How to Prevent a Hydraulic Cylinder from Easily Moving Another?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of designing a hydraulic system where one hydraulic cylinder can move another, but with a mechanism that requires more effort to move the first cylinder from the second. The focus is on finding a suitable circuit or system that achieves this without using heavy components, as the application is described as light duty.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a solution for connecting two hydraulic cylinders such that moving the second cylinder does not easily move the first, indicating a need for a flow control or clutch system.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the initial question, suggesting that a sketch may help in understanding the setup.
  • A rephrased question clarifies that the first cylinder is linked to an operating lever and the second to a steering wheel, emphasizing that the steering wheel should not overpower the lever.
  • There is a question about whether the two cylinders need to be the same size, which is confirmed to be unnecessary.
  • One participant suggests increasing the diameter of the piston in the cylinder that should have limited movement, proposing that a larger piston would require more movement from the smaller piston to achieve the same effect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to achieve the desired hydraulic control, and there are varying interpretations of the initial problem statement. The discussion includes both requests for clarification and suggestions for potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific functions of each cylinder and how they interact within the proposed system. The discussion also highlights the need for a balance between mechanical design and hydraulic functionality without resorting to power assist mechanisms.

teatreetim
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Hi,
I want to use a hydraulic cylinder to move another hydraulic cylinder but I don't want moving the 2nd cylinder to as easily move the 1st (doesnt have to be impossible, just harder). The system would be light duty and using large or heavy components wouldn't be appropriate. If there is some known circuit that can do this I would much appreciate the help.

Thanks.
 
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Please rephrase your question. I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish.
If possible, post a sketch.
 
To rephrase:

Two hydraulic cylinders connected so that if one moves, the other moves. There is some type of flow control or clutch system so that one cylinder moves the other easily but vice versa more force is required. I hope that makes more sense.
 

Attachments

  • cylinders1.gif
    cylinders1.gif
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Do they need to be the same size?
 
Hi. No they could be different. I should have said work though rather than force, otherwise I'd just use mechanical leverage. If the first cylinder is attached to an operating lever and the second cylinder is attached to a steering wheel, I don't want the steering wheel to have free reign and bully the lever. Power assist is not practical (size/weight/power source) and I am worried flow actuators at the lever would let the steering wheel suddenly bully the lever when actuated.
 
I'm still not getting it. You say, "If the first cylinder is attached to an operating lever..." Do you mean that cylinder 1 is actuated by a lever, or when the cylinder is actuated it moves a lever? Similarly, is cylinder 2 actuated by a steering wheel, or is the movement of cylinder 2 turning the wheel?

Ignoring cylinder 2 for the moment, what function is cylinder 1 performing?
Ignoring cylinder 1, what function is cylinder 2 performing?
 
You could increase the diameter on the piston that you want to limit the movement in. The smaller one has to move a greater distance to move the larger. x movement in the large is 2x movement in the small and vice versa.

Is this what you wanted?
 

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