Modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system

Abstract

A modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system and associated methods of assembling a linear motor conveyor system are disclosed that facilitate assembly of the linear motor conveyor system as well as removal / replacement of track sections as necessary. The modular track section comprises first and second finger joints at respective ends of the modular track section for cooperating with adjacent finger joints of adjacent modular track sections, and first and second connection interfaces at the respective ends of the modular track section for mechanically connecting with corresponding connection interfaces of adjacent track sections. By using the modular track section in accordance with the present disclosure, the finger joints are arranged in cooperation with one another and the assembly method is simplified as connection interfaces can be mechanically connected to provide very precise alignment of adjacent track sections and rails without requiring iterative adjustments or additional mechanical interconnects.

Description

MODULAR TRACK SECTION FOR A LINEAR MOTORCONVEYOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 570,181 , filed on March 26, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to linear motor conveyor systems, and in particular to a modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system.BACKGROUND

[0003] A linear motor conveyor system is one in which a shuttle is controlled to move along a track, typically via bearings or wheels that are provided on the shuttle and rails or the like on the track which the bearings or wheels of the shuttle travel. The shuttle may be held on the track by a passive magnetic force, and be moved by electromotive force. For example, the shuttle may include a magnet and the track may include an electromagnetic field generator comprising electric coils and a motor core. The attraction between the shuttle magnet and the motor core holds the shuttle on the track. Further, the shuttle is placed on the track such that the magnet is acted on by an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator in order to generate an electromotive force and move the shuttle along the track.

[0004] In orderto make a conveyor system easier to construct, the track is often formed in sections / modules and the sections are then attached together to form a longer track. The alignment of the track sections, and in particular, the rails that the moving element will travel on, or along, can be important to reduce or eliminate jarring or noise as a moving element / bearings move along the rail. The alignment can also be important in reducing / preventing wear on the bearings and / or wheels and rail that may be caused by misalignment or unsmooth transitions between track sections.

[0005] Existing methods of assembling linear motor conveyor systems thus require highly-precise operations performed by skilled technicians. Specified gapsbetween track sections are required to support thermal expansion, which complicates assembly. Shims are often used in attempt to set the gaps between adjacent track sections prior to mechanically joining the track sections. Adjacent track sections also need to be very precisely aligned (typically within 50 microns) to ensure rail alignment. Adjustment screws and wedges are often used for fine alignment of the adjacent track sections. Existing methods of assembling linear motor conveyor systems comprising modular track sections thus require iterative adjustments to fine- align the track sections, which is both time consuming and labour intensive.

[0006] Accordingly, an additional, alternative, and / or improved modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system and associated methods of assembling a linear motor conveyor system remain highly desirable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a linear motor conveyor system comprising a plurality of modular track sections;

[0009] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a modular track section in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of finger joints spanning adjacent track sections of the modular track section shown in FIG. 2A;

[0011] FIG. 3A shows a front view of another modular track section in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of finger joints spanning adjacent track sections of the modular track section shown in FIG. 3A;

[0013] FIG. 3C shows a top view of the finger joints of adjacent modular track sections shown in FIG. 3B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a front view of another modular track section in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIGs. 5A and 5B shows a front view of another modular track section in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIGs. 6A-F show detailed views of a first connection interface configured as a first stand and a second connection interface configured as a second stand in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIGs. 7A-B show detailed views of adjacent first and second stands connected together;

[0018] FIGs. 8A-D show a representation of alternative connection interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a top view representation of a modular track section that is pivoted with respect to adjacent track sections;

[0020] FIGs. 10A and 10B show a representation of a modular track section comprising a linear compliance member;

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a representation of a magnetic shunt; and

[0022] FIG. 12 shows a method of assembling a linear motor conveyor system.

[0023] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a modulartrack section is disclosed for a linear motor conveyor system formed of a plurality of adjacent modular track sections, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle; an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; a first end of the modular track section comprising a first finger joint, the first finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacentmodular track section; and a first connection interface arranged at the first end of the modular track section, the first connection interface comprising one of a male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector.

[0025] In some aspects, the first finger joint is provided in the rail of the modular track section.

[0026] In some aspects, the first finger joint is tapered, sloped, and / or angled to provide a gradual transition between the first finger joint and the adjacent second finger joint.

[0027] In some aspects, the modular track section further comprises a prechamfer area configured to guide a wheel of the wheeled shuttle into the first finger joint.

[0028] In some aspects, the modular track section further comprises a slot extending behind the rail of the modular track section and configured to provide a flexible transition region prior to the first finger joint.

[0029] In some aspects, the male connector comprises a pin and the female connector comprises a corresponding pin hole for receiving the pin.

[0030] In some aspects, the pin is a tapered pin.

[0031] In some aspects, the pin and the corresponding pin hole are configured to be mechanically connected via a screw.

[0032] In some aspects, the male connector comprises a plurality of pins and the female connector comprises a plurality of corresponding pin holes for receiving respective of the plurality of pins.

[0033] In some aspects, the male connector comprises a key and the female connector comprises a key hole.

[0034] In some aspects, the male and female connectors comprise corresponding perpendicular surfaces configured to be fastened together.

[0035] In some aspects, the modular track section further comprises a stand that supports the track section above a support surface.

[0036] In some aspects, a second end of the modular track section has a second finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent track section, and the modular track section further comprises a second connection interface arranged at the second end of the modular track section, the second connection interface comprising one of the male orfemale connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section comprising the corresponding female or male connector.

[0037] In some aspects, the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively that support the track profile above a support surface.

[0038] In some aspects, the first stand is in contact with the support surface.

[0039] In some aspects, the second stand does not contact the support surface when mechanically connected to a corresponding first stand of the second adjacent modular track section.

[0040] In some aspects, the first stand has a positioning member protruding from a bottom surface for positioning in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface.

[0041] In some aspects, the positioning member sets a pre-defined spacing between the modular track section and an adjacent modular track section to be connected to the modular track section.

