Build a Lifting Machine

This task is to work as part of a team to build a lifting machine. The lifting machine is to lift something (a load) that weighs at least 2 kilograms and needs to be lifted to a height of at least 50cm by the machine. That sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?

To begin with, here is some information about lifting machines that is awesome.

Today we are surrounded by machines that make work easier, and it is hard to imagine life without them. Machines (such as cranes) are used to lift or raise large loads a certain distance, in particular, lifting materials to where they are needed during the construction of a large building.

Scissor Lift

Other lifting machines include jacks that can lift the weight of a car, lifts in a city building, and forklift trucks that can lift and move crates or pallets. When lifting these loads, the lifting machine is raising the Load against the force of Gravity. These machines are all designed for convenience - they all need to be able to reach the position where the load is to be placed. For example, a crane used in constructing a building needs to be higher than the building itself, and a forklift needs to be able to reach up to the level at which its load will be placed.

Mobile Crane

Lifting machines use the principles of Simple Machines (such as pulleys) to make it easier to raise the loads. They work on the principle of Mechanical Advantage, where a smaller Effort can be used to raise a larger Load. This effort needs to be applied for a greater distance for this to happen.

Have fun building your lifting machine!

http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/careers/engquest-2008/lifting-machine-mp.cfm