What is the design for a heavy-duty scissor jack?

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In summary, the conversation revolves around the request for help in deriving dynamics equations for a two-stage scissor jack. The experts suggest using a lever system and recommend finding a cheap A level textbook or using a mechanics simulation package. They also discuss the various configurations and variations of scissor jacks. The conversation concludes with a mention of the challenges in designing a real jack, particularly finding an efficient screw and nut combination.
  • #1
bbq_build
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Hello, I need to derive dynamics equations for a two-stage scissor jack. I have searched many books in the libraries and on the internet but there is no such example. Could anybody please help? Thank you
 
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  • #2
A scissors jack is just an elaborate lever?

What do you mean by dynamics equations?
 
  • #3
Equations that one could use to simulate the behavior of the jack under different applied forces and loads. One that involves rigid body dynamics.
 
  • #4
bbq_build said:
Equations that one could use to simulate the behavior of the jack under different applied forces and loads. One that involves rigid body dynamics.
I don't think you are likely to find a 'scissor jack equation' anywhere because such a mechanism is just a part of an enormous field of lever systems. From your question, I get the impression that you are not too familiar with the basics of moments in mechanical systems. I think that you could benefit from an intermediate mechanics textbook with the basics and a number of worked examples. Most of the stuff you find on the net about levers and moments involves the simple see-saw type balance where the forces all act parallel to each other; useful but not enough for what you need here. I found this YouTube video, which gives a way into the topic and there are a number of relevant links leading from it. It's A level physics that you need - GCSE doesn't do 'angles' for moments.
If you have a nearby second hand book shop (or website) you should be able to get hold of a cheap A level textbook, which is exactly what you need and need not cost more than a very few Quid.
I don't know of one but I could imagine that there are a number of Mechanics Simulation packages that could take the pain out of the problem - but then you would not necessarily learn any physics from the exercise (this is fine if you just need a result).
 
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  • #5
I myself worked out the problem -(Mechanical Engineer) since no where I could find the solution to this scissor lift problem- I think Its hard to post here its a lengthy calculation ,
 
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  • #6
malemdk said:
I myself worked out the problem -(Mechanical Engineer) since no where I could find the solution to this scissor lift problem- I think Its hard to post here its a lengthy calculation ,
For a symmetrical (rhomboid) arrangement of four spars and a balanced load,, the problem can be reduced to considering just one spar, with two forces acting at each end. (Assume the jack is massless etc. of course). The calculation should not be too hard with so few variables. Don't ask me to put my money where my mouth is but the relationship between the vertical and horizontal forces with angle is going to involve a tan function of the the angle .
 
  • #7
Yes it's for simple configuration, but the calculations become somewhat complicated for other configurations
 
  • #8
@bbq_build : Is this a normal scissors jack with hand operated screw and nut drive or is it a more complicated version ? Can you post a picture ?
 
  • #9
malemdk said:
Yes it's for simple configuration, but the calculations become somewhat complicated for other configurations
I wonder whether an asymmetrical jack would ever be used. After all, it wouldn't be 'foldable' as a normal jack is and the range of usable angles / heights would be less.
 
  • #11
Nidum said:
http://www.gustininc.com/norco-82002c-1-1-2-ton-scissors-jack/

A common variant on the scissors jack replaces part of the mechanism with a slide and roller . These can be low height for storage .
Wow. Never seen one of those; I never thought of that form of asymmetry. Could be very handy in the right conditions.
OK - multiply the number of equations by two (I don't think four is necessary). But still, there's no Statistics or Integration involved. Just plain old Algebra and a couple of Trig functions.
 
  • #12
sophiecentaur said:
But still, there's no Statistics or Integration involved. Just plain old Algebra and a couple of Trig functions.

Just so . Balance forces or equate incremental work done at the handle to incremental work done at the jacking point .

Biggest problem in design of a real jack is in finding a reasonably efficient screw and nut combination .
 
  • #14
Nidum said:
@bbq_build : Is this a normal scissors jack with hand operated screw and nut drive or is it a more complicated version ? Can you post a picture ?
It's hydraulic power cylinder version, do you design any scissor jack or is it course project?
 
  • #15
bbq_build said:
Yes it looks somewhat like, but not exactly what you have shown is small machine, the machine which I designed was for industrial use, the rated capacity of each cylinder is 40 t, there were 2 cylinders
 

1. What is the equation for calculating the lifting capacity of a scissor jack?

The equation for calculating the lifting capacity of a scissor jack is: L = F x H, where L is the lifting capacity in pounds, F is the force applied in pounds, and H is the height of the jack when fully extended in inches.

2. How do I calculate the mechanical advantage of a scissor jack?

The mechanical advantage of a scissor jack can be calculated using the equation: MA = H / h, where MA is the mechanical advantage, H is the height of the jack when fully extended, and h is the height of one scissor arm.

3. What is the relationship between applied force and distance in a scissor jack?

In a scissor jack, the relationship between applied force and distance is directly proportional. This means that as the force applied increases, the distance traveled by the jack also increases.

4. How do I determine the efficiency of a scissor jack?

The efficiency of a scissor jack can be determined by dividing the actual lifting capacity by the theoretical lifting capacity. The result is then multiplied by 100 to get a percentage. A more efficient scissor jack will have a higher percentage.

5. Can I use the same equation for all scissor jacks?

No, the equations for scissor jacks may vary depending on the design and materials used. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's specifications and instructions for the specific scissor jack you are using.

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