[0042] In some aspects, the modular track section further comprises an electrical interconnect at first and second ends thereof, and wherein the first and second connection interfaces comprise corresponding first and second openings tofacilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first and second adjacent modular track sections.

[0043] In some aspects, the first and second openings are sized to permit power and data cabling to be passed between adjacent track sections.

[0044] In some aspects, the modular track section can be removed from the linear motor conveyor system independent of the first and second adjacent modular track sections.

[0045] In some aspects, the first and second ends of the modular track section comprise corresponding angled features.

[0046] In some aspects, the modular track section is pivotable with respect to the first and / or second adjacent modular track sections.

[0047] In some aspects, the first connection interface of the modular track section and the corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section provide a predefined gap between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section when mechanically connected together, the predefined gap for accommodating thermal expansion of the modular track section and / or the first adjacent modular track section.

[0048] In some aspects, the first end of the modular track section comprises a linear compliance member configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion of the modular track section in a longitudinal axis direction during operation of the linear motor conveyor system.

[0049] In some aspects, the modular track section further comprises a magnetic shunt connectable to the first adjacent modular track section to complete a magnetic circuit between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section.

[0050] In some aspects, the magnetic shunt is mounted on a spring.

[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular track section is disclosed for a linear motor conveyor system formed of a plurality of adjacent modular track sections, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle; an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; and at least one of first and second ends of the modular track section comprising a linear compliance member configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion of the modular track section in a longitudinal axis direction during operation of the linear motor conveyor system.

[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a linear motor conveyor system is disclosed comprising at least one modular track section of any one of the above aspects.

[0053] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a linear motor conveyor system is disclosed comprising a plurality of modular track sections of any one of the above aspects.

[0054] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a linear motor conveyor system is disclosed comprising a plurality of modular track sections, the method comprising: placing a modular track section on a support surface, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle; an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; a first end of the modular track section comprising a first finger joint, the first finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section; and a first connection interface arranged at the first end of the modular track section, the first connection interface comprising one of a male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector; arranging the first finger joint of the modular track section in cooperation with the adjacent second finger joint of the first adjacent modular track section; and mechanically connecting the first connection interface of the modulartrack section with the corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section.

[0055] In some aspects, the first connection interface and the corresponding second connection interface comprise corresponding first and second openings to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section, the method further comprising: electrically connecting the modular track section with the first adjacent track section via the opening in the first connection interface.

[0056] In some aspects, the method further comprises connecting a magnetic shunt across the modular track section and the first adjacent track section to complete a magnetic circuit.

[0057] In some aspects, a second end of the modular track section has a second finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section, and the modular track section further comprises a second connection interface arranged at the second end of the modular track section, the second connection interface comprising one of the male orfemale connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section comprising the corresponding female or male connector, the method further comprising: arranging the second finger joint of the modular track section in cooperation with the adjacent first finger joint of the second adjacent modular track section; and mechanically connecting the second connection interface of the modular track section with the corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section.

[0058] In some aspects, the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively that support the track profile above the support surface, and wherein placing the modular track section on the support surface comprises placing the first and second stands on the support surface.

[0059] In some aspects, the first stand has a positioning member protruding from a bottom surface, and the method further comprises positioning the positioning member in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface.

[0060] The present disclosure provides a modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system that enables simpler assembly of the linear motor conveyor system as well as removal / replacement of track sections as necessary. The linear motor conveyor system is formed from a plurality of modular track sections that are connected together. A modular track section in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle, and an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle. A first end of the modular track section comprises a first finger joint that is configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section. A first connection interface is arranged at the first end of the modular track section. The first connection interface comprises one of a male or female connector and is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector

[0061] T rack section joint systems have been developed for providing a smooth transition for a wheel or bearing of a shuttle as it travels between adjacent track sections. Such a track section joint system may include at least one angled or tapered connection, which is intended to allow the wheel to be supported by both track sections simultaneously, as for example described in US Patent No. 11 ,878,869 B2 to Hogan et al., the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0062] The modular track section in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a connection interface arranged at each end of the modular track section that utilizes a coarse alignment interface or joint (e.g. finger joints) at each end of the modular track section, such as the finger joints of track section joint systems described above, to make alignment and connection of modular track sections easier and simpler. The finger joints span adjacent track sections and cooperate with finger joints of adjacent track sections when assembled. In accordance with the presentdisclosure, the modular track section comprises finger joints that can be used to provide coarse alignment of the adjacent track sections prior to mechanically connecting adjacent track sections together, and therefore a simplified connection interface that facilitates an easier connection but would otherwise be less accurate (i.e. if the finger joints did not provide coarse alignment) can be provided to mechanically connect the adjacent track sections and ensure fine-alignment of the rails. By using the modular track section in accordance with the present disclosure, the assembly method is simplified as connection interfaces can be easily mechanically connected while providing very precise alignment of adjacent track sections and rails without requiring iterative adjustments or additional mechanical interconnects. A competent general assembler with appropriate instructions can assemble the linear motor conveyor system, avoiding the need for skilled technicians and labour-intensive methods. The modular track sections comprising connection interfaces in accordance with the present disclosure can be used regardless of the track section shape (e.g. convex, concave, various angles, etc.) or size. A method of assembling a linear motor conveyor system comprising a plurality of modular track sections is also disclosed.

[0063] Moreover, the connection interfaces in embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to provide further advantageous benefits. For example, the connection interfaces may be used to route electrical and data cabling connecting adjacent modular track sections. Since the modular track sections have an integrated motor and electronics with electrical connections inside the track section, there is a challenge of connecting and disconnecting adjacent track sections. In some implementations, the electrical and data connections may be made external to the modular track section, however routing the electrical and data cabling through the connection interfaces provides a simplified linear motor conveyor system. Further, connection interfaces configured to route electrical and data cabling may also be configured to provide easy access to these interconnects. Additionally or alternatively, the connection interfaces may be configured as stands that support the modular track sections above a support surface. The connection interfaces configured as stands may advantageously help to set gaps between adjacent tracksections and further obviate the need for any external mechanical interconnects, may also help to overcome manufacturing tolerances of the support surface, etc.

