Patent Publication Number: US-11661319-B2

Title: Dual actuator assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/838,675, filed Apr. 2, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/411,983, filed May 14, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/479,812, filed Apr. 5, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/319,227, filed Apr. 6, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditional articulated boom lifts may include a chassis, a turntable coupled to the chassis, and a boom assembly. An end of a first boom section is coupled to the turntable, and an opposing end of the first boom section may be coupled to a second boom section. A lift cylinder elevates the first boom section relative to the turntable and/or the second boom section relative to the first boom section, thereby elevating an implement (e.g., work platform, forks, etc.) that is coupled to the boom assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to a lift device. The lift device includes a base, a turntable coupled to the base, a boom pivotably coupled to the turntable, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator having a first end and an opposing second end, a first coupler positioned at the first end of the first actuator, a second actuator having a third end and an opposing fourth end, a second coupler positioned at the third end of the second actuator, and a third coupler. The first coupler and the second coupler pivotably couple the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, to one of the boom or the turntable. The third coupler includes a body and a plurality of arms extending from the body. The body defines (i) a first interface that engages with the opposing second end of the first actuator and (ii) a second interface that engages with the opposing fourth end of the second actuator. The plurality of arms are pivotably coupled to the other one of the boom or the turntable. 
     Another embodiment relates to a boom assembly. The boom assembly includes a first boom, a second boom pivotably coupled to the first boom, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator having a first end and an opposing second end, a first coupler positioned at the first end of the first actuator, a second actuator having a third end and an opposing fourth end, a second coupler positioned at the third end of the second actuator, and a third coupler. The first coupler pivotably couples the first actuator to the first boom. The second coupler pivotally couples the second actuator to the first boom. The third coupler includes a body and a plurality of arms extending from the body. The body defines (i) a first interface that engages with the opposing second end of the first actuator and (ii) a second interface that engages with the opposing fourth end of the second actuator. The plurality of arms are pivotably coupled to the second boom. 
     Still another embodiment relates to an actuator assembly for a lift device. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator having a first end and an opposing second end, a first coupler positioned at the first end of the first actuator, a second actuator having a third end and an opposing fourth end, a second coupler positioned at the third end of the second actuator, and a third coupler. The first coupler is configured to pivotably couple the first actuator to a first portion of the lift device. The second coupler is configured to pivotably couple the second actuator to the first portion of the lift device. The third coupler includes a body and a plurality of arms extending from the body. The body defines (i) a first interface that engages with the opposing second end of the first actuator and (ii) a second interface that engages with the opposing fourth end of the second actuator. The plurality of arms are configured to pivotably couple to a second portion of the lift device. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a lift device including a boom assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a detailed side view of a boom assembly with an actuator assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the actuator assembly of  FIG.  2   , according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  4    is a top plan view of the actuator assembly of  FIG.  2   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a lift device includes an actuator assembly having two or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.) that are coupled (e.g., thereby forming a conjoined twin actuator arrangement, a parallel actuator assembly, etc.). In one embodiment, the two or more actuators are identical. The actuator assembly may be configured to selectively reposition (e.g., lift, rotate, elevate, etc.) at least a portion of a boom assembly including a first boom (e.g., a lower boom, a tower boom, etc.) and a second boom (e.g., a main boom, an upper boom, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, first ends (e.g., lower ends, etc.) of the two or more actuators are rigidly joined (e.g., with a single, rigid clevis bracket, etc.). In one embodiment, the first end of the actuator assembly is coupled to the first boom and the second boom with an intermediate link. In other embodiments, the first end of the actuator assembly is coupled to the first boom with an intermediate link. In still other embodiments, the first end of the actuator assembly is directly coupled to the first boom. According to an exemplary embodiment, a second end (e.g., an upper end, etc.) of the actuator assembly is directly coupled to the second boom. Second ends of the two or more actuators are flexibly coupled (e.g., with a flexible joint member, etc.), according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the flexibly-joined end of each actuator of the actuator assembly includes a coupler (e.g., a clevis bracket, etc.) configured to interface the respective actuator with the second boom. Such an actuator assembly having conjoined twin actuators may facilitate the use of smaller diameter and less expensive actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.) in place of a single, larger diameter and more expensive actuator, thereby reducing the cost of the actuator assembly and lift device. The lift device may have a reduced overall height when configured in a stowed and/or non-extended orientation. By way of example, a lift device having the actuator assembly may have a more compact stowed and/or non-extended height relative to lift devices having a similarly-positioned single, larger diameter actuator design. By way of another example, a lift device having the actuator assembly may meet or exceed stowed height requirements for shipping and/or transport. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , a lift device (e.g., an aerial work platform, a telehandler, a boom lift, a boom truck, etc.), shown as lift device  10 , includes a boom assembly, shown as boom  40 , coupled to a base, shown as lift base  20 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the lift base  20  includes a chassis, shown as chassis  22 , and a supporting base structure, shown as turntable  30 , that is supported by the chassis  22 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the turntable  30  is rotatable relative to the chassis  22 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the turntable  30  includes a counterweight, shown as tail counterweight  32 , coupled to a rear of the turntable  30 . In other embodiments, the tail counterweight  32  is otherwise positioned and/or at least a portion of the weight thereof is otherwise distributed throughout the lift device  10  (e.g., on the chassis  22 , on a portion of the boom  40 , etc.). As shown in  FIG.  1   , the chassis  22  is supported by a plurality of tractive elements, shown as tractive elements  24 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the tractive elements  24  include wheels. In other embodiments, the tractive elements  24  include a track element. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tractive elements  24  are driven by a drive system, shown as drive system  26 . The drive system  26  may be controlled from a cab, a control panel at the turntable  30 , a control panel at a platform assembly, or from still another location. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the boom  40  includes a first, lower boom, shown as tower boom  50 , and a second, upper boom, shown as main boom  70 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the boom  40  is an articulating boom assembly. In one embodiment, the main boom  70  has a length that is greater than tower boom  50 . According to another exemplary embodiment, the boom  40  is a telescopic, articulating boom assembly. By way of example, the main boom  70  and/or the tower boom  50  may include a plurality of telescoping boom sections that are capable of extending and retracting along a longitudinal centerline to selectively increase and decrease a length thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the tower boom  50  has a first end (e.g., lower end, etc.), shown as base end  52 , and an opposing second end, shown as upper end  54 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the base end  52  of the tower boom  50  is pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the turntable  30  at a joint, shown as tower boom pivot  60 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the boom  40  includes a first actuator (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, etc.), shown as tower lift cylinder  34 . The tower lift cylinder  34  has a first end coupled to the turntable  30  and an opposing second end coupled to the tower boom  50 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the tower lift cylinder  34  is positioned to raise and lower the tower boom  50  relative to the turntable  30  about the tower boom pivot  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the main boom  70  has a first end, shown as lower end  72 , and an opposing second end, shown as upper end  74 . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the lower end  72  of the main boom  70  is pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the upper end  54  of the tower boom  50  at a joint, shown as main boom pivot  58 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the boom  40  includes an implement, shown as platform assembly  92 , coupled to the upper end  74  of the main boom  70  with an extension arm, shown as jib arm  90 . In some embodiments, the jib arm  90  is configured to facilitate pivoting the platform assembly  92  about a lateral axis (e.g., up and down, etc.). In some embodiments, the jib arm  90  is configured to facilitate pivoting the platform assembly  92  about a vertical axis (e.g., left and right, etc.). In some embodiments, the jib arm  90  is configured to facilitate extending and retracting the platform assembly  92  relative to the upper end  74  of the main boom  70 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the platform assembly  92  is a structure that is capable of supporting one or more workers. In some embodiments, an accessory or tool is coupled to the platform assembly  92  for use by a worker. Such tools may include pneumatic tools (e.g., impact wrench, airbrush, nail gun, ratchet, etc.), plasma cutters, welders, spotlights, etc. In some embodiments, the platform assembly  92  includes a control panel to control operation of the lift device  10  (e.g., the turntable  30 , the boom  40 , etc.) from the platform assembly  92 . In other embodiments, the platform assembly  92  is replaced with and/or includes an accessory or tool (e.g., forklift forks, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the boom  40  includes a second actuator (e.g., a conjoined twin actuator assembly, main boom actuator assembly, etc.), shown as actuator assembly  100 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly  100  is positioned to selectively reposition (e.g., lift, rotate, elevate, etc.) the main boom  70  relative to the tower boom  50  about the main boom pivot  58 . In some embodiments, the actuator assembly  100  is configured to replace the tower lift cylinder  34 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the actuator assembly  