Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080265700 | High current capacity rectifier package - Disclosed is a dynamoelectric machine having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The dynamoelectric machine includes a three-phase stator winding with a rectifier assembly electrically connected to the stator winding. The rectifier assembly includes an end frame having at least one negative diode contained therein and a positive heat sink which has at least one positive diode disposed therein. Connecting the negative diodes and positive diodes is a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly includes one or more electrically conductive and heat dissipative straps. The straps electrically connect one or more negative diodes and one or more positive diodes. Also disclosed is a method for dissipating heat from a rectifier of a dynamoelectric machine. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265707 | ELECTRIC MACHINE AND ROTOR FOR THE SAME - Disclosed herein is an electric machine rotor. The rotor includes, a rotatable shaft, a plurality of pole segments attached to the shaft, and a plurality of magnets attached to the plurality of pole segments such that one of the plurality of magnets is positioned circumferentially between adjacent pole segments and each of the plurality of magnets has nonparallel circumferentially opposing sides. | 10-30-2008 |
20090002105 | INTEGRATED SOLENOID AND IGNITION MAGNETIC SWITCH - A solenoid includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid centerline; and an ignition magnetic switch including an ignition magnetic switch coil disposed at least partially within the housing, the ignition magnetic switch coil having a magnetic field that encompasses the solenoid centerline. | 01-01-2009 |
20090033161 | AIRFLOW COOLING PATTERN FOR BELT-DRIVEN VEHICLE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATOR - A belt-driven electric machine for a vehicle includes a front housing including at least one front housing opening and a rear housing including at least one rear housing opening. The electric machine further includes at least one fan capable of urging cooling air into the electric machine through the at least one front housing opening and out of the electric machine through the at least one rear housing opening. A method for cooling a belt-driven electric machine for a vehicle includes urging cooling air into the electric machine at substantially the front of the electric machine. The cooling air is flowed substantially rearward in the electric machine, and heat is radiated from the electric machine into the cooling air. At least a first portion of the cooling air is expelled from the rear of the electric machine in a substantially axial direction. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033167 | MAGNET SUPPORT AND RETENTION SYSTEM FOR HYBRID ROTORS - Disclosed is a rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotor core. The rotor core has at least one magnet slot with an increasing slot width as radial distance from a rotor shaft increases, and at least one slot lip extending at least partially across the slot width. The rotor assembly also includes at least one permanent magnet located in at least one magnet slot, the magnet having an increasing magnet width as radial distance from a rotor shaft increases. The rotor assembly further includes a retainer disposed in the magnet slot radially between the magnet and the at least one slot lip. Also disclosed is a method of securing at least one permanent magnet in a rotor assembly of an electric machine. | 02-05-2009 |
20100072838 | COIL SUPPORT FOR ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINE - Disclosed is a coil support for an electrical machine including a shank having a first outer diameter configured to support a field coil of the electrical machine and a base located at one end of the shank. The base has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and includes a plurality of recesses configured to increase a cooling flow through the electrical machine. Further disclosed is an electrical machine including the coil support and a method for cooling an electrical machine. | 03-25-2010 |
20110175495 | ELECTRIC MACHINE WITH ISOLATED GROUND ELECTRONICS - An electrical system for a vehicle comprises a battery including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and an alternator. The alternator includes a metal housing with a rotor and a stator positioned within the housing. The alternator further includes an electronics package positioned on the alternator housing. The electronics package includes a regulator and a rectifier, the rectifier including a plurality of negative diodes and a plurality of positive diodes. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a first diode carrier that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The plurality of positive diodes are positioned on a second diode carrier that is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The first diode carrier is separated from the housing by an electrical insulation member positioned between the first diode carrier and the housing. | 07-21-2011 |
20110215681 | Airflow Passage Arrangement for Claw-Pole Electric Machines - An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in a direction of angular rotation. The rotor includes a first claw-pole segment and an opposing second claw-pole segment. The first claw-pole segment includes a plurality of fingers extending from an end ring. Each finger includes a distal end and a proximal end with the proximal end fixed to the end ring. Each finger also includes an interior side and an exterior side with the exterior side facing the stator. A leading side and a trailing side are defined on each finger by the direction of angular rotation. A chamfer is formed on the exterior trailing side of each finger at the proximal end of the finger. | 09-08-2011 |
20110254392 | ALTERNATOR WITH DUAL AXIAL AIR FLOW - A vehicle alternator comprises a rotor and a stator positioned within a housing. The housing includes a front face, a rear face, and a outer wall extending between the front face and the rear face. The front face includes a plurality of air inlet holes, and the rear face including a plurality of air outlet holes. The outer wall is void of air holes that extend through the outer wall. The rotor is positioned within the housing and configured to rotate about an axis. The stator is positioned within the housing between the rotor and the outer wall of the housing. The stator includes a core with an outer surface, a front end and a rear end. A plurality of substantially axial air passages are positioned between the outer wall of the housing and the outer surface of the stator core. | 10-20-2011 |