[0064] Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1-12.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a linear motor conveyor system 100 comprising a plurality of modular track sections. The linear motor conveyor system 100 comprises a plurality of modular track sections supported on a support surface 101 , such as a table top, support frame, etc. As seen in FIG. 1 , the modular track sections comprise straight track sections 110 and curved track sections 112. The curved track sections 112 may be tightly curved track sections that for example provide a less than 300mm diameter 180-degree curve. While the linear motor conveyor system 100 is shown as comprising four straight track sections 110 (two on each side) and two curved track sections 112 (one on each end), it will be appreciated that the modular nature of the track sections allow for various sizes and shapes of conveyor systems. Further, while the linear motor conveyor system 100 generally defines a circular track, it will be appreciated that different track configurations may be possible, and that the modular track sections in accordance with the present disclosure may be used and provide advantageous effects with such different track configurations.

[0066] Each of the modular track sections comprise a rail 140 for supporting a wheeled shuttle 150 and guiding the shuttles along the track. The wheeled shuttles 150 are configured to ride, move, or otherwise travel along the rail in a first axis direction (e.g. x-axis). In a manufacturing environment, for example, the wheeled shuttles 150 may be intended to travel between workstations (not shown) and may support a payload that is to be operated on automatically by, for example, a robot, while moving or at a workstation, or may travel to a workstation or other work area intended for manual operations. It will be appreciated that through the operation of the linear motor conveyor system 100 and the wheeled shuttles 150 operating thereon, various operations may be performed, such as to provide for the assembly of a product.

[0067] Each of the modular track sections are electrically and mechanically self-contained and connectable to and separable from one another so as to be modular in nature. The track profile or surface of each modular track section defines an interior volume that houses a plurality of electric coils and a motor core (not shown). The plurality of electric coils (not shown) is configured to produce a magnetic force for moving the wheeled shuttles 150 along the track in a first axis (the x-axis in FIG. 1). The magnetic force for moving the shuttles 150 is created by the interaction of the magnetic flux created by the plurality of coils (not shown) embedded within an interior volume of the track and magnetic elements of the wheeled shuttles 150. The electric coils may be individually excited according to a position of a wheeled shuttle 150 to generate a magnetic force acting on that respective shuttle. A passive magnetic force between a magnet(s) on the shuttle and the motor core captures / holds the wheeled shuttles 150 on the track. The magnetic attractive force between the shuttle and the track is in a second axis (the y-axis in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the magnetic force can be thought of as having a motive force component for directing movement of the wheeled shuttles 150 along a direction of travel on the track in the x-axis, and a capturing force component to laterally hold the wheeled shuttles 150 on the track and in spaced relation to the track surface in the y-axis direction. In at least some conveyor systems, the motive force and the capturing force can be provided by the same magnetic flux.

[0068] As described above, assembly of modular track sections to form a linear motor conveyor system is challenging to ensure fine-alignment of the track sections and particularly the rails that the wheels of the shuttles travel along. The modular track section of the present disclosure comprises first and second finger joints at respective ends of the modular track section for cooperating with adjacent finger joints of adjacent modular track sections, and first and second connection interfaces at the respective ends of the modular track section for mechanically connecting with corresponding connection interfaces of adjacent track sections. By using the modular track section in accordance with the present disclosure, the finger joints are arranged in cooperation with one another and the assembly method is simplified as the finger joints provide coarse alignment and the connection interfaces can be mechanicallyconnected to provide very precise alignment of adjacent track sections and rails without requiring iterative adjustments or additional mechanical interconnects.

[0069] FIGs. 2A to 5B show examples of modular track sections in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular track sections shown in these figures are straight track sections, but the finger joints and connection interfaces described below may be used regardless of the track section shape (e.g. convex, concave, various angles, etc.) or size.

[0070] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a modular track section 110a in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular track section 110a comprises a rail 140 for guiding a wheeled shuttle, and an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle.

[0071] A first end of the modular track section 110a comprises a first finger joint, and a second end of the modular track section 110a has a corresponding second finger joint, such that the first finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section 110b, and the second finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section 110c. FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of the first finger joint 142 of the modular track section 110a and the corresponding second finger joint 144 of the first adjacent track section 110b.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2B, some of the finger joints 142 and 144 are provided in a rail 140 of the modular track sections. The finger joints 142 and 144 may be tapered, sloped, and / or angled to provide a gradual transition between cooperating finger joints. For example, as described in US Patent No. 11 ,878,869 B2 to Hogan et al., a track joint system may provide for tapered, sloped or angled guide rail connections to create a smooth transition for a bearing of a moving element when transitioning from one rail to another. The finger joints are intended to provide for smooth travel, in either direction, even when there is some misalignment between the rails of the track sections (due to, for example, manufacturing or alignment tolerances).

[0073] As seen in FIG. 2B, the finger joints 142 comprise a protrusion or finger shaped to be received by or interact / interlace with at least one protrusion or finger of the finger joint 144. The finger joints 142 and 144 thus span to the adjacent track section and cooperate with each other. The finger joints 142 and 144 may form an interlaced connection. It will be appreciated that various configurations of finger joints may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, finger joints may be arranged in an upper rail that guides upper wheels of the shuttle, and similar finger joints may also be provided in a lower rail that guides lower wheels of the shuttle. Moreover, the finger joints may be used in rails designed to accommodate different wheel designs (e.g. flat wheels, v-wheels, etc.), and the finger joints may be used in all types of modular track sections (e.g. both straight track sections and curved track sections).

