Fluid Lift
Fluids Mechanics - Final Project
Fluid Lift
The Challenge:
Design a compact lift capable of raising a 200–300 lb load between 6 and 12 inches using water, air, or a combination of both as the working fluid. The system needed to safely support the load, allow controlled positioning at any height, and maintain that position for up to five minutes without drifting.
Design Strategy:
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Minimize custom manufacturing by keeping the design simple.
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Use readily available components such as bike pumps, bike valves, scrap metal, and 3D-printed parts.
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Use a high-strength PVC pressure vessel to safely contain the working fluid.
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Design within the pressure limits of a standard bike pump for manual operation.
Manufacturing:
Key Aspects
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Maintained tight tolerances on O-ring grooves to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks.
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Sealed PVC-to-3D printed interfaces with epoxy to eliminate air leakage.
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Static air pressure testing performed to verify sealing.
Result:
The final prototype successfully lifted a 200+ lb load using a manually pressurized pneumatic system driven by a standard bike pump. The system was able to raise the load smoothly, hold position, and safely lower it when required.