Abstract:
A module for a linear motor propulsion guideway contains a combination of linear motor propulsion, vehicle guidance, position sensing, communication, and vehicle or pallet running surface subcomponents. These are integrated during the manufacturing into a single component or module for ease of shipping and precision of installation at a site where the guideway is to be installed. A single manufacturing operation is used to position, affix, and encapsulate the selected subcomponent(s) in a module or modules. For example, the component(s) can be designed to be located in a plastic injection mold, typically, a reaction injection mold (RIM), which allows the subcomponent(s) to be positioned, aligned, and encapsulated in a single manufacturing step that has only a several minute cycle time. In this manner positional accuracy among the relationship of the subcomponent(s) can be maintained within a small tolerance (on the order of 0. 25 mm) while costs remain very low.