[0074] FIG. 3A shows a front view of another modular track section 110a’ in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, which has an alternative finger joint configuration that provides improved performance (i.e. low impact to the shuttle / payload and low noise). Similar to the modular track section 110a shown in FIG. 2A, the modular track section 110a’ comprises a rail 140’ for guiding a wheeled shuttle, and an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle. A first end of the modular track section 110a’ comprises a first finger joint, and a second end of the modular track section 110a’ has a corresponding second finger joint, such that the first finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section 110b’, and the second finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section 110c’. FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of the first finger joint 142’ of the modular track section 110a’ and the corresponding second finger joint 144’ of the first adjacent track section 110b’.

[0075] As seen in FIG. 3B, the finger joints 142’ and 144’ are similarly provided in a rail 140’ of the modular track sections. The finger joints 142’ and 144’ comprise fingers / protrusions that are tapered inwardly (i.e. in a negative y-axis direction with reference to FIG. 1), and in this embodiment the size or depth of the taper may bebetween 0.25mm to 0.75mm, and a length of the taper (i.e. along the x-axis direction) may be approximately 35.5mm, however it will be appreciated that these dimensions are not limiting, and that the dimensions may be modified for different wheel diameters and / or applications. In general however, the length of the taper makes the transition more gradual and the angle of impact is reduced.

[0076] Further, the finger joints 142’ and 144’ respectively comprise prechamfer areas denoted as 143’ and 145’ (not all pre-chamfer areas are labelled in FIG. 3B for the sake of clarity), which provide an angled surface leading into or out of respective fingers or protrusions that ensures the wheels of the shuttle are in contact with the rail and helps guide the wheels into the respective fingers. It has been found that with rails and wheels not having perfect right angles, the contact area between the wheel and the rail may in reality only be the top half or bottom half of the wheel, causing a hard impact of the wheel into the tapered finger. The prechamfer areas 143’ and 145’ provide an area of relief that guarantees that the contact area between the wheel and the rail is within the half of the riding surface where the transition will occur. For example, for wheels of a shuttle travelling across the finger joints 142’ and 144’ from left to right in FIG.3B, the wheels would first contact a prechamfer area 145’ to guide the respective wheel into the respective finger or protrusion of the finger joint 144’, ensuring a smooth transition from the finger joint 144’ to the finger joint 142’. For wheels of a shuttle travelling across the finger joints 142’ and 144’ from right to left, the wheels would first contact a pre-chamfer area 143’ to guide the respective wheel into the respective finger or protrusion of the finger joint 142’, ensuring a smooth transition from the finger joint 142’ to the finger joint 144’. Specific angles and sizes of the pre-chamfer areas may vary, provided that the pre-chamfer areas ensure that the wheels are in contact with the rail when approaching the finger region.

[0077] FIG. 3C shows a top view of the finger joints 142’ and 144’ of adjacent modular track sections 110a’ and 110b’ shown in FIG. 3B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3C, the modular track section 110b’ is shown with hatching to help to differentiate from track section 110a’. As seen in FIG. 3C, the modular track sections comprise a slot (slot 111 b of modular tracksection 110b’ is labelled) extending into the modular track section and behind the rail in a part of the track section leading up to the respective finger joint. The slot 111 b provides a degree of flexibility in the track section leading into or away from the finger joint 144’, which behaves like a suspension system to reduce peak impact force and helps to dampen the impact event as the wheels of the shuttle transition between adjacent track sections. Accordingly, the region of the modular track section 110b’ before the finger joint 144’ allow the rail to begin flexing before the finger joint 144’, allowing the finger joint 144’ to flex both in the y- and z-axes (refer to the axes shown in FIG. 1 ). The amount of flexibility can be set based on the size of the slot 111 b. A length of the slot 111 b may for example be set larger than the length of the a finger or protrusion in the finger joint. Further, a hard-stop limit to the flexibility may be ensured via a narrow slit 113b used to separate the finger joint 144’ from the material behind it. Once this slit is collapsed, it will not deflect further. In practice, the hard- stop limit may be reached during shuttle install ora heavy external load that is outside of normal operating conditions. While not labelled in FIG. 3C, it will be appreciated that the modular track section 110a’ may comprise a similar slot and slit to provide a flexible transition at one or both ends thereof. Further, such slots in the modular track sections may exist with other modular track sections having different finger joint configurations.

[0078] Referring back to FIG. 2A, each end of the modular track section 110a comprises a respective connection interface (similar connection interfaces are also be present on the modular track section 110a’). That is, a first connection interface 120a is arranged at the first end of the modular track section 110a, and a second connection interface 122a is arranged at the second end of the modular track section 110a. The first connection interface 120a is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface 122a’ of the first adjacent modular track section 110b. The second connection interface 122a is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface 120a’ of the second adjacent modular track section 110c. Each connection interface comprises a male or female connector, which is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding female or male connector. In some embodiments, one end of the modular track section may comprise a male connector and the other end of themodular track section may comprise a female connector. In other embodiments, a given modular track section may comprise two of the same type of connector (e.g. two male connectors, one at each end), and an adjacent modular track section may comprise two of the other type of connector (e.g. two female connectors, one at each end).

[0079] Advantageously, as described further herein below, the first and second connection interfaces 120a, 122a provide a simplified interface for aligning and mechanically connecting the modular track section 110a to adjacent modular track sections 110b and 110c. Since the finger joints 142 and 144 (or 142’ and 144’) can be arranged in cooperation during assembly to provide coarse alignment, the connection interfaces provide fine alignment when connected without requiring external mechanical interconnects such as shims or wedges. The connection interfaces 120a and 122a at each end of the modular track section 110a provide six degrees of freedom to fine align the modular track section 110a with the adjacent modular track sections 110b and 110c. The connection interfaces 120a and 122a comprise male and / or female connectors for mechanically connecting (e.g. bolting, screwing, etc.) to adjacent connection interfaces 122a’ and 120a’ respectively. There may be multiple connectors provided in a given connection interface, including both male and female connectors in a same connection interface. In some embodiments, the male connector may be a pin, such as a tapered pin, and the female connector may be a corresponding pin hole. In some embodiments, a pair of pins may be provided in a given male connection interface, which improves alignment. A screw may be used to fasten the pin(s) in the corresponding pin hole(s). Alternatively, instead of pins and pin holes, a male connector may comprise a key and a female connector a corresponding key hole, or male / female connectors may be provided as corresponding perpendicular surfaces that can be screwed together. Accordingly, not only can the assembly method be simplified, but the connection interfaces may also readily be disconnected and the modular track section 110a can be removed out the front of the linear motor conveyor system without requiring the adjacent modular track sections 110b and 110c to be moved.