100  has a first end, shown as lower end  102 , and an opposing second end, shown as upper end  104 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a first actuator (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, etc.), shown as right actuator  120 , and a second actuator (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, etc.), shown as left actuator  140 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the right actuator  120  includes a cylinder, shown as right cylinder  122 , having a first end, shown as lower end  124 , and an opposing second end, shown as upper end  126 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the right actuator  120  includes a cylinder head, shown as right cylinder head  128 , positioned at the upper end  126  of the right cylinder  122 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the left actuator  140  includes a cylinder, shown as left cylinder  142 , having a first end, shown as lower end  144 , and an opposing second end, shown as upper end  146 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the left actuator  140  includes a cylinder head, shown as left cylinder head  148 , positioned at the upper end  146  of the left cylinder  142 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the left actuator  140  includes a rod, shown as left cylinder rod  150 , disposed within an internal volume defined by the left cylinder  142 . The left cylinder rod  150  has a piston assembly (e.g., a piston, seals, etc.), shown as left piston  152 , positioned at an end thereof (e.g., a first end, a lower end thereof, an end proximate the lower end  144  of the left actuator  140 , etc.). As shown in  FIG.  4   , the left piston  152  separates the internal volume of the left cylinder  142  into a first chamber, shown as left retraction chamber  154 , and a second chamber, shown as left extension chamber  156 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the left extension chamber  156  increases in volume and the left retraction chamber  154  decreases in volume as the left cylinder rod  150  extends from the left cylinder  142 , and the left extension chamber  156  decreases in volume and the left retraction chamber  154  increases in volume as the left cylinder rod  150  retracts within the left cylinder  142 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the left retraction chamber  154  forms a first, dynamic internal volume of the left cylinder  142  positioned between the left piston  152  and the left cylinder head  148  positioned at the upper end  146  of the left actuator  140  and the left extension chamber  156  forms a second, dynamic internal volume of the left cylinder  142  positioned between the left piston  152  and the lower end  144  of the left actuator  140  (e.g., the amount of volume within the first, dynamic internal volume and the second, internal volume is dependent on the position of the left piston  152  along the length of the left cylinder  142 , etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the right actuator  120  includes a right cylinder rod (e.g., similar to the left cylinder rod  150 , etc.) disposed within an internal volume defined by the left cylinder  142  and has a right piston (e.g., similar to the left piston  152 , etc.) positioned at an end thereof (e.g., a first end, a lower end thereof, an end proximate the lower end  124  of the right actuator  120 , etc.). The right piston may separate the internal volume of the right cylinder  122  into a right retraction chamber (e.g., similar to the left retraction chamber  154 , etc.) and a right extension chamber (e.g., similar to the left extension chamber  156 , etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the right extension chamber increases in volume and the right retraction chamber decreases in volume as the right cylinder rod extends from the right cylinder  122 , and the right extension chamber decreases in volume and the right retraction chamber increases in volume as the right cylinder rod retracts within the right cylinder  122 . The right retraction chamber may form a first, dynamic internal volume of the right cylinder  122  positioned between the right piston and the right cylinder head  128  positioned at the upper end  126  of the right actuator  120  and the right extension chamber may form a second, dynamic internal volume of the right cylinder  122  positioned between the right piston and the lower end  124  of the right actuator  120  (e.g., the amount of volume within the first, dynamic internal volume and the second, internal volume is dependent on the position of the right piston along the length of the right cylinder  122 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a first coupler (e.g., a rigid coupler, a single clevis joint, etc.), shown as lower coupling bracket  160 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower coupling bracket  160  is configured to pivotally couple the lower end  102  of the actuator assembly  100  to the boom  40 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the lower coupling bracket  160  includes a clevis bracket. In other embodiments, the lower coupling bracket  160  includes another type of bracket and/or coupler. As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the lower coupling bracket  160  includes a body, shown as coupling plate  162 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the coupling plate  162  defines a pair of apertures, shown as cylinder apertures  164 . The cylinder apertures  164  are configured (e.g., sized, positioned, etc.) to receive the lower end  124  of the right cylinder  122  and the lower end  144  of the left cylinder  142 , thereby rigidly coupling the right actuator  120  and the left actuator  140  at the lower end  102  of the actuator assembly  100 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the lower coupling bracket  160  includes a plurality of extensions, shown as bracket arms  166 , extending from the coupling plate  162 . As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , each of the bracket arms  166  define an aperture, shown as coupling aperture  168 . 
