Exploration and Research on Key Technologies for Improving the Response Speed of Servo-Hydraulic Cylinders

The operating efficiency of the hydraulic system depends on the response speed and driving efficiency of the hydraulic components. Seeking various methods and technologies to improve performance and work efficiency is an important work for many scholars. In this paper, the development and performance improvement of four generations of hydraulic cylinders are analyzed to obtain the development of the drag reduction technology by examples such as sealing methods, microtextured hydrodynamic lubrication, manufacturing materials, drive methods, control methods, etc. The reviewed results show that the drag reduction and efficiency improvement of hydraulic cylinders are affected by many factors, and the new drag reduction theories, advanced drag reduction technology, and emerging materials point toward the direction of the acceleration of hydraulic cylinders. Finally, according to the higher requirements for future cylinders, four new ideas are proposed for improving the speed performance of hydraulic cylinders, including new material sealing ring with low friction coefficient or self-lubricating, internal leakage suppression from smart material, implementation of servo control techniques and algorithms, and digital hydraulic technology. These new viewpoints may provide some methods and references for the speed improvement of hydraulic cylinders.