BUILT-IN MOTION When you think of architectural design, it probably brings to mind thoughts of stability and permanence — solid, impressive structures built to last for generations to come. But a building is more than just static brick and mortar these days. Architectural engineers want to put motion into their grand designs by adding movable windows, doors, cabinets and large-scale displays. Interior designers also add motion to rooms by hiding LCD monitors behind moving mirrors. These days, it's about putting that imaginative architecture in motion using linear and curvilinear motion technologies that provide quality and longevity for the end user.
DOORS AND WINDOWS An architect faces the challenge of designing massive doors and windows that move manually. The application challenge required a durable linear guide solution that moves smoothly and quietly. The linear slides also needed to be capable of bearing heavy loads for many years to come. [ DualVee Motion Technology ] fit the bill for this busy architectural team. Why? Because the linear guide wheels and complementary 90-degree vee edge track provided smooth motion, long life, durability and low maintenance. No matter the weather or debris, the homeowner would enjoy these moving doors and windows for life without giving it a second thought.
Linear guides aren't the only motion technologies used by door and window makers and architects. Rotary guides make for many more options. Think about large wooden panels on wheel plates traveling on a curved track system. Or a heavy museum display that moves around a custom shaped rotary guide track. The possibilities are endless — and many of them still unrealized!
Educational centers and museums are a couple other places where you'll see linear and curvilinear motion technologies integrated into the architecture. Look for these guides the next time you see a movable installation at your local historical center or even art gallery.
NOTABLE SOLUTIONS [ MinVee miniature linear guides ] can function in smaller windows and displays for lighter loads and small installations. [ UtiliTrak compact linear slides ] works in larger versions of doors, windows, cabinets, displays and walls, and can be paired with crowned rollers to compensate for any misalignment or lack of parallelism. [ LoPro actuated linear actuators ] give architectural designers a sleek, low-profile solution with actuation options so part can be moved with motors via belt, chain, lead screw or ball screw. [ PRT2 precision ring and track ] provides the ability to make custom curves and bends by using curved segments and straight slides. You can also add a scroll drive with linked wheel plates for actuation.
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