Custom Retractable Scissor-Lift Mechanism (Small-Batch DFM) Anyone

Request for Proposal (RFP)
Custom Retractable Scissor-Lift Mechanism (Small-Batch DFM)
1. Project Overview & Objective
We are seeking a qualified, US or Canada-based Mechanical Engineer to provide production-ready design, modeling, and DFM optimization for a retractable utility lift mechanism. The mechanism will be integrated into a rugged, flight-approved custom clamshell travel case (Negrini brand).
The goal is to move entirely away from standard multi-post vertical tube lifts. We require a clean-sheet, two-bar center-hinged scissor mechanism optimized for high rigidity, precise low-clearance nesting, and smooth mechanical deployment using standard off-the-shelf components. This mechanism is being designed for immediate small-batch production using low-volume manufacturing techniques (CNC milling, standard sheet metal fabrication, and 3D printing).
2. Technical Scope & Mechanical Constraints
The final assembly design must strictly adhere to the following geometric and performance boundaries:
• Payload Capacity: Must smoothly support and raise a dead 6 lb weight without binding or structural flexing.
• Vertical Travel Distance: Exactly 6 inches of true vertical lift from the stowed position to full deployment.
• Compressed Depth Profile: The entire mechanism, tracking system, and lift platform must retract completely flat within a tight 4-inch compressed vertical space when stowed.
• Platform Surface Dimensions: The upper mounting platform is 14 inches x 10 inches.
• Kinematic Architecture: A two-bar scissor linkage intersecting at a precise center-hinge pivot point. Horizontal travel tracking during the stroke must be guided by surface-mounted miniature linear guide rails on the case floor and the platform underside.
• Actuation System: Assisted deployment and mechanical over-center locking must be achieved via a 50N Stabilus LIFT-O-MAT PTL (Push-to-Lock) micro gas spring. The engineer must mathematically validate the stroke leverage and dictate the exact mounting coordinates to guarantee smooth actuation.
3. Required Deliverables
The engineering partner will be responsible for providing a complete manufacturing package:
1. 3D CAD Assembly: Fully constrained, production-ready assembly files in universal formats (STEP / IGES), natively designed in a modern platform (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360).
2. Kinematic & Tolerance Analysis: Comprehensive stack-up and clearance validation ensuring components nest perfectly flat within the 4-inch vertical ceiling without interference or binding.
3. COTS Component Bill of Materials (BOM): Exact sourcing specifications and part numbers for commercial off-the-shelf items, including the miniature linear rails, bearings, fasteners, and the specified 50N Stabilus PTL strut.
4. 2D Manufacturing Drawings: Complete production prints for custom parts featuring appropriate GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) annotations optimized for small-batch contract machine shops.
4. Engineer Qualifications
• Must be a professionally trained, practicing Mechanical Engineer located in the United States or Canada.
• Proven portfolio demonstrating successful delivery of hardware product designs involving kinematics, linkages, and mechanical space-optimization.
• Direct experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for low-to-mid volume production cycles. read less