Better by design: Think matter

Dec. 1, 2008
When it comes to putting sensors in a fluid-power cylinder, the most common approach is to gun-bore the piston rod and mechanically fasten positioning

When it comes to putting sensors in a fluid-power cylinder, the most common approach is to gun-bore the piston rod and mechanically fasten positioning apparatus and associated electronics. It's not very economical, however, especially for high precision. It also limits stroke and is prone to damage.

A more streamlined approach, using advanced composite technology, is to make the sensor and cylinder wall one and the same. The story begins with a composite developed for stealth aircraft that was later refined with engineers at Xerox. The material in its newest incarnation has both electrically insulating and conductive properties, and is formed with conductive fibers and an insulating layer of an epoxy-fiberglass laminate right into the walls of a new kind of fluid-power cylinder. This embedded conductive-fiber architecture is the signature feature of a product called the Polyslide Intrinsic Sensing Technology (IST) Smart Cylinder, developed with Georgia Tech spinoff, Sentrinsic LLC, Atlanta. Sentrinsic's IST incorporates a non-contacting coupling between the cylinder's piston and an Intrinsic Sensing tube, so voltage amplitude (sensed on the pickup) reflects the moving piston position without a physical wiper. Polygon's completely embedded fiberglass structure maintains the IST's repeatability and physical simplicity.

Soon, designers may create systems with resolution, linearity, outputs, and manufacturing cost tailored to specific application needs. Already at work in U.S. military bomb-detection robotic manipulation, smarter health-monitoring fluid-power cylinders are on the horizon, and the embedded circuitry can provide sensing for other products beyond pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders as well.

Sponsored Recommendations

Flexible Power and Energy Systems for the Evolving Factory

Aug. 29, 2024
Exploring industrial drives, power supplies, and energy solutions to reduce peak power usage and installation costs, & to promote overall system efficiency

Timber Recanting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Aug. 29, 2024
SEW-EURODRIVE's VFDs and gearmotors enhance timber resawing by delivering precise, efficient cuts while reducing equipment stress. Upgrade your sawmill to improve safety, yield...

Advancing Automation with Linear Motors and Electric Cylinders

Aug. 28, 2024
With SEW‑EURODRIVE, you get first-class linear motors for applications that require direct translational movement.

Gear Up for the Toughest Jobs!

Aug. 28, 2024
Check out SEW-EURODRIVEs heavy-duty gear units, built to power through mining, cement, and steel challenges with ease!

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!