Rotational hydraulic actuators, e.g. motors, provide infinite stroke as there is no conceptual limit to how far they can turn. By contrast linear hydraulic actuators like cylinders provide only limited stroke by concept. In the world of electrical drives, linear motors provide infinite stroke also for linear motion. In hydraulics, the presented Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator is a novelty. This paper presents the novel Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator (HILA). The contribution is an assessment of properties relevant for control like high hydraulic stiffness and is based on analysis, simulation and measurements.

Rotational hydraulic actuators, e.g. motors, provide infinite stroke as there is no conceptual limit to how far they can turn. By contrast linear hydraulic actuators like cylinders provide only limited stroke by concept. In the world of electrical drives, linear motors provide infinite stroke also for linear motion. In hydraulics, the presented Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator is a novelty. This paper presents the novel Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator (HILA). The contribution is an assessment of properties relevant for control like high hydraulic stiffness and is based on analysis, simulation and measurements.