Design and Finite Element Analysis of a Hydraulic Mobile Elevating Work Platform

Abstract

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) can provide speed and flexibility, especially in areas such as painting, maintenance, cleaning, and warehouse operations, which require overhead access. This study presents the design and finite element analysis (FEA) of a novel hydraulic MEWP that enables both vertical and horizontal movement, enhancing operational flexibility and personnel safety compared to conventional systems. The main frame of the platform is designed to be movable and foldable, with stabilization legs that secure it in place during operation. The platform design includes a vertically movable section on the main frame and a horizontally movable suspension section attached to this part. Analyses were performed under maximum loading conditions. For the structural analysis, boundary conditions and material properties were defined based on the maximum total load to be supported by the system, excluding the cabin section of the platform. Based on the analysis results, the maximum stress on the platform was measured at 54.8 MPa, while the highest displacement observed in the structure was 15.8 mm at the sling section. Considering the working and loading conditions, the safety factor of the designed mobile lifting system was found to be 4.4, and it was concluded that the system offers a viable solution in terms of functionality.

Keywords

• Lifting system
• Mechanical design
• Finite element analysis
• Mobile elevating work platform
• MEWP

References

1. Anonymous, 2025a. Aerial platform, genie Z40/23N articulating boom lift. URL: https://aerialplatform.ie/machines/genie-z40-23n-articulating-boom-lift/ (accessed date: February 7, 2025).
2. Anonymous. 2025b. Horizon platforms, 8.15m diesel scissor lift haulotte compact 10DX. URL: https://www.horizonplatforms.co.uk/services/hire/scissor-lifts/8.15m-diesel-scissor-lift-haulotte-compact-10dx (accessed date: February 7, 2025).
3. Anonymous. 2025c. Transeuro, vertical lifts. URL: https://www.transeuro.com.sg/vertical-lifts/ (accessed date: February 7, 2025).
4. Anonymous. 2025d. Wallker, pneumatic personal platforms. URL: https://wallker.com.tr/ (accessed date: February 7, 2025).
5. Anonymous. 2025e. Access platforms, LGMG T20J. URL: https://www.accessplatforms.co.uk/lgmg-t20j.html (accessed date: February 7, 2025)
6. Anonymous. 2025f. Material flow, MRO telescoping DC power hydraulic maintenance lift. URL: https://materialflow.com/p/mro-telescoping-dc-power-hydraulic-maintenance-lift/ (accessed date: February 7, 2025)
7. Augustyn M, Barski M, Chwał M, Stawiarski A. 2023. Numerical and experimental determination of the wind speed value causing catastrophe of the scissor lift. Appl Sci, 13(6): 3528.
8. Bathe KJ. 2014. Finite element procedures. Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, Massachusetts, USA, 2nd ed., pp: 338-420.

9. Bošnjak S, Zrnić N, Dragović B. 2009. Dynamic response of mobile elevating work platform under wind excitation. Stroj Vestn-J Mech Eng, 55(2): 104-113.
10. Cook RD, Malkus DS, Plesha ME, Witt RJ. 2002. Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, USA, 4th ed., pp: 202-268.
11. Ermiş K, Çalışkan M, Tanriverdi M. 2021. Design optimization of moveable moment stabilization system for access crane platforms. Acta Polytech, 61(1): 219-229.
12. Fang X, Zhang J, Zhang H, Zhang W. 2023. Fast luffing control of flexible boom of mobile elevated work platform with uncertain control input gain. Adv Mech Eng, 15(2): 1-14.
13. He Z, Zhang X, Jones S, Hauert S, Zhang D, Lepora NF. 2023. TacMMs: Tactile mobile manipulators for warehouse automation. IEEE Robot Autom Lett, 8(8): 4729-4736.
14. Hu H, Cai N, Cui L, Ren Y, Wang Y. 2017. A neural network–based sliding mode controller of folding-boom aerial work platform. Adv Mech Eng, 9(10): 1-9.
15. Huang S, Li B, Zhao J, Gao W, Wei Y, Huang Y. 2023. Finite element analysis of lifting platform of spreader based on the ANSYS workbench. In: Second International Conference on Electronic Information Engineering, Big Data, and Computer Technology, January 06-08, Xishuangbanna, China, pp: 781-786.
16. Hughes TJR. 2000. The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis. Dover Publications, New York, USA, 1st ed., pp: 109-182.
17. Jack K, Essien U, Bamisaye O, Paul K, Ozoemela E, Okpo C. 2021. Enhancement of mobile scissor lifting system for windy environments. Niger J Technol, 40(2): 229-240.
18. Jia P, Li E, Liang Z, Qiang Y. 2012. Adaptive neural network control of an aerial work platform's arm. In: IEEE 10th World Congress on Intelligent Control and Automation, July 6-8, Beijing, China, pp: 3567-3570.
19. Karagulle H, Akdag M, Bulbul İ. 2022. Design automation of a two scissors lift. Eur J Res Dev, 2(4): 178-191.
20. Kart S, Solmazyigit İ, Ovalı İ, Tan E. 2023. Conceptual design and prototype production of innovative hydraulic walking power steering controlled scissor lift platform. Eur J Res Dev, 3(4): 195-204.
21. Kennedy E, Guttag M, Bress T. 2020. Assessment of mobile elevating work platforms risks and review of changes introduced in new industry standards to address these hazards. ASME Int Mech Eng, 84669: 1-8.
22. Li X, Zhang Z, Yang X, Wu H, Li Y, Qu H. 2022. Type synthesis based on modular combination with virtual rotation center and application. Int J Rotat Mach, 1: 1-17.
23. Ouyang Z. 2024. Lifting platform pwm control system design combining distance detection. J Phys Conf Ser, 2787(1): 1-8.
24. Pan C, Chiou S, Kau T, Wimer B, Ning X, Keane P. 2017. Evaluation of postural sway and impact forces during ingress and egress of scissor lifts at elevations. Appl Ergon, 65: 152-162.
25. Pan CS, Powers JR, Hartsell JJ, Harris JR, Wimer BM, Dong RG, Wu JZ. 2012. Assessment of fall-arrest systems for scissor lift operators: computer modeling and manikin drop testing. Hum Factors, 54(3): 358-372.
26. Uludamar E, Tüccar G. 2017. Hidrolik kamyon boşaltma platformlarının dizayn ve analizi. Çukurova Üniv Müh Mim Fak Derg, 32(4): 55-62.
27. Zhang S, Chen Q, Lei M. 2023. Finite Element Analysis on the Rack of the JC-17B Mobile Lifting Jack. Adv Mach Mater Sci Eng Appl, 40: 348-354.
28. Zienkiewicz OC, Taylor RL, Zhu JZ. 2013. The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 7th ed., pp: 118-130.