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A scissors mechanism uses linked, folding supports in a criss-cross 'X' pattern. The scissor mechanism is a mechanical linkage system used to create vertical motion or extension. It consists of a series of interconnected, folding supports that resemble the shape of a pair of scissors, hence its name. The scissor mechanism is widely employed in various applications, including scissor lifts, folding tables, adjustable height platforms, and automotive jacks.


Workings

Extension is achieved by applying pressure to the outside of a set of supports located at one end of the mechanism, elongating the crossing pattern. This can be achieved through
hydraulic Hydraulics () is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level, hydraulics is the liquid counterpart of pneumatics, which concer ...
,
pneumatic Pneumatics (from Greek 'wind, breath') is the use of gas or pressurized air in mechanical systems. Pneumatic systems used in Industrial sector, industry are commonly powered by compressed air or compressed inert gases. A centrally located a ...
,
mechanical Mechanical may refer to: Machine * Machine (mechanical), a system of mechanisms that shape the actuator input to achieve a specific application of output forces and movement * Mechanical calculator, a device used to perform the basic operations o ...
or simply
muscular MUSCULAR (DS-200B), located in the United Kingdom, is the name of a surveillance program jointly operated by Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) that was revealed by documents release ...
means. A power source is turned on resulting in the flow of hydraulic fluid or air (in the case of a pneumatic lift) in the cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder thrust outward for upraised movement and that in turn lead the scissor legs to spread and raise the platform table upwards. To lower the lift, the operator uses a down valve to release hydraulic fluid or pneumatic pressure, which causes the scissor legs to retract.


Uses

This mechanism is used in devices such as lift tables and
scissor lift An aerial work platform (AWP), also an aerial device, aerial lift, boom lift, bucket truck, cherry picker, elevating work platform (EWP), mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), or scissor lift, is a mechanical device used to provide temporary ...
s. Modern low-profile
computer keyboard A computer keyboard is a built-in or peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or Push-button, keys to act as Mechanical keyboard, mechanical levers or Electronic switching system, electro ...
s make an extensive use of it as well, installing each key on a scissor support to ensure their smooth vertical movement, allowing the use of a cheap and reliable rubber dome contact set, instead of expensive and complex array of mechanical switches.


See also

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Pantograph A pantograph (, from their original use for copying writing) is a Linkage (mechanical), mechanical linkage connected in a manner based on parallelograms so that the movement of one pen, in tracing an image, produces identical movements in a se ...
*
Telescopic cylinder Telescopic cylinders are a special design of a hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder as well as pulley system which provide an exceptionally long output travel from a very compact retracted length. Typically the collapsed length of a telescopic ...
*
Linear actuator A linear actuator is an actuator that creates linear motion (i.e., in a straight line), in contrast to the circular motion of a conventional electric motor. Linear actuators are used in machine tools and industrial machinery, in computer perip ...


References

Mechanisms (engineering) {{technology-stub