-dimensions-length-
width-wheelbase-track-water-fording-specs-of-jl-wrangler.1722/

https://www.thecarconnection.com/specifications/jeep_wrangler-
unlimited_2016_4wd-4dr-sahara
b) Ford F-150

Wheelbase : 157 in
Track : 67.6 in
Length : 250 in
Weight : Front axle : 2983 lbs
Rear axle : 1929 lbs
Ref:
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/f-150/specs

https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2016/2016-
ford%20-f-150-tech-specs.pdf

c) G-class

Wheelbase : 112.2 in
Track : 69.4 in
Length : 187.6 in
Weight : Front axle : 3032 lbs
Rear axle : 2689 lbs
Ref:
https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/g-class/specs
https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/makes/mercedes-benz/g-class/2017/specifications/g-550/

d) Mustang

Wheelbase : 107.1 in
Track : 67.6 in
Length : 188.3 in
Weight : Front axle : 1998 lbs (Assuming kerb wt. 3700 lbs and 54:46 distribution)
Rear axle : 1702 lbs
Ref: https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/mustang/specs

e) Toyota camry

Wheelbase : 111.2 in
Track : 62.6 in
Length : 192.7 in
Weight : Front axle : 1836 lbs (Assuming kerb wt. 3400 lbs and 54:46 distribution
 Rear axle : 1564 lbs
Ref: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/camry/specs
Finding center of gravity of each of the above car model.

Using moment balance equation about centre of gravity:

∑M_cog = 0

Rr (b) - Rf (a) = 0 ….(1)

a + b = Wheelbase of vehicle

Where,

Rr = Kerb weight on rear axle (lbs)

Rf = Kerb weight on front axle (lbs)
a, b = Distance of center of gravity from front and rear wheel.

Equation (1) and (2) are solved to find COG of each car model.

MODEL WHEELBASE TRACK FR AXLE REAR AXLE TOTAL COG FROM

(inches) (inches) WT. (lbs) WT. (lbs) KERB FR. WHEEL
WT. (lbs) (inches)
Wrangler 118.4 64.4 2273 2124 4397 57.2
Ford F 150 157 67.6 2983 1929 4912 61.7
Mercedes G 112.2 69.4 3032 2689 5721 52.7
class
Mustang 107.1 67.6 1998 1702 3700 49.3
Toyota Camry 111.2 62.6 1836 1564 3400 51.2

2. Calculate the length of parts to meet the design constraints. The maximum
height of lift is to be 75 (in), and the minimum height is not specified. But
the height should be small enough to put it under a car, and is to be as large
as possible to decrease force in legs and actuator. The maximum allowable
height of lift in lowest position is 7 (in) based on common cars. The upper
platform length should be such that in highest position, the car CG should lie
between the 2 supports in order to ensure that there is no toppling / sliding of
the car. Assuming that the front wheel parking is controlled by an indication
or physical barrier.
Maximum variation between position of CG in relation with front wheel is
(61.7 – 49.3) = 12.4 inches.

Finding minimum overhang of vehicle for toppling condition.

Rotation
Axis

a F
b
W

𝐹𝑥 𝑎 − 𝑊 𝑥 𝑏 = 0

𝑎 + 𝑏 = 𝐶𝑂𝐺 + 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔

𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ − 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔 =
2

Where,

F = 450 lbs
Solving for (a) from the equations above:
 MODEL WHEELBASE LENGTH OVERHANG COG COG + TOTAL
(inches) (inches) (inches) FROM FR. OVERHANG KERB
WHEEL (inches) WT. (lbs) a
(inches) (inches)
Wrangler 118.4 188.2 34.9 57.2 92.1 4397 8.6
Ford F 150 157 250 46.5 61.7 108.2 4912 9.1
Mercedes G 112.2 187.6 37.7 52.7 90.4 5721 6.6
class
Mustang 107.1 188.3 40.6 49.3 89.9 3700 9.7
Toyota 111.2 192.7 40.8 51.2 92 3400 10.8
Camry

Therefore, to avoid toppling, we need at least 11 inches support ahead of COG.

And variation in position of COG for different models is (61.7 – 49.3) = 12.4
inches. Hence total = 11+12.4 = 23.4 inches
This support is required symmetric to the COG. Therefore, minimum length
required for upper platform = 23.4 x 2 = 46.8 inches

Figure 1 shows a schematic of scissor lift to determine legs length.