[0080] In addition, as described further herein below, the modular track section 110a may further comprise an electrical interconnect at first and second ends thereof, and the first and second connection interfaces 120a, 122a may also comprise corresponding first and second openings to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section 110a and the first and second adjacent modular track sections 110b and 110c. Accordingly, power and data cabling can be passed between adjacent track sections through the connection interfaces to an electrical interconnect at the track section, which also simplifies the assembly and disassembly of modular track sections compared to assembling with an interconnect in the middle of the track section. Alternatively, the electrical cabling could be external to the track sections, but this is generally less desirable.

[0081] It will be appreciated that various configurations of the connection interfaces may be possible. For example, in FIG. 2A, the connection interfaces 120a and 122a may be placed directly on a support surface. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the modular track section 110a in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure with a middle stand 114 that supports the modular track section 110a above the support surface. It will also be appreciated that there may be a plurality of stands that support the modular track section 110a above the support surface.

[0082] FIGs. 5A and 5B show a front view of another modular track section 110d in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular track section 110d is similar to the modular track section 110a (and / or modular track section 110a’). Namely, the modular track section 110d comprises a rail 140 for guiding a wheeled shuttle, and an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle. A first end of the modular track section 110d comprises a first finger joint and a second end of the modular track section 110d has a corresponding second finger joint (e.g. similar to that shown in FIG. 2B or 3B), such that the first finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section 110e, and the second finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section 110f.

[0083] The modular track section 110d differs from the modular track section 110a in that it has different connection interfaces 120b and 122b at respective ends thereof. As shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B the first and second connection interfaces 120b, 122b are first and second stands respectively that support the track section above a support surface. The first stand corresponding to first connection interface 120b is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second stand corresponding to second connection interface 122b’ of the first adjacent modular track section 110e. The second stand corresponding to second connection interface 122b is configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first stand corresponding to a first connection interface 120b’ of the second adjacent modular track section 110f .

[0084] FIG. 5B shows transparent first and second stands corresponding to first and second connection interfaces 120b and 122b. As seen in FIG. 5B and explained in more detail below, the first stand corresponding to connection interface 120b comprises a male connector, which in this example comprises two tapered pins 124a for mechanically connecting to a corresponding second stand, and the second stand corresponding to connection interface 122b comprises a female connector comprising two corresponding pin holes 124b for receiving tapered pins 124a from a corresponding first stand. The use of the male and female connectors (which in this example are tapered pins 124a and pin holes 124b) ensures alignment between the adjacent track sections prior to fastening. As the connection interfaces are mechanically connected, for example by tightening a screw inside the tapered pin, the track sections are forced into position and orientation automatically. Meanwhile, the tapered pin and screw provides a simple means for fastening the first stand to a corresponding second stand for mechanically joining adjacent modular track sections. Again, adjacent track sections have to be very precisely aligned in all six degrees of freedom (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, roll (i.e. rotation about x-axis), pitch (i.e. rotation about y-axis), and yaw (i.e. rotation about z-axis)). A greater number of pins may help to ensure alignment, and in some embodiments, at least one of the first and second connection interface comprises more than one pin. The male and / or female connectors are arranged in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis direction of the modular track section (i.e., in the x-axis direction), so the assembly anddisassembly method can be simplified, since the male and / or female connectors are easy to access from the side of the stands.

[0085] The first and second stands are also shown as comprising corresponding first and second openings 126a and 126b to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first and second adjacent modular track sections. Still further, a side plate of the first and / or second stands (e.g. side plate 128 of the second connection interface 122b) may be removable via screws or the like to provide access to the electrical connections. A similar side plate may additionally or alternatively be provided on the first stand.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first and second stands are in contact with the support surface. In other embodiments, the first stand is in contact with the support surface but the second stand does not contact the support surface when mechanically connected to a corresponding first stand of the second adjacent modular track section, which advantageously helps to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances of the support surface. For example, the second stand may be raised off the support surface by a nominal amount, such as 1 mm. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 5A, the first stand corresponding to connection interface 120b has a positioning member such as a dowel 134 protruding from a bottom surface for positioning in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface, which helps to set a pre-defined spacing between the modular track section 110d and adjacent modular track section 110e to be connected to the modular track section. Other types of positioning members, such as keys, bushings, shoulder screws, etc., could be used instead of a dowel. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5B, there is no positioning member protruding from a bottom surface of the stands for engaging with the support surface.

[0087] FIGs. 6A-F show detailed views of a first connection interface 120b configured as a first stand and a second connection interface 122b configured as a second stand. FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of the first connection interface 120b; FIG. 6B shows a front view of the first connection interface 120b; FIG. 6C shows a first side view of the first connection interface 120b; and FIG. 6D shows a perspective view of an opposite side of the first connection interface 120b with a sideplate removed. In FIGs. 6A-D, the first connection 120b configured as a first stand has a dowel 134 protruding from a bottom surface thereof. The dowel 134 is used for positioning the track section on a support surface, which has corresponding dowel holes. Screws 136 may also be used to hold the connection interface 120b to the support surface.

