Proposed Design for Electromechanical Telescoping Actuator to Replace Hydraulics in Extreme High Force and Long Stroke Applications

The increasing demand for electrification in various industries has led to the need for new technology to evolve and support this shift. Manufacturers in the industrial and military market are exploring the electrification of its hydraulic actuation devices in order to improve efficiency, sustainability, and maintenance. However, replacing hydraulic actuators with electromechanical alternatives presents a significant challenge, particularly in high force, high stroke applications that require a stroke length of 2.4 m (8 ft) to 6.7 m (22 ft) and the delivery of 150 kN of force. In this paper, we present the design and scaled-prototype of an electromechanical telescoping actuator architecture that can meet these demanding requirements. The proposed design relies on screw and nut mechanisms that are engaged simultaneously in a telescoping manner and is able to achieve more than double extension of its collapsed length. Our group was able to successfully develop and evaluate the design and build a scaled-down prototype that could likely serve as a direct replacement for currently used long-stroke high-force hydraulics. The prototype was able to achieve extension from 17 cm (7 in) to 49 cm (19.2 in) with 10 s cycle time, and is able to lift at least 28 N (6.3 lbf). This work was done in partnership with Oshkosh Corporation.