20110260562 | Solenoid with Reverse Turn Spool Hub Projection - A solenoid arrangement for a starter motor includes a plunger configured to move in an axial direction and a coil positioned radially outward from the plunger. The coil is wound on a spool that includes a first end and a second end with a hub extending between the first end and the second end. A projection is positioned on the hub of the spool. The coil engages the projection in such a manner that a winding direction of the coil is reversed at the projection. | 10-27-2011 |
20110298316 | Electric Machine Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module includes the electric machine including a stator with stator end turns and a housing enclosing the electric machine. An inner wall of the housing defines a machine cavity. The electric machine module also includes a cover coupled to the housing and extending radially inward into the machine cavity. The cover and the stator end turns define a stator cavity which is in fluid communication with the machine cavity. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298317 | Electric Machine Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The apparatus and method include providing the electric machine including a rotor and a stator with stator end turns and enclosing at least a portion of the electric machine within a housing. The method also includes introducing a coolant into a machine cavity, directing the coolant toward the stator end turns, and returning a portion of the coolant which flows past the stator end turns back toward the stator end turns using a rotating agitator member operatively coupled to the rotor. | 12-08-2011 |
20110298318 | Gravity Fed Oil Cooling for an Electric Machine - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module includes an electric machine and a housing enclosing the electric machine within a machine cavity. The housing can include at least one end cap positioned axially adjacent to the electric machine and including a shroud protruding into the machine cavity. The shroud can include a step with an angled rotor feed path. | 12-08-2011 |
20110304226 | Electric Machine Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module comprises the electric machine including a stator with stator end turns and a housing with at least two removably-coupled frame members. Each of the at least two removably-coupled frame members include an inner wall, an outer wall, and a coolant cavity defined between the inner wall and the outer wall. The coolant cavity can be positioned substantially around one of the stator end turns radially and substantially beside the one stator end turn axially. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304227 | Electric Machine Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module comprises the electric machine including a stator with stator end turns, a through bolt, and a housing with at least two removably-coupled frame members. Each of the at least two removably-coupled frame members include an inner wall, an outer wall, a coolant cavity defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a bolt channel. The coolant cavity can be positioned substantially around at least one of the stator end turns radially. The bolt channel can be positioned through a portion of each of the at least two removably-coupled frame members and can be located radially inward from an outer substantially circular periphery of the housing. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304228 | Potted End Turns of an Electric Machine - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine module. The electric machine module includes an electric machine including a stator with stator end turns, a liquid-cooled housing at least partially enclosing the electric machine, and a potting material in contact with and at least partially surrounding the stator end turns. The method includes potting at least some of the stator end turns with the potting material to provide a thermally-conductive path from the stator end turns to the housing and circulating a coolant through the housing to at least remove heat energy conducted from the stator end turns to the housing. | 12-15-2011 |
20120013217 | MAGNETIC FLUX CARRYING SLEEVE MEMBER FOR AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - An electric machine including a housing and a stator arranged within the housing. The stator includes a body having a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes an inner diametric surface and an outer diametric surface. A sleeve member is arranged on the outer diametric surface of the stator. The sleeve member includes body member having an inner diametric region that extends to an outer diametric region through an intermediate region. The sleeve member defines a flux carrying member having a magnetic flux flow path that passes magnetic flux from the stator to the outer diametric region. | 01-19-2012 |
20120043110 | Conductor Insulation Arrangement For An Electric Machine - An electric machine includes a core with a plurality of slots. Electric conductors are positioned within the slots with connection ends extending from the in-slot portions. A plurality of insulation sleeves separate the plurality of electric conductors. Each insulation sleeve substantially covers one entire conductor, including the in-slot portions and the connection ends of the conductor. A tip portion on each connection end remains uncovered by the insulation sleeve and is electrically connected to another tip portion on another conductor. Air passages are formed between the plurality of insulation sleeves at the in-slot portions and at the connection ends of the plurality of electric conductors. | 02-23-2012 |
20120062054 | PERMANENT MAGNET ROTOR FOR ELECTRIC MACHINE - A permanent magnet rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotor core including one or more axially-extending openings and one or more permanent magnets located in the one or more axially-extending openings defining one or more gaps between the one or more permanent magnets and the one or more axially-extending openings. One or more thermally-conductive bars are located in the one or more gaps to transfer thermal energy from an interior of the rotor assembly toward an axial end of the rotor assembly. | 03-15-2012 |
20120062056 | ELECTRIC MACHINE INCLUDING A STATOR HAVING A STATOR SLEEVE AND METHOD OF COOLING A STATOR - An electric machine including a housing, and a stator mounted relative to the housing. The stator includes a body including a first end portion that extends to a second end portion and a plurality of stator windings that extend between the first and second end portions. A sleeve member is mounted to the stator and covers a portion of the stator windings at one of the first and second end portions. The sleeve member is configured and disposed to guide a coolant over the portion of the stator windings to remove heat from the stator. | 03-15-2012 |