[0088] FIGs. 6A-D further show the electrical and data cabling 130 passing through the opening 126a in the first connection interface 120b. The free end of the electrical and data cabling 130 can be connected to an electrical interconnect of an adjacent modular track section. As seen in FIG. 6D, the modular track section may have an electrical interconnect 132 at an end thereof proximate to the connection interface. A side plate of the first connection interface 120b can be readily removed via screws or the like to access the electrical interconnect 132 and to connect or disconnect the electrical and data cabling 130. Routing the electrical and data cabling through the stand provides a particularly advantageous configuration for assembling and disassembling adjacent modular track sections. In some embodiments, the electrical and data cabling 130 may even inherently disconnect from the electrical interconnect 132 if the track section is pulled out during disassembly.

[0089] FIGs. 6E-F show detailed views of a second connection interface 122b configured as a second stand. FIG. 6E shows a front view of the second connection interface 122b and FIG. 6F shows a side view of the second connection interface 122b. As previously described, the second connection interface 122b has corresponding pin holes 124b for receiving tapered pins 124a from a corresponding first stand, a second opening 126b corresponding to the first opening 126a in the corresponding first stand through which electrical and data cabling can be passed, and a removable side plate 128 to facilitate access to the electrical and data cabling. The second stand may have no dowel or supporting / positioning features extending from a bottom surface thereof. Accordingly, when the second stand is connected to the first stand the second stand may be elevated above the support surface. Such a configuration advantageously helps to accommodate manufacturing tolerances in the support surface.

[0090] FIGs. 7A-B show detailed views of adjacent first and second stands connected together. In FIG. 7B, the first and second stands are shown as being transparent, which shows the electrical and data cabling 130 passing through the stands to connect adjacent track sections.

[0091] There are two main stand configurations contemplated. The first stand configuration comprises one of the stands having a positioning member such as a dowel 134, as shown in FIGs. 7A-B. This dowelled stand configuration allows absolute positioning of the modular track sections relative to the support surface, as described below. A second stand configuration uses no dowel or positioning means (see, e.g. the track section and stands shown in FIG. 5B). This non-dowelled stand configuration allows relative positioning of the modular track sections with respect to one another, as described below.

[0092] For absolute positioning, one of the stands has a positioning member such as a dowel protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and the corresponding adjacent stand does not. The support surface requires accurately located positioning holes to receive the positioning members of the respective stands. Accordingly, the track sections can be assembled onto absolute and specific locations of the support surface to locate the stand and the track section in the x- and y-axis directions (see axes in FIG. 1). The absolute positioning provides the best overall accuracy but requires accurate positioning holes in the support surface.

[0093] With the dowelled split stand configuration, as the first connection interface 120b and the second connection interface 122b’ are bolted together via the tapered pins, a load is applied to the dowel 134 and a tension is generated in the corresponding track section. The stands are configured such that when bolted together, a nominal section or joint gap, such as 0.5mm, exists between the first and second stands to allow for thermal expansion. Accordingly, no shims are required to set this joint gap. As the track sections heat up under operation, the gap between the track sections closes due to thermal expansion of the track section (which may in particular involve thermal expansion of a linear compliance member, described below), and the track sections go out of tension. Since the gap exists when thesections are cool, the dowelled stand configuration also helps to facilitate removal and replacement of track sections.

[0094] Relative positioning does not involve the use of dowels in the stands or corresponding dowel holes in the support surface. The track sections can be arranged on the support position at a specific position in the y-axis, but their positioning in the x-axis is relative (see axes in FIG. 1). The relative positioning provides for more compliance / tolerance to overcome inaccuracies in the substructure and supporting surface.

[0095] With the non-dowelled stand configuration (i.e. similar to that shown in FIGs. 7A and B but without a dowel 134 or screw), when the first and second stands are tightened, the nominal joint gap is present in a non-tensioned state. A shim may be used with this method to set the nominal joint gap. To facilitate alignment of adjacent stands without the positioning dowel used for positioning on the support surface, a separate element such as a dowel may be placed at a rear of the stand to constrain the orientation relative to an adjacent stand. As the track sections heat up under operation, the gap closes and the track sections go into compression.

[0096] As described above, instead of using tapered pin(s) and corresponding pin hole(s) as the male and female connectors of the connection interfaces, alternative connection interfaces with different configurations of male and female connectors may be used. FIGs. 8A-D show a representation of alternative connection interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIGs. 8A-B respectively show an isometric view and a top sectional view of two connection interfaces 120c and 122c connected together via a key 124c and key hole connection 124d, and fastened with a bolt / screw. The use of key 124c and key hole connection 124d as the male / female connectors wok similarly to pins, but may facilitate implementation with one key as opposed to the preferred implementation of at least two pins. Also, given the length of the key 124c it also controls section twist.

[0098] FIGs. 8C-D respectively show an isometric view and a top sectional view of two connection interfaces 120d and 122d comprising perpendicular surfacesfastened together. As seen in FIGs. 8C and 8D, each of the first and second connection interfaces 120d and 122d have mating perpendicular surfaces forming corners. The surface perpendicular to the x-axis controls the x-position of the connection interfaces. The surface perpendicular to the y-axis controls y-position of the connection interfaces and section twist. The surfaces are fastened together, which may be achieved with a pair of perpendicular screws, or one screw at an angle, or a combination.

[0099] FIG. 9 shows a top view representation of a modular track section 110a that is pivoted with respect to adjacent track sections 110b and 110c. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular track section may have first and second ends that comprise corresponding angled features, which further facilitates assembly of the linear motor conveyor system and removal / replacement of modular track sections independent of adjacent track sections. In particular, the modular track sections are arranged on a support surface, such as a table top, support frame, etc., and by having angled end features the modular track sections may be pivoted into and out of place to facilitate assembly and removal.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the modular track section 110a has angled end sections. Further, the connection interfaces at the end sections may also be angled. A first end of the modular track section 110a and connection interface 120a has a first angle, a, with respect to a front surface of the track section. A second end of the modular track section 110a and connection interface 122a has a second angle, p, with respect to the front surface of the track section, the second angle p being complementary to the first angle a such that a + p is equal to 180 degrees and the first and second ends of the track profile are parallel. In this example, the first angle a is greater than 90 degrees and the second angle p is less than 90 degrees, however the magnitude of the first and second angles may also be reversed. Generally, it is desirable for the angles to be the smallest angle that achieves the pivoting clearance based on the section geometry; larger angles would also work but would mean there is less space available internally within the modular track section. Further, the angled features do not necessarily have to be a straight angled surface,but may be have different shapes provided that a front surface of the track section and a rear surface of the track section are offset at the ends of the track section.

