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

Sept. 16, 2025
From robotic arms to high-speed conveyors, accuracy matters. Discover how encoders transform motor control by turning motion into real-time datadelivering tighter speed control...
Sept. 16, 2025
Keep high-torque gearboxes running efficiently with external lubrication and cooling systems delivered fast. Flexible configurations, sensor-ready monitoring, and stocked options...
Sept. 16, 2025
Now assembled in the U.S., compact P2.e planetary gear units combine maximum torque, thermal efficiency, and flexible configurations for heavy-duty applicationsavailable faster...
Aug. 22, 2025
Discover how to meet growing customer demands for custom products without overextending your engineering team. Learn how scaling your automation strategy can help you win more...

Voice your opinion!

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