Low Height Scissors Lift Vehicle Chassis Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scissors lift devices have a high work platform that requires users to climb multiple steps to access, making it laborious and limiting access to narrow areas due to the elevated height of the scissors lift vehicle when the lift assembly is mounted on top of a carriage.
Innovation Solution
A scissors lift vehicle design with a chassis configuration that positions the scissors stack assembly lower to the ground by using a pair of parallel channels, wheels, and a track system, allowing the work platform to be at a standard step height for easy access without intermediate steps, and enabling the scissors linkages to extend and retract within a lower profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the scissors lift assembly is mounted on top of a carriage, then the work platform can be elevated to provide adequate working height, but the overall height of the vehicle increases and limits access to narrow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the scissors lift assembly from a vertical mounting on top of the carriage to a horizontal integration within the chassis structure. The lift assembly is positioned between the wheel pairs laterally, utilizing the width dimension of the vehicle rather than adding to its height, thereby enabling narrow area access while maintaining work platform elevation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The scissors lift assembly is nested within the chassis structure, specifically positioned between the lateral boundaries formed by the wheel pairs. This nesting allows the lift mechanism to be contained within the vehicle's footprint when retracted, reducing the overall height profile while preserving the ability to elevate the work platform when needed
2Length of moving object
If the work platform is elevated high above the floor surface, then adequate working height is provided, but users must climb multiple ladder steps to access the platform making it laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the work platform at a height that creates an equipotential relationship with the surrounding floor surfaces. By integrating the lift assembly within the chassis and positioning it between the wheel pairs, the platform can be elevated to standard working heights while maintaining easy access from adjacent floor levels, eliminating the need for separate ladder structures
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis structure serves multiple functions: it provides the vehicle frame, supports the wheel assemblies, and integrates the scissors lift assembly. This multi-functionality allows the work platform to be elevated to adequate working heights while using the same structural elements for access, eliminating the need for separate ladder components and simplifying the overall access mechanism
3Extent of automation
If equipment is mounted under the scissors lift assembly on the carriage, then the lift mechanism can be self-propelled, but the height of the work platform is greatly elevated above the floor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propulsion system with the chassis structure by positioning the wheel assemblies and drive mechanisms as integral parts of the chassis rather than separate components mounted under the lift assembly. This integration allows self-propelled capability while maintaining a lower overall vehicle profile, as the propulsion elements are incorporated into the lateral width rather than adding to the height
Data Source
AI summary
A scissors lift vehicle includes a chassis, a first pair of wheels disposed at one end of the chassis and a second pair of steering wheels disposed at an opposite end of the chassis. The wheels include a circular profile having a radius R. The scissors lift vehicle includes a track having an upper surface and a lower surface extending aft at a height less than R above the travel surface. A pivot connection is coupled to the aft plate at a height less than R above the travel surface. A scissors stack assembly includes a plurality of paired scissors linkages. Each scissors linkage of a first pair of scissors linkages is coupled to a respective pivot connection. Each scissors linkage of a second pair of scissors linkages includes a truck coupled to a distal end. The truck is configured to engage the upper surface of the track.