MTSC MAGNETIC SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY
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The MagneGlide magnetic support system developed by Modern Transport Systems Corp. is intended to replace the support and running wheels used in conventional transport and material handling equipment. The system uses high strength permanent magnets to generate a levitation force that supports the moving object. The support principle does not require any energy, nor does it use any complex sensing or control systems. The permanent magnets used in the Modern Technology Support Corp's MagneGlide system are neodymium-iron-boron, with extremely long lives (measured in decades), extremely high strength and virtually immune to demagnetization.
The MagneGlide system is a passive form of magnetic levitation; "passive" in that no energy is consumed for the levitation itself, and no control system is required to maintain the stability of its lift. It is inherently stable, and is simple, reliable and rugged.
The magnets are assembled in "liftpacks", which are mounted on the vehicle. The magnetic fields generated by the liftpacks interact with steel elements in the trackway. This interaction creates the levitation force. The levitation is inherently stable, automatically adjusting over the load range of the vehicle. The liftpack is steered by horizontal guidewheels or sliding pads. To prevent derailment due to overloading, vertical restraint wheels or sliding pads may be incorporated into the liftpacks. In normal running, these vertical restraints do not contact the trackway, but float a short distance above it.
 liftpack assembly on test stand |
 liftpack |
 liftpack on rail |
 mounting cocoon |
Key attributes of the technology include:
- No load bearing wheels on the moving object
- No load bearing physical contact between the vehicle and the trackway running surfaces
- Vehicle load is distributed to the trackway over the length of the magnets
- Trackway structure is simple, and easily fabricated and installed
- Minimal maintenance for vehicle and trackway
- Minimal running resistance, enhances efficient operation
- Vehicle can be physically constrained to the trackway for safety
The technology is readily scalable, to accommodate the size and weight limits of the desired payload. The lift capability of the technology is considerable. The unit lift capability can be increased by increasing the size of the magnets themselves. Lifts of 400 lbs per foot of length 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. This would provide a total lift capability of 2000 pounds per foot of length of dual-rail vehicle appears feasible. Lift of this magnitude can accommodate practically anything that needs to be moved, including large objects such as cargo containers. The system works equally well in either a top-riding configuration or an underhung arrangement.
The Modern Technology Support Corp. magnetic support system supports the moving object, it does not provide propulsion. Propulsion can be provided by a number of alternative means, including linear motors, cables and even gravity. In level running, propulsion effort is minimal because of the low running resistance.
As the liftpack nears the end of its track, a magnetic mirror effect comes into play. This can provide a gentle braking of the object being moved.