Figure 1. Schematic of scissor lift (side view)

Assuming the maximum angle as 60°, considering the stability of the structure.
Using figure 1
 𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑥
= tan 𝛽
𝐷
Where, D is the distance between end points of the support.
H max is the maximum height.

75
= tan 60
𝐷

𝐷 = 43.3 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
This is less than the minimum required value of 46.8 inches. Therefore, reducing the
maximum angle to satisfy the condition. We find at angle β = 57° , we get D = 48.7 inches which
satisfies the minimum requirement.
Using this to find the maximum length of the legs.

𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐿 x sin 𝛽𝑚𝑎𝑥

75
𝐿 = sin 57 = 89.4 𝑖𝑛 ≈ 90 𝑖𝑛

Where L is length of the legs.

For lowest position, we have,
𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝐿 sin(𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛 )
7 = 89.4 𝑥 sin 𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 4.49°

At this position, distance between the support ends is given by

𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑛
= tan 𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐷𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑛
= 𝐷𝑚𝑖𝑛
tan 𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛
7
𝐷𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 89.14 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
tan 4.49
 Considering this value and taken a little buffer ahead of support, we
choose the length of platform as 95 inches. With distance between
supports at lowest position = 90 inches and distance between supports at
highest position as 48.7 inches.
We can increase length of the legs in order to meet the end of the
platform when the scissor is at the lowest position for make the system
more stable. But this will result in lower angle between legs and horizontal
based on equation 4, which causes higher force in the actuator. So, 90
inches of leg’s length is appropriate and meets the design constraints.
After estimating leg’s length, we should calculate the acting forces on
design legs and platform to prevent failure. One of the most important
considerations in this step is load distribution. The net weight of different
components of the car can be replaced by a single acting load equivalent to
the summation of all individual weights and acting along the CG of the
body as shown in the Figure 2.

Figure 2. Weight distribution in a car.

The maximum capacity of the scissor lift is to be 7500 (lbf), but this force is
applied along the CG of the car. Therefore, the force is not transferred uniformly to
the lift. Changing center of mass in different cars causes uncertainties in design. To
prevent failure in different situations, considering load distribution is essential. We
counter this issue through the method of connecting jack to car. Actually, we
connect the jack to car using adjustable parts. These parts move along the upper
platform and are fitted to the platform using side screws. For each car, the jack can
be adjusted such that its center of mass coincides with the middle portion of upper
platform of jack in the raised position. Also, we consider it in determining design
safety factor for to prevent different parts during overload where the loading is not
symmetric. To calculate safety factor for legs and upper platform, based on the
information given, the rating numbers are assigned as:
 1- Accuracy of loads knowledge (+2)
2- Accuracy of stress calculation (+1)
3- Accuracy of strength knowledge (-1)
4- Need to conserve (0)
5- Seriousness of failure consequences (+3)
6- Quality of manufacture (0)
7- Conditions of operation (-1)
8- Quality of maintenance (0)
Summing these values give:
t  2 1 1 0  3  0 1 0  4 (1)
So we have the safety factor as:
(10  4)2
nd  1   2.96 (2)
100

This design safety factor will be used in the calculation of these parts. For lower
platform and power screw, using a similar approach, we consider safety factor of
1.5 for design.
To calculate the acting forces, we have free body diagram of lift as figure 3. As it
can be seen on Figure 3, A and D are pin in slut joints and B and C are revolute
joints as their horizontal movement is locked by screw and can take place only
when powered, point O is also a pin joint between two legs of the lift.
Force W is applied as the weight of the load and it is acting in the middle of the
upper platform (in raised position) using adjustment parts. When the force acting
on the middle or shared over the table, it is transmitted equally to A and B
supports. The “W_legs”is the load caused by the weight of legs, it is also acting in
the middle, but only in the initial position. Also, the sum of applied forces must be
equal to the sum of the reaction forces. The reaction loads have to be determined in
order to calculate the stresses in each part.
 A W
B

D C
Dx
Cx

Dy Cy

Figure 3. Free body diagram of the lift.

This device has another pair of legs behind this pair in 3 dimensional model. So,
the reaction forces of Dy and Cy are one fourth of the weight because of symmetry
(only in raised condition). Figure 4 shows the free body diagram of the legs.