     As shown is  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the boom  40  includes a link, shown as intermediate link  80 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the intermediate link  80  includes a first link, shown as link  82 , having a first end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the upper end  54  of the tower boom  50  at a joint, shown as pivot  56 , and a second end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the lower coupling bracket  160  at a joint, shown as pivot  86 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the link  82  defines an aperture configured (e.g., sized, positioned, etc.) to correspond with the coupling apertures  168  of the bracket arms  166  to receive a fastener (e.g., a clevis pin, etc.) and pivotally couple the link  82  to the lower coupling bracket  160 . The link  82  may thereby pivotally couple the lower end  102  of the actuator assembly  100  to the tower boom  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the intermediate link  80  includes a second link, shown as link  84 , having a first end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the lower end  72  of the main boom  70  at a joint, shown as pivot  76 , and a second end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the link  82  at a joint, shown as pivot  88 . The link  84  may thereby pivotally couple the lower end  102  of the actuator assembly  100  to the main boom  70 . In other embodiments, the intermediate link  80  does not include the link  84  such that the intermediate link  80  only couples the lower end  102  of the actuator assembly  100  to the tower boom  50 . In still other embodiments, the boom  40  does not include the intermediate link  80 . In such an embodiment, the lower coupling bracket  160  may be configured to directly couple the actuator assembly  100  to the tower boom  50  at the pivot  56 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a second coupler, shown as upper, right coupling bracket  170 , coupled to the upper end  126  of the right cylinder  122  (e.g., to an opposing second end of the right cylinder rod opposite the right piston, etc.). As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a third coupler, shown as upper, left coupling bracket  174 , coupled to the upper end  146  of the left cylinder  142  (e.g., to an opposing second end of the left cylinder rod  150  opposite the left piston  152 , etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the upper, right coupling bracket  170  and the upper, left coupling bracket  174  each include a clevis bracket. In other embodiments, the upper, right coupling bracket  170  and/or the upper, left coupling bracket  174  include another type of bracket and/or coupler. As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 3   , the upper, right coupling bracket  170  and the upper, left coupling bracket  174  each define apertures, shown as coupling aperture  172  and coupling aperture  176 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the main boom  70  includes an interface, shown as cylinder interface  96 , positioned along a length of the main boom  70  (e.g., between the lower end  72  and the upper end  74  of the main boom  70 , etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder interface  96  defines an aperture. The aperture of the cylinder interface  96  may be configured (e.g., sized, positioned, etc.) to align with the coupling apertures  172  of the upper, right coupling bracket  170  and the coupling apertures  176  of the upper, left coupling bracket  174  to receive a fastener (e.g., a single clevis pin, etc.). The upper, right coupling bracket  170  and the upper, left coupling bracket  174  may thereby directly and cooperatively pivotally couple the upper end  104  of the actuator assembly  100  to the main boom  70  at a joint, shown as pivot  78  (e.g., each of the right actuator  120  and the left actuator  140  is independently coupled to the main boom  70 ; the upper, right coupling bracket  170  couples the right cylinder  122  to the main boom  70 ; the upper, left coupling bracket  174  couples the left cylinder  142  to the main boom  70 ; etc.). In other embodiments, (i) the lower coupling bracket  160  is coupled to the lift base  20  and (ii) the right coupling bracket  170  and the left coupling bracket  174  are coupled to the tower boom  50  (e.g., the actuator assembly  100  replaces the tower lift cylinder  34 , the boom  40  only includes the tower boom  50 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a fourth coupler (e.g., a flexible joint member, a flexible element, a flexible coupler, etc.), shown as upper coupler  178 , positioned to flexibly join the upper end  126  of the right cylinder  122  and the upper end  146  of the left cylinder  142 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly  100  having a flexible joint provided by the upper coupler  178  facilitates the upper end  126  of the right cylinder  122  and the upper end  146  of the left cylinder  142  to move, flex, and/or float relative to one another as the boom  40  (e.g., the main boom  70 , the cylinder interface  96 , the tower boom  50 , the intermediate link  80 , etc.) moves in response to various loading conditions (e.g., torsional loading, non-longitudinal loading imparted by deflection of the lift device  10 , etc.). By way of example, the upper coupler  178  may provide a target amount of flex and/or movement such that the actuator assembly  100  is not subject to high, non-longitudinal stresses induced