Position control of pistons with simple solenoids

[pmangels17]

I don't know if you want to control the cylinder along a continuous length, or only have discrete points you want to reach. However, if you simply have more that two discrete points you want the cylinder to actuate to, there are a couple options. First, there are multi-position cylinders available, which may be a viable option. I have also seen teams successfully attach one cylinder to the end of another, such that two separate cylinders combine to be able to reach four different points. I would imagine that, given enough creativity, one could even stack two three-position cylinders together, or a few two-position cylinders, though this may require more custom parts, time, or weight. That being said, it is certainly a viable option if you don't need a continuously variable position.