Motion in Mind: Engineering Mobility for a New Generation of Modular Spaces

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How TiMOTION helped turn an innovative mobility concept into a reliable motion solution :

Rethinking What a Space Can Be

Imagine a living or working space that can be transported to virtually any location, positioned on site, and then precisely levelled and secured once it arrives.

Our partner was developing a new generation of portable, modular living and working spaces. Designed for both residential and outdoor office use, the spherical structure can be transported, positioned, and levelled at different locations.

But moving the structure was not straightforward.

The customer was relying on a hydraulic jack system to lift and position the structure. While functional, the process was time-consuming and difficult to operate, particularly when the four lifting points needed to be adjusted to accommodate different ground conditions.

A better solution needed to make the process easier, while providing greater flexibility and control.

The Actuation Challenge

Four lifting points needed to be controlled from a single hand control, with different operating modes depending on the situation:

- Individual drive mode: each actuator could be operated independently to compensate for uneven ground.

- Relative positioning: the four actuators could move together while allowing different stroke lengths depending on the terrain.

-Absolute positioning: when uniform movement was required, all four actuators could operate in true parallel while maintaining identical stroke lengths.

- Safe operation: a dead-man switch and combined-button control help prevent unintended movement during operation.

- Single-handset control: all movement functions could be managed from one hand control, simplifying operation.

- Plug-and-play integration: the system needed to be straightforward to install and commission.

The challenge was therefore not simply to replace a hydraulic system with electric actuators. It was to create a more flexible, intuitive, and tailored way of moving the structure.

A Tailor-Made TiMOTION Solution

TiMOTION developed a customized actuation system specifically tailored to these requirements.

At the core of the solution are four MA6 linear actuators.

Power and Protection

The MA6 was the perfect fit for the project, combining high load capacity with the durability required for demanding outdoor conditions.

With a maximum push/pull force of 8,000 N and an IP rating of up to IP69K (static), the MA6 provides the strength and environmental protection needed to lift and position the structure reliably.

Customized Control

The four actuators are managed by two TID1 controllers, while a TH12 hand control provides a single interface for the complete system.

Custom software enables the different operating modes required by the customer, from independent actuator control to relative and absolute positioning.

A TES dead-man switch adds a dedicated safety function, while the TYC3 contributes to the overall control architecture.

Together, these components create a plug-and-play system tailored to the customer's specific operating requirements.

From Hydraulic Jacks to Electric Motion

The TiMOTION solution transforms the way the structure is handled:

Load → Transport → Unload → Position → Level

Once on site, the actuators provide the adjustment needed to achieve the desired final height and position.

Turning an Ambitious Concept into Reality

By combining customized software, four MA6 actuators, synchronized control, and a purpose-built system architecture, TiMOTION helped transform a complex movement challenge into a reliable and integrated solution.

The result is a modular space that can be transported, positioned, and precisely levelled, supporting the flexibility at the heart of the original concept.

More than supplying individual components, TiMOTION brought together actuation, control, synchronization, and engineering expertise to create a solution built around the product's unique requirements.