FA=W/4
FB=W/4
Pin Joint

Pin Joint Pin Joint

Dx Cx
Dy Cy

Figure 4. Free body diagram of one side legs connected by a pin

 At any other position, the weight is not symmetrically placed on the
upper platform, it is shown in figure 5 below:

w
a b

FA=W/4
Fa = W x b/2(a+b)
Pin Joint Fb Fb
= W=FbaWx
xFb=/=WWxxaa/ /2(a+b)
2(a+b) 2(a+b)
a/2(a+b)

Pin Joint Pin Joint

Dx Cx
Dy Cy

Figure5. Free body diagram of one side legs connected by a pin

As shown in figure 5, the joints at the end of each leg cannot bear any moment
and there are just normal forces on them. We consider ball or roller bearings for
these joints. Where the joints need to slide along the platform (x-direction), we use
a groove at the platform to move bearing across. The upper platform only applies
normal weight and in the lower joints, the actuator inserts force to move the jack
up and down .Figure 6 illustrates the free body diagram of one leg and acting
forces.
 Fb = W x a/2(a+b)
FB=W/4

Ox

Oy
β

Dx

Dy

Figure 6. Free body diagram of one leg

Assuming symmetric legs (pin O on the middle of leg) and balance of force and
moment:
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐷𝑋 = 𝑂𝑥
𝑊𝑥𝑎
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 𝐷𝑦 = 𝑂𝑦 +
2 (𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑊𝑥𝑎 𝐿 𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝐷 = 0 𝐿 cos 𝛽 + 𝑂𝑦 cos 𝛽 − 𝑂𝑥 sin 𝛽 (3)
2(𝑎+𝑏) 2 2

Similarly, drawing FBD for the other leg AC.

Fa = W x b/2(a+b)

Ox1

Oy1

Cx
Cy
 ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 𝐶𝑋 = 𝑂𝑥1
𝑊𝑥𝑏
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 𝐶𝑦 = − 𝑂𝑦1 +
2 (𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑊𝑥𝑏 𝐿 𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 𝐿 cos 𝛽 − 𝑂𝑦1 cos 𝛽 − 𝑂𝑥1 2 sin 𝛽 (9)
2(𝑎+𝑏) 2

We have 6 equations and 8 un-known variables; therefore, we need 2 continuity equations

𝑂𝑥1 = 𝑂𝑥
𝑂𝑦1 = 𝑂𝑦

Using the 8 equations and solving, we get:

𝑊 (𝑎 − 𝑏)
𝑂𝑦 = 𝑂𝑦1 =
2(𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑊𝑥𝑎
𝐶𝑦 =
2(𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑊𝑥𝑏
𝐷𝑦 =
2(𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑊
𝐶𝑥 = 𝐷𝑥 = 𝑂𝑥 = 𝑂𝑥1 =
2 tan 𝛽

The maximum values of Dx and Cx take place in minimum value of tan(β) which
is in the minimum of β. For β=4.49 at the lowest state, we have:
𝑊
𝐶𝑥𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐷𝑥𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 6.36 𝑊 (10)
2 tan 4.49°

For the joint in the point O, we select a pin with AISI 4340 material. The dominant
mode of failure is shearing. So, using equation 9, the pin’s radius is to be:
𝐹0 0.58 𝑆𝑦𝑝 6.36 𝑊 0.58 𝑥 27000
≤ ; ≤
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑛 𝜋𝑟 2 2.96
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1.69 𝑖𝑛 (11)
 The shearing and bending are dominant failure modes in legs and platforms.
From free body diagram in figure 5, for joint D to O, the bending moment is:
M D O  Dy  d  cos( )  Dx  d  sin( ) (12)
Where d is the distance between joint D and the place of moment along the leg.
It changes from 0 to L/2. Combining this equation with equation 8, we have:
𝑊𝑏 𝑊
𝑀𝐷−𝑂 = 𝑑 cos 𝛽 − 𝑑 sin 𝛽
2(𝑎 + 𝑏) 2 tan 𝛽
Considering case when a = b or when the load is symmetrical
W
M D O  d cos(  ) (13)
4

And for point O to joint B, we have:

