Stroke measurement in hydraulic cylinders - say goodbye to drilling pistons!

A minor technical revolution

Technologically speaking, the SGH10 cylinder stroke measuring system pursues an entirely different technological approach than measuring systems commonly found on the market, which are based on magneto-restrictive, inductive, or hall based technology. In contrast to these systems, a Bowden cable mechanism installed directly in the cylinder is used to measure the stroke. The cable of the Bowden cable mechanism is mounted in the piston head. If the cylinder is extended, the cable, which is wound up in a cable drum, is pulled out. The rotation of the cable drum that is thereby created is detected without contact by the sensor electronics and used to calculate the linear travel. This makes it possible to detect the position of the cylinder precisely and completely at all times. The magnets that are used to detect the rotation are scanned by the electronics through the pressure-resistant base plate of the SGH10. The electronics are fully encapsulated on the unpressurized side of the system. This means the entire measuring system is built into the cylinder and is optimally protected from external environmental conditions. This provides a clear advantage: in contrast to a measuring system mounted externally on the cylinder, the sensor system cannot be influenced or damaged by loose parts or by environmental influences.

Piston drilling unnecessary

Another revolutionary aspect is the reduction of costs for integrating the system into the cylinder. This is because in previous measuring systems, the sensor rods had to be integrated into the piston over the entire measuring path; this often required long and highly precise bore holes in the piston. This is not only expensive, but also weakens the structure of the piston. In the SGH10 stroke measuring system, just one small thread is needed in the piston to mount the cable. This allows the system to offer major potential cost savings, which affects production times and, ultimately, overall costs for hydraulic cylinders. The greater the stroke length, the greater the potential for monetary savings. Cylinder manufacturers, mechanical engineers and end-use customers benefit equally from this – a real win-win situation on all sides.

Also integrates into telescopic cylinders

Another highlight is that, in contrast to the alternative measuring systems described, the SGH measuring technology can even be used in telescopic cylinders.