Hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system and corresponding method

摘要

The invention provides for a hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system that automatically maintains the position of a lock nut (36) that engages a plunger (16) on a hydraulic actuator such that if hydraulic pressure is lost, the lock nut prevents retraction of the plunger into the hydraulic cylinder (14). The hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system also provides for a position sensing feature that allows for the calculation of the axial stroke position of the plunger based on rotary movement of the lock nut. In addition, the invention provides for a synchronous hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system and methods of using both the hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system as well as the synchronous hydraulic cylinder position sensing and locking system.