L L
M O  B  Dy  d  cos(  )  Dx  d  sin(  )  (d  ) Ox  sin(  )  Dy  d  cos(  )  Dx   sin(  )
2 2
(14)
Where d changes from L/2 to L. Combining this equation with equation 8 gives:
W
M O D  (L  d ) cos(  ) (15)
4

From equations 11 and 13, the maximum bending moment occurs at the middle
of the leg at the minimum amount of β angle (4.49 degree). Substituting the given
data yields the maximum bending moment as:
𝑊 𝐿 7500 90
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 4 2
cos 𝛽 = 4 2
cos 4.49 = 84116 (𝑙𝑏𝑓 − 𝑖𝑛) (16)

The bending stress in a beam is:

MY
 (17)
I

Where M is the maximum bending moment on the link considered as beam, Y is

distance of the neutral axis from the farthest fiber, and I is Moment of Inertia of the
link. Assuming a rectangular cross section for the legs and considering the weakest
section at the hole due to reduction in cross-section and also reduction of moment
of inertia, we have:
1 𝐷+𝑏
𝐼 =2( 𝑡𝑏 3 + (𝑏𝑡))
12 2
Where,
D = diameter of hole (in)
b = width above the hole (in)
t = thickness of section (in)
B = section width = 2b + D

𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼
For the selected material in the previous step, AISI 4340, we have 27000 psi yield
stress. Considering safety factor, the allowable design stress is:
𝑆𝑦𝑝 27
𝜎𝑑 = = = 9.122 𝑘𝑠𝑖 (18)
𝑛𝑑 2.96

Combining equations 16, 17, and 18

Assuming B=4t as a rule of thumb, results:
b = 1.045 in
B = 2(1.045) +1.69 = 3.8 in
3.8
t= ≈ 1 𝑖𝑛 (19)
4

To check the shearing failure, the shearing force for the legs are:
W W W
Fshear (D  O )  Dx sin(  )  Dy cos(  )  cot(  ) sin(  )  cos(  )  cos(  )
2 4 4
(4)
W
Fshear (OB )  FB cos(  )  cos(  )
4

So the maximum shearing force is:

 7500
Fshear  max  cos 4.64)  1868(lbf ) (5)
4

The shearing stress for the legs is:

𝐹 𝐹𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟−𝑚𝑎𝑥 1868
𝜏= = = = 893.78 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (6)
𝐴 2(𝑡𝑏) 2(1.045𝑥1)

The shearing strength for steel is approximately 0.58 times of yield strength. So the
safety factor for shearing failure is:
0.58 𝑆𝑦𝑝 0.58 𝑥 27000
𝑛= = = 17.5 (7)
𝜏 894

This safety factor is high. According to equation 18, we can increase legs width
(b) and decrease thickness (t) while failure prevention occurs and the cross section
of the legs decrease (lower required material). But buckling and bending stresses
dominate here and bending tresses would be higher in lighter thicknesses. So we
finalize these dimensions.
Also, the legs encounter pressure stress at the pin place. This pressure stress is to
be lesser then yield pint of the leg’s material. Using the radius in equation 24 and
assuming uniform distribution of force in point O, we have:
𝐹0 6.36 𝑊
𝜎0 = = = 13504 𝑝𝑠𝑖 (8)
2𝑏𝑡 2 𝑋 1.045 𝑋 1.69

The safety factor for compressive stress failure at the point O is:
𝑆𝑦𝑝 27000
𝑛𝑜 = = ≈2 (9)
𝜎𝑜 13504

Equation 26 shows that the calculated radius in equation 24 is acceptable. For the
upper platform, we have the free body diagram as figure 5 for each side of the lift.

W/2

x 89.14 - x Rb
Ra

Figure 5. Free body diagram of the upper platform.

