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but here you would be making one large dump and speed is not required.
3x gear + 4 => 20.5 lbs(41 sacks)
Ok now we are talking. 41 sacks !! But in Mythbusters style. more is better so
how about 6 motors.
3x gear + 6 => 31 lbs (62 sacks)
Ok enough for me. Not sure how you would stack 62 sacks on the upper goal.
These numbers are of course rough cuts and ignore friction etc but elastic can be
use to make the theory come true.
So in summary, looks like we should be able to lift 13 sacks to a 36 in height with 4
393s working through a 7:1 gearing ratio. Adding elastic can increase this to 27
sacks or using a 21:1 gearing we can get to 41 sacks or with a 21:1 gearing and 6
motors we can lift 61 sacks.
Static Equations
I was looking for some lift equations for our Vex students to use. I derived some myself but decided
to check them against your site. The equations stated in this engineersedge scissor-lift link seem
incorrect.
For the bottom actuator the force should be F =( W + wf/2)/tan(phi)
and
for the center pin actuator the force should be F = 2*(W+wf/2)/tan(phi)
Where W is the load weight, wf = the total frame weight and phi is the interior angle between the
horizontal and the arm.
The proof used for the bottom force incorrectly assumes that the P force which is the vector sum of
F and (W + wf)/2 vertical force is colinear with the arm. This cannot be since there is a moment
about the center pin of lift arm that is caused by the force of the load. This requires a component of
force at the bottom that is normal to the arm at the point where F is applied. So P cannot be colinear
with the arm. If the moment equations are written about the center pin of the lift we get:
F*L*sin(phi) = (W + wf/2)*L*cos(phi)
or F =( W + wf/2)/tan(phi)
This is easily checked by an energy approach. If the load W is lifted by dh then the center of mass of
the frame (with weight wf) is lifted by dh/2.
We know that if the actuator moves a distance of dx the work input is F*dx which must equal the
potential energy increase of the lift masses moving against gravity.
So F*dx =(W + wf/2)*dh
or
F = (W+ wf/2)*dh/dx
From geometry, dh/dx = 1/tan(phi)
Hence F =( W + wf/2)/tan(phi);
When the force F is applied to the center pin of the lift the same dh is achieved with dx/2 movement
so the force F must be twice as large to raise the masses.
So F_center_pin = 2*F_bottom = 2*( W + wf/2)/tan(phi);