How does a mechanical locking cylinder work?
The current Navtec mechanical locking cylinder uses an extended piston rod with a long thread (equal to the cylinder stroke length). The extended rod is housed in an extended tube at the rod end of the cylinder. When the cylinder is adjusted hydraulically, the nut can be adjusted, following the movement of the piston rod. When the cylinder is adjusted to the desired point, the nut is brought up snug, preventing the cylinder from extending even if the hydraulic pressure is released or lost. The nut can also be set at a given point to act as a stop to limit the extended position of the cylinder. For example, if you release your backstay when running downwind, the nut can be set to limit how far the cylinder releases when the valve is opened.