[0101] Likewise, a first adjacent track section 110b has a second end and connection interface 122a’ having the same second angle p such that the angled profile of the second end of the adjacent track section 110b is complementary to the angled profile of the first end of the track section 110a. Similarly, a second adjacent track section 110c has a first end and connection interface 120a’ having the same first angle a such that the angled profile of the first end of the adjacent track section 110c is complementary to the angled profile of the second end of the track section 110a.

[0102] As depicted in FIG. 9, insertion and removal of the track section 110a is simplified due to the angled end features at the ends of the track section 110a and the adjacent track sections 110b and 110c. In this example, the track section 110a can be pivoted about the first end by pushing the second end forward from a rear of the track section, and subsequently slid out of place. Assembly of a new track section in its place can likewise be easily performed, by first aligning the first end of the track section 110a to the first adjacent track section 110b, and then pivoting the second end of the track section 110a to align to the second adjacent track section 110c. The modular track section 110a may also be pivoted into or out of position from behind the linear motor conveyor system instead of from in front.

[0103] FIGs. 10A and 10B show a representation of a modular track section comprising a linear compliance member 160. In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the first and second ends of the modular track section comprise a linear compliance member configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion of the modular track section in a longitudinal axis direction (i.e. in the x- axis direction) during operation of the linear motor conveyor system. The linear compliance member 160 may be hollow and configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion in the x-axis direction without bending or deflecting in any other direction. In operation, the track sections heat up and the linear compliance member 160 is configured to expand by a specified amount (e.g. 0.25mm) in the x-axis direction, thus closing the gap between adjacent track sections. To minimizeorthogonal thermal deflection in the track sections, a ratio of materials used in the track sections (e.g. a ratio of steel in the stator to aluminum in the shuttle body) may be made very low or very high, thus preventing bowing of the track section as the linear compliance member 160 undergoes thermal expansion.

[0104] In some embodiments, the linear compliance member may be provided at both ends of the modular track section, thus providing for double the amount (e.g. 0.50mm) of total expansion, and ensuring that the thermal expansion is balanced at each end of the modular track section and causing zero deflection in a middle of the track section (which is where operations tend to be). In some embodiments, the linear compliance member may be coupled to a connection interface. In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the linear compliance member 160 that is connected to the connection interface may remain substantially constant while a top portion of the linear compliance member 160 undergoes expansion in the x-axis direction.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows a representation of a magnetic shunt 162. The magnetic shunt 162 is used to provide a continuous magnetic circuit, and can be integrated within the interior volume of the track profile against the stator. The magnetic shunt 162 may be mounted on a spring 164 to provide connection when adjacent track sections are coupled together. Since the magnetic shunt 162 is provided as an integral component, it simplifies the installation process as the spring 164 retains the shunt 162 before final assembly as opposed to attaching the magnetic shunt during assembly. Further, the spring 164 allows the shunt 162 to angle to ensure good contact against the two rear stator surfaces which may or may not be perfectly aligned.

[0106] FIG. 12 shows a method 1200 of assembling a linear motor conveyor system. The method 1200 uses a modular track section as disclosed herein to simplify the assembly process, thus allowing for assembly of a linear motor conveyor system without requiring iterative adjustments or additional mechanical interconnects.

[0107] The method 1200 comprises placing a modular track section on a support surface (1202). The modular track section comprises a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle, and an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle. A first end of the modular track section comprises a first finger joint. The first finger joint is configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section. A first connection interface is arranged at the first end of the modular track section, the first connection interface comprising one of a male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector.

[0108] A second end of the modular track section may have a second finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section. The modular track section may further comprise a second connection interface arranged at the second end of the modular track section, the second connection interface comprising one of the male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section comprising the corresponding female or male connector.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively that support the track profile above the support surface, and placing the modular track section on the support surface comprises placing the first and second stands on the support surface. In still further embodiments, the first stand may have a positioning member protruding from a bottom surface, and the method further comprises positioning the positioning member in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface.

[0110] The method 1200 comprises arranging the modular track section with respect to the first adjacent modular track section arranged on the support surface (1204). The first finger joint of the modular track section is arranged in cooperation with the adjacent second finger joint of the first adjacent modular track section.

[0111] The method comprises mechanically connecting the first connection interface of the modular track section with the corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section (1206). As described above, the connection interfaces to be joined comprise corresponding male and female connectors. In some embodiments, the male connector is a pin and the female connector is a corresponding pin hole. A screw may be used to fasten the pin into the pin hole.

[0112] In some embodiments where the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively, the second stand may not contact the support surface when mechanically connected to a corresponding first stand of the second adjacent modular track section.

[0113] The method may also further comprise arranging the modular track section with the second adjacent modular track section arranged on the support surface, wherein the second finger joint of the modular track section is arranged in cooperation with the adjacent first finger joint of the second adjacent modular track section; and mechanically connecting the second connection interface of the modular track section with the corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first and second connection interfaces comprise corresponding first and second openings to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first and second adjacent modular track sections. The method may further comprise electrically connecting the modular track section with the first adjacent track section via the opening in the first connection interface (1208).

[0115] The method may also comprise connecting a magnetic shunt across the modular track section and the first adjacent track section to complete a magnetic circuit.

[0116] It would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the system and components shown in the figures may include components not shown in the drawings. For simplicity and clarity of the illustration, elements in the figures are notnecessarily to scale and are only schematic. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0117] It is contemplated that any part of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented or combined with any part of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification.

