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,
pneumatic,
mechanical or simply
muscular 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 in the form of a
spherical icosi­dodeca­hedron with its six
geodesics each comprising ten distinctly coloured scissors mechanisms This mechanism is used in devices such as
lift tables and
scissor lifts. Modern low-profile
computer keyboards 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 ==