from movement and/or deflection of surrounding structures (e.g., the cylinder interface  96 , the main boom  70 , the tower boom  50 , the intermediate link  80 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the actuator assembly  100  includes a valve assembly having a valve block, shown as actuator valve block  180 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the actuator valve block  180  includes a first flow conduit, shown as right retraction chamber tube  182 ; a second flow conduit, shown as right extension chamber tube  184 ; a third flow conduit, shown as left retraction chamber tube  186 ; and a fourth flow conduit, shown as left extension chamber tube  188 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the right retraction chamber tube  182  fluidly couples the actuator valve block  180  with the right retraction chamber of the right cylinder  122 , the right extension chamber tube  184  fluidly couples the actuator valve block  180  with the right extension chamber of the right cylinder  122 , the left retraction chamber tube  186  fluidly couples the actuator valve block  180  with the left retraction chamber  154  of the left cylinder  142 , and the left extension chamber tube  188  fluidly couples the actuator valve block  180  with the left extension chamber  156  of the left cylinder  142 . The actuator valve block  180  may thereby be in fluid communication (e.g., hydraulic fluid communication, etc.) with each of the right extension chamber of the right cylinder  122 , the right retraction chamber of the right cylinder  122 , the left retraction chamber  154  of the left cylinder  142 , and the left extension chamber  156  of the left cylinder  142 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the actuator valve block  180  includes an individual valve block having single set of load holding valves. The single set of load holding valves may include (i) a first holding valve (e.g., a retraction chamber holding valve, etc.) fluidly coupled to the right retraction chamber tube  182  and the left retraction chamber tube  186  and (ii) a second holding valve (e.g., an extension chamber holding valve, etc.) fluidly coupled to the right extension chamber tube  184  and the left extension chamber tube  188 . The actuator assembly  100  having the actuator valve block  180  provides several advantages relative to systems employing multiple valve blocks and/or multiple sets of loading holding valves (e.g., a first independent valve block associated with the right actuator  120  and a second independent valve block associated with the left actuator  140 , etc.). 
     By way of example, the actuator valve block  180  may facilitate providing equal pressures within the right cylinder  122  and the left cylinder  142  during an extension operation and/or a retraction operation thereof. The actuator assembly  100  may thereby facilitate providing equal forces with the right actuator  120  and the left actuator  140  to the main boom  70 . A dual valve block design may operate non-uniformly (e.g., where the two cylinders operate in a ratcheting fashion as the extension operations and the retraction operations of each cylinder may not be synchronized, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the actuator valve block  180  eliminates such ratcheting, as the right actuator  120  and the left actuator  140  are driven by a single source, the actuator valve block  180 . 
     By way of another example, the actuator valve block  180  may facilitate providing even loading even upon failure of a seal within the actuator assembly  100  (e.g., in the right actuator  120 , in the left actuator  140 , etc.). Systems having two sets of load holding valves may exhibit uneven loading as the failed cylinder may not maintain pressure and provide a lower force, while the operational cylinder may remain at a target pressure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the actuator valve block  180  eliminates such uneven loading even during a seal failure in one of the cylinders by distributing the load through a single set of load holding valves (e.g., one load holding valve for the pair of extension chambers and one load holding valve for the pair of retraction chambers). 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the actuator assembly  100  is positioned between the main boom  70  and the tower boom  50 , within a region, shown as actuator space  98 , when the boom  40  is configured in a stowed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the conjoined twin cylinder arrangement of the actuator assembly  100  facilitates decreasing a dimension of the actuator space  98  relative to traditional, single cylinder actuator designs, making the boom  40  more compact (e.g., a collapsed or stowed height thereof, allowing the lift device  10  to meet stowed height requirements for transportation, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the conjoined twin cylinder arrangement of the actuator assembly  100  facilitates the use of smaller diameter cylinders (e.g., eight inch diameter cylinders, etc.) in place of a single, large diameter cylinder (e.g., a twelve inch diameter cylinder, etc.), while still generating the same or increased force. The larger diameter cylinder required for a single cylinder design may not fit within the reduced region of the actuator space  98  and/or may require special materials (e.g., expensive materials, materials that are difficult to obtain, non-existent materials, etc.) to construct. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.