 The forces at the platform apply in different situations according to car
and its weight distributions. We consider that the adjustable parts are set in
such a way that CG lies in the middle in the raised condition.
48.7
𝑋= = 24.35 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
2
89.14 − 𝑋 = 89.14 − 24.35 = 64.79 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
The most critical situation would be at lower position as the
unsupported span between the 2 supports is maximum.
The maximum bending moment for this part is when there is at the point
of application of force. This bending moment is:
𝑊 (89.14−𝑋)2 7500 (64.79)2
𝑀= 2 89.14
= 2 89.14
= 176593.5 (𝑙𝑏𝑓 − 𝑖𝑛) (10)

Assuming standard I section and using equation of bending stress

(described above):
𝑀𝑦 𝑀
𝜎= =
𝐼 𝑍
𝑀 176593.5
𝑍= = = 19.36 𝑖𝑛3
𝜎 9122
(28)

Checking standard sections with least weight and required section

modulus (z), we found W 12x19 standard American wide flange beam
with section modulus 21.3 in^3 and weight 19 lb/ft.
Ref:
http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/297063/file-671265574-pdf/pdfs/american-
wide-flange-steel-beams-w-beam-letter.pdf

(11)
For maximum shearing stress, we have:
 𝐹 𝑊⁄
𝜏= = 2 = 7500 = 669.64 𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝐴 𝐴 2 𝑋 5.6
(12)
Using shearing strength of steel, we have:
0.58𝑆𝑦𝑝 0.58 𝑋 27000
𝑛= = = 23.4
𝜏 669.64
(13)
This number is considerably higher than safety factor required and shows that
the main mode of failure in this part is yielding due to bending stress.
From equation 8, the maximum force at D and C points is when we have the
minimum leg’s angle. So we have:
𝑊 7500
𝐷𝑥 = 𝐹 = cot 𝛽 = cot(4.49) = 47754 (𝑙𝑏𝑓)
2 2
(14)
Calculating the mass of the upper platform and legs considering AISI 4340 steel.

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 (𝑚) = 𝜌 𝑥 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝜌(𝑏𝑡 𝑥 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ)

Weight of platform (m1):
𝑊𝑡 95
𝑛𝑥 𝑥 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 2 𝑥 19 𝑥 = 300.83 𝑙𝑏𝑓
𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 12
Weight of legs (m2):
𝑛 𝑥 𝑚2 = 4 𝑥 0.284(3.8 x 1 x 90) = 388.5 lbf

Total load = 7500 + 300.83 + 388.5 = 8189. 4 lbf

𝑊 8189.4
𝐷𝑥 = 𝐹 = cot 𝛽 = cot(4.49) = 52144.08 (𝑙𝑏𝑓)
2 2
 To transmit this force from power screw to these points, we considered a
connecting beam made up of rectangular section. The power screw inserts required
force at the middle of this beam. The ends of this beam are connected to the C or D
points of parallel scissors. The reaction load at ends = Dx/2 According to common
cars, we consider the length of this beam (width of the lift – between scissors) as
40 inches. The section has to be selected for the following section modulus.
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, at center of beam:
𝐷𝑥 𝑙 52144.08 40
𝑀= 𝑋 = 𝑥 = 521440.8 𝑙𝑏𝑓 − 𝑖𝑛
2 2 2 2
27000 𝑀 521440.8 𝑥 2.96
𝜎𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑 = ; 𝑍= = = 57.17 𝑖𝑛3
2.96 𝜎𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑 27000

(15)
Choosing a section having this section modulus for bending along vertical axis
and minimum weight,
𝑏𝑡 2
𝑍=
6
Assuming t = 2b
b = 4.4 in
t = 8.8 in

Checking for shear stress:

𝐷𝑥 52144.08
𝜏𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 = = = 1346.7
𝐴 4.4 𝑥 8.8
0.58 𝑥 27000 5290.54
𝜏𝑙𝑖𝑚 = = 5290.54 𝑝𝑠𝑖 ; 𝑛 = = 3.92
2.96 1346.7
(16)
Therefore, the design is safe.
Weight of beam = 0.284 x 4.4 x 8.8 x 40 = 439.85 lbs
 We fix this beam at D and C point and connect the power screw to them. This
reduces forces of the frame and makes system more balanced with two parallel
scissors.
The length of the rod has to be longer than distance between supports in lowest
position. Therefore, choosing length as 90 inches. The power screw undergoes
tensile stresses due to reaction forces at support C and D. Diameter of power screw
according to yield failure prevention is:
𝐷𝑥 52144.08 4 𝑥 52144.08
𝜎= = =
𝐴 𝜋𝑑 2⁄ 𝜋𝑑 2
4
0.58 𝑆𝑦𝑝 4 𝑥 52144.08 0.58 𝑥 27000
𝜎𝑟𝑜𝑑 ≤ ; = ; 𝑑 = 3.54 𝑖𝑛
𝑛𝑑 𝜋𝑑 2 2.96

At the point C and D, there is another force in y direction. So, the net force at C
and D points is resultant of x and y forces but the forces in y direction has no affect
on the transverse connecting beam.
(17)
The holes in C and D encounter compressive stress. If we use the rod with 1.7
inch of diameter, the compressive stress is:
FD F 2  46242
 compress   D   15027( psi )   d  91220 (18)
A t d   0.7  2.8
2

So, 1.7 inch pin diameter is proper to use in this design.

