Elevating Platform Scissor Lift Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, safe, and efficient platform that can elevate individuals or objects to overcome vertical challenges in various daily situations, such as reaching high shelves or operating surfaces, while being compact and non-intrusive when not in use.
Innovation Solution
An elevating apparatus with a platform plate that can be raised by engaging a pedal or other mechanism, supported by scissor configurations, hinged walls, struts, or leaf springs, and secured in place, allowing for intermediate positions and easy deployment as a cushioned mat when compressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-height platform or step stool is used to provide elevated height, then the platform can support a person safely, but it occupies significant space in a room and becomes an obstacle for passersby when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static step stool into a dynamic, movable platform by incorporating a scissor-lift mechanism with rollers. This allows the platform to be easily transported to different locations and stored in compact spaces, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable support and occupying minimal space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor-lift mechanism allows the platform to collapse into a compact, nested configuration when not in use, significantly reducing its footprint. The overlapping scissor arms can be folded together, enabling easy storage in small spaces while maintaining full support capability when deployed.
2Length of moving object
If a scissor lift mechanism is used to elevate the platform, then the platform can be raised to the desired height, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scissor-lift mechanisms with a simpler pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder system. The cylinder directly pushes the platform to the desired height, eliminating the need for complex interlocking scissor arms while achieving the same elevation function with fewer moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a mechanical scissor-lift system with an actuated system using motors, cylinders, or hydraulic pistons. This replacement reduces mechanical complexity by using powered actuation instead of manual assembly and disassembly of complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If the platform is designed to be compact and portable, then it can be easily stored and moved, but it may not provide sufficient stability to support a person safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the platform transitions from a compact, portable configuration to a stable, deployed configuration. Once positioned, the platform locks into place using outriggers or stabilizing legs that extend to the ground, providing firm stability while maintaining ease of movement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates preliminary stabilization measures such as outriggers or adjustable legs that are deployed before the user steps onto the platform. This ensures stability is established in advance, allowing the platform to be both portable and safe to use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a safe and convenient means to elevate loads, supporting individuals or objects, while maintaining a compact and space-efficient design, allowing for easy storage and use in multiple scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The platform plate has an upward force exerted by a gas cylinder (or other mechanism)
Implementation Method 2
the elevating apparatus incorporates four arms in a scissor configuration to support and stabilize the platform plate and an appropriate load on the platform plate
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, leaf springs are used to support the platform in the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
An elevating apparatus includes a platform plate that can be raised and lowered. Once the platform plate has risen, it is locked in place and capable of supporting a load. In some embodiments, the elevating apparatus incorporates four arms in a scissor configuration to support and stabilize the platform plate. In some embodiments, the elevating apparatus incorporates a gas cylinder assembly to apply an upward force on the platform plate so that it rises when released from the lowered position. In some embodiments, a cushioned surface is deployed on the platform plate and around the base so that when the elevating apparatus is in the compressed position, it resembles a cushioned mat.