[0118] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above can be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and"comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0120] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system formed of a plurality of adjacent modular track sections, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle; an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; a first end of the modular track section comprising a first finger joint, the first finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section; and a first connection interface arranged at the first end of the modular track section, the first connection interface comprising one of a male orfemale connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector.

2. The modular track section of claim 1 , wherein the first finger joint is provided in the rail of the modular track section.

3. The modular track section of claim 2, wherein the first finger joint is tapered, sloped, and / or angled to provide a gradual transition between the first finger joint and the adjacent second finger joint.

4. The modular track section of claim 3, further comprising a pre-chamfer area configured to guide a wheel of the wheeled shuttle into the first finger joint.

5. The modular track section of claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising a slot extending behind the rail of the modular track section and configured to provide a flexible transition region prior to the first finger joint.

6. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the male connector comprises a pin and the female connector comprises a corresponding pin hole for receiving the pin.

7. The modular track section of claim 6, wherein the pin is a tapered pin.

8. The modular track section of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the pin and the corresponding pin hole are configured to be mechanically connected via a screw.

9. The modular track section of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the male connector comprises a plurality of pins and the female connector comprises a plurality of corresponding pin holes for receiving respective of the plurality of pins.

10. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the male connector comprises a key and the female connector comprises a key hole.11 . The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the male and female connectors comprise corresponding perpendicular surfaces configured to be fastened together.

12. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising a stand that supports the track section above a support surface.

13. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a second end of the modular track section has a second finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent track section, and further comprising a second connection interface arranged at the second end of the modular track section, the second connection interface comprising one of the male orfemale connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section comprising the corresponding female or male connector.

14. The modular track section of claim 13, wherein the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively that support the track profile above a support surface.

15. The modular track section of claim 14, wherein the first stand is in contact with the support surface.

16. The modular track section of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the second stand does not contact the support surface when mechanically connected to a corresponding first stand of the second adjacent modular track section.

17. The modular track section of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first stand has a positioning member protruding from a bottom surface for positioning in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface.

18. The modular track section of claim 17, wherein the positioning member sets a pre-defined spacing between the modular track section and an adjacent modular track section to be connected to the modular track section.

19. The modular track section of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the modular track section further comprises an electrical interconnect at first and second ends thereof, and wherein the first and second connection interfaces comprise corresponding first and second openings to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first and second adjacent modular track sections.

20. The modular track section of claim 19, wherein the first and second openings are sized to permit power and data cabling to be passed between adjacent track sections.21 . The modular track section of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the modular track section can be removed from the linear motor conveyor system independent of the first and second adjacent modular track sections.

22. The modular track section of any one of claims 13 to 21 , wherein the first and second ends of the modular track section comprise corresponding angled features.

23. The modular track section of claim 22, wherein the modular track section is pivotable with respect to at least one of the first and second adjacent modular track sections.

24. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first connection interface of the modular track section and the corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section provide a predefined gap between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section when mechanically connected together, the predefined gap for accommodating thermal expansion of the modular track section and / or the first adjacent modular track section.

25. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the first end of the modular track section comprises a linear compliance member configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion of the modular track section in a longitudinal axis direction during operation of the linear motor conveyor system.

26. The modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a magnetic shunt connectable to the first adjacent modular track section to complete a magnetic circuit between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section.

27. The modular track section of claim 26, wherein the magnetic shunt is mounted on a spring.

28. A modular track section for a linear motor conveyor system formed of a plurality of adjacent modular track sections, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle;an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; and at least one of first and second ends of the modular track section comprising a linear compliance member configured to provide a controlled thermal expansion of the modular track section in a longitudinal axis direction during operation of the linear motor conveyor system.

29. A linear motor conveyor system, comprising at least one modular track section of any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A linear motor conveyor system, comprising a plurality of modular track sections of any one of claims 1 to 28.

31. A method of assembling a linear motor conveyor system comprising a plurality of modular track sections, the method comprising: placing a modular track section on a support surface, the modular track section comprising: a rail for guiding a wheeled shuttle; an interior volume for housing a plurality of electrical coils of a linear motor providing a controllable motive force to the wheeled shuttle; a first end of the modular track section comprising a first finger joint, the first finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent second finger joint of a first adjacent modular track section; and a first connection interface arranged at the first end of the modular track section, the first connection interface comprising one of a male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section comprising a corresponding female or male connector; arranging the first finger joint of the modular track section in cooperation with the adjacent second finger joint of the first adjacent modular track section; andmechanically connecting the first connection interface of the modular track section with the corresponding second connection interface of the first adjacent modular track section.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the first connection interface and the corresponding second connection interface comprise corresponding first and second openings to facilitate an electrical connection between the modular track section and the first adjacent modular track section, the method further comprising: electrically connecting the modular track section with the first adjacent track section via the opening in the first connection interface.

33. The method of claim 31 or claim 32, further comprising connecting a magnetic shunt across the modular track section and the first adjacent track section to complete a magnetic circuit.

34. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein a second end of the modular track section has a second finger joint configured to cooperate with an adjacent first finger joint of a second adjacent modular track section, and the modular track section further comprises a second connection interface arranged at the second end of the modular track section, the second connection interface comprising one of the male or female connector and configured to be mechanically connected to a corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section comprising the corresponding female or male connector, the method further comprising: arranging the second finger joint of the modular track section in cooperation with the adjacent first finger joint of the second adjacent modular track section; and mechanically connecting the second connection interface of the modular track section with the corresponding first connection interface of the second adjacent modular track section.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first and second connection interfaces are first and second stands respectively that support the track profile above the support surface, and wherein placing the modular track section on the support surface comprises placing the first and second stands on the support surface.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first stand has a positioning member protruding from a bottom surface, and the method further comprises positioning the positioning member in a corresponding positioning hole on the support surface.

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