MAGNEGLIDE® MAGNETIC SUPPORT SYSTEM by MTSC

MagneGlide® Magnetic Support System: Components

MagneGlide class 40 liftpack
on rail

The MagneGlide Magnetic Support System is a patented, magnet-based technology for supporting moving objects, eliminating the need for conventional load-bearing wheels or rollers. MagneGlide provides the ability to move objects with relative ease—smoothly and quietly—using high-strength permanent magnets mounted in units called "liftpacks," which, in turn, run on specially shaped steel rails.

No energy is consumed by the lift action, and the system automatically adjusts to variations in the load placed upon it. The entire weight of the moving object is supported by magnetic forces, resulting in a system with very low resistance to motion.

MagneGlide is a passive magnetic support system: passive, in that it consumes no energy for its lift, and automatically adjusts to the load applied to it without the need for a complicated control system. It is inherently stable in lift, and is simple and robust.

The MagneGlide development effort has initially been directed toward architectural applications, with the goal of offering greater flexibility and more options to architects and builders selecting solutions to design issues. With MagneGlide, the weight of the sliding object need not be a detriment to the ease of operation, and the system can be applied to a number of residential, commercial, and industrial architectural applications – both interior and exterior – including:

sliding doors and windows
movable panels and dividers
movable protective barriers and screens
safety/security panels (for protection against fire, intrusion, extreme weather, and other threats)

liftpack emphasizing ease of
movement

Applicable to loads ranging from small and light to large and heavy, MagneGlide enables even the heaviest objects to be moved with minimal effort, especially when compared to conventional wheels or rollers. MagneGlide can work equally well in either of two configurations: overhead-mounted (suspended) or bottom-mounted (top-riding). The former typically provides superior protection from dirt and debris. In cases of doors and interior panels and dividers, this can help avoid tracks or other disruptions to floors. And in contrast to conventional sliding doors, there are no load-bearing wheels or rollers to wear out, and no track to gum up.

liftpack emphasizing ultra-
quiet operation

The ease of movement afforded by the MagneGlide system may be an especially useful feature in situations where strength and mobility limitations are prevalent, such as health care facilities, elderly residences, and similar sites.

Movable interior panels are often used as room dividers and similar space definition functions. The MagneGlide system can facilitate their use by making even large panels more easily moved. Sliding gates, doors, and other barriers can likewise benefit from the ease of movement MagneGlide offers.

MagneGlide design options are numerous. The liftpacks can be scaled up or down in lift capacity, according to the requirements of a particular application. There are opportunities to emphasize ease of movement, where low resistance to motion is paramount; it allows for fingertip operation, even with heavy objects. Applied to powered doors, gates, etc., smaller operator units can be considered, with reduced energy consumption compared to conventional mountings.

mounting cocoon

Alternatively, extremely quiet operation can be emphasized, where very low noise levels are desired. With this, running sound is practically inaudible.

MagneGlide class 140
liftpack

The MagneGlide system can help designers and builders create more livable and greener structures.

The liftpacks are scaled in size to accommodate a wide range of sizes and weights being supported, from small to large, light to heavy. Operation is trouble-free, with low maintenance, freedom from derailment, immunity from troubles due to clogging or dirt collection, and low vibration. The motion is quiet, smooth and with a luxurious feel.

An added feature of the MagneGlide design is a magnetic mirror effect that occurs at the end of the liftpack's run. This provides a gentle braking effect as a sliding door or other object is closed. It can also provide an assist in putting the object back into motion – a "self-starting" effect.

MagneGlide technology is versatile and secure. Energy costs and climate severity are projected to increase in the future. These will put additional demands on buildings for efficient protection from the environment. The MagneGlide passive magnetic support technology can help to enable innovative and increasingly effective solutions to be developed and put forth to address this need. Modern Transport Systems Corp. works with architects, designers and manufacturers to provide a MagneGlide magnetic support system tailored to the needs of their clients and customers.

MagneGlide is currently in the final prototype stage and nearing commercialization, with plans for an initial installation in process. Extensive development has been undertaken, with single liftpacks capable of supporting a working load of 140 lbs each being the largest developed to date. Lifts of both greater and lesser levels are achieved by scaling the base design up or down in size, in both length and cross section. During development, lift capabilities of 400 lbs per linear foot have been achieved, and, as an ultimate goal, the maximum projected lift capacity is on the order of 1,000 lbs per linear foot of liftpack.

Click on any of the images below to see a slideshow and discussion for that application.
Architectural Features	Security	Sliding Doors	Solar Screening	Storm Shielding