To select a proper bearing for joints, we refer to manufacturer’s catalogue.
Having 46242 (lbf) radial force and 1.7 inch bore diameter, we select single row
cylindrical roller bearing number 2209 from SKF company. Outer diameter of this
roller bearing is 3.3 inch. For the upper arm, there is no horizontal force, so the net
force on the joints is W/4 and is about 2000 (lbf). For this part, we select roller
bearing number 2204 from SKF with 1.85 inch outer diameter.
To have more safety in scissor jack, especially from falling after full rise (when
a person goes below the car for fixing or…) we must use a safety lock. There are
lots of methods and equipment for automatic and manual safety lock. On the other
hand, we want to design a system with minimum cost. So, we select safety pins for
safety lock system. To lock the system, we use a pin to prevent the scissor end to
move. We have a revolving pin at one end of down legs. For example, consider
point C to be a revolute joint which can rotation in its place. Moving point D along
the lower platform moves the jack up and down. When the jack is at the maximum
height, the point D stops by actuator. For safer work, we use a pin in the holes
designed in frame to prevent failure if the actuator or other accessories fail. This
pin must have enough shearing strain. The horizontal force which is needed to
keep the scissor lift at its place is:
W
Fx  cot(  ) (19)
2

Where the jack is in its maximum height, this horizontal force is:
7500
Fx  cot(60)  2165(lbf )
2

So the diameter of pin to prevent shearing failure is:

Fx 2165 4  2165
 rod   
A d 2 d 2
4
0.58S yp 4  2165 0.58  270000
 rod     d  0.22(in )
nd d 2 2.96

It should be noted that we must use the pin in the two parallel scissors manually
and do not forget to get them back for lowering the jack.
To design the actuator, we need to know maximum force and required
displacement. The displacement of this actuator in the designed horizontal place is:

𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝐿(cos 𝛽𝑚𝑖𝑛 − cos 𝛽𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) = 90(cos 4.49 − cos 60) ≈ 45 𝑖𝑛

(20)
And the maximum force applies to the actuator when the jack is in its minimum
height. At this position, the maximum force of the actuator is:
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥−𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝐷𝑥 = 52144.08 𝑙𝑏𝑓

(21)
So, we should design a power screw with 45 inches movement and carrying
52144.08 pounds of force.
 Choosing a standard ACME thread for 3.5 inch dia screw with 2 threads /inch.
Therefore, one revolution moves the screw by 0.5 inch.
Max time for reaching highest position = 50 sec
Max displacement = 45 inch
Hence no. of revolutions required = 45/0.5 = 90 revolutions
90 𝑋 60
Speed (RPM) = = 108 RPM
50
Torque required to raise the load
𝐷𝑥 𝑥 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑖𝑎 (𝜋𝜇 𝑥 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑖𝑎 + 𝐿𝛽)
𝑇=
2 (𝜋𝛽 𝑥 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑖𝑎 − 𝐿𝜇)
Assuming μ = 0.4
For acme thread, β = 0.968
For acme thread 𝛼 = 14.5 °
Pitch, L = 0.5
Factor to convert to watts = 0.113
52144.08 𝑥 3.54 (𝜋0.4 𝑥 3.54 + 0.5 𝑋0.968)
𝑇= = 43091 𝑙𝑏𝑓 − 𝑖𝑛
2 (𝜋(0.968)(3.54) − 0.5(0.4))

Power required
2𝜋 𝑁 𝑇 2 𝑋 3.14 𝑋 108 𝑋 43091 𝑋 0.113
= = 55042 watts = 55 kw
60 60

Value seems to be high, can be reduced by changing the lowest position of the lift from 7 in to
a higher value to reduce the force requirement on the system.