20120065900 | LIFE MONITOR FOR ELECTRIC MACHINE - A method for monitoring remaining life of an electric machine for a motor vehicle includes sensing a temperature of a component of the electric machine at one or more time intervals. A percentage of life of the component consumed at each time interval is calculated and the percentages of life consumed are summed to determine a total percentage of life consumed. The total percentage of life consumed is compared to a selected threshold. A life monitor system for an electric machine for a vehicle includes a temperature sensor secured to a component of the electric machine. An engine control unit is operably connected to the temperature sensor and is configured to calculate a remaining life of the component of the electric machine compared to a selected threshold, based on temperature data from the temperature sensor. | 03-15-2012 |
20120068475 | STARTER MOTOR ASSEMBLY WITH SOFT START SOLENOID - A solenoid for a vehicle starter comprises a pull-in coil and a hold-in coil positioned axially adjacent to the pull-in coil. A plunger is positioned within the pull-in coil and configured to move in an axial direction when the pull-in coil is energized. The plunger is separated from a plunger stop in the axial direction by an air gap when the pull-in coil and the hold-in coil are not energized. When the pull-in coil and hold-in coil are energized, a shoulder of the plunger moves in an axial direction toward the plunger stop. The pull-in coil is positioned in the solenoid such that it is removed from the plunger stop in the axial direction. In contrast, the hold-in coil encircles the plunger stop. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068476 | STARTER SOLENOID WITH SPOOL FOR RETAINING COILS - A solenoid for a vehicle starter comprises a spool including a first coil bay, a second coil bay, and an interior passage defining an axial direction. A first coil is positioned in the first coil bay of the spool, and a second coil positioned in the second coil bay of the spool. A plunger is positioned within the interior passage of the spool and configured to move in the axial direction when the first coil is energized. The first coil bay is positioned adjacent to the second coil bay in the axial direction. The spool further includes two end flanges and a middle flange. The middle flange separates the first coil bay from the second coil bay. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068477 | STARTER SOLENOID WITH RECTANGULAR COIL WINDING - A solenoid for a vehicle starter includes a pull-in coil made of a length of rectangular wire and a hold-in coil adjacent to the pull-in coil. A plunger is configured to move in an axial direction when the pull-in coil made of rectangular wire is energized. The pull-in coil and the hold-in coil are positioned on a spool with the plunger slideably positioned within a central passage of the spool. The plunger is configured to engage a plunger stop when the pull-in coil is energized. In at least one embodiment, the hold-in coil is separated from the plunger stop in the axial direction and the hold-in coil encircles the plunger stop. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068796 | STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID WITH VARIABLE RELUCTANCE PLUNGER - A solenoid for a vehicle starter includes at least one coil with a passage extending through the coil. A plunger is slideably positioned within the passage and configured to move in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. The plunger includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion with a circumferential notch formed in the outer surface portion. The at least one coil may include a pull-in coil and a hold-in coil wound on a spool. A plate member is positioned at one end of the spool and is separated from the plunger by a radial distance. The radial distance varies when the plunger moves in the axial direction as a result of the notch moving in relation to the plate member. A sleeve member may be coupled to the plunger such that the sleeve member covers the circumferential notch formed in the plunger. | 03-22-2012 |
20120074799 | Electric Machine Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module comprising an electric machine with a stator and housing at least partially circumscribing the electric machine. The housing includes at least two housing members coupled together and substantially securing the electric machine within the housing. The electric machine module also includes a coolant jacket at least partially defined by an outer diameter of the stator and an inner diameter portion of the housing. | 03-29-2012 |
20120080117 | Coolant Drainage System and Method for Electric Machines - Embodiments of the invention provide a coolant drainage system including a module housing and a drain pan coupled to the module housing. The module housing at least partially defines a machine cavity and includes an inner wall and at least one end cap at least partially enclosing an electric machine within the machine cavity. The coolant drainage system also includes a plurality of drain holes through the module housing and adjacent to the drain pan. The plurality of drain holes provide fluid pathways from the machine cavity to the drain pan. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080964 | Coolant Channels for Electric Machine Stator - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including an electric machine. The electric machine includes a stator assembly with a plurality of stator laminations. The plurality of stator laminations include a plurality of different outer diameters and some of the plurality of stator laminations include at least two different radii. At least one circumferential coolant channel and at least one axial coolant channel can be defined by the plurality of stator laminations. The at least one circumferential coolant channel can be defined substantially around a circumference of the stator assembly and the at least one axial coolant channel can be defined substantially along an axial length of the stator assembly. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080965 | Coolant Channels for Electric Machine Stator - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including an electric machine with a stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a plurality of stator laminations and the plurality of stator laminations include a plurality of different outer diameters. The plurality of stator laminations are positioned relative to one another to form radially-extending fins. At least one circumferential coolant channel is defined along the circumference of the stator assembly by the plurality of stator laminations at least partially between the radially-extending fins. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080982 | Internal Cooling of Stator Assembly in an Electric Machine - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including an electric machine with a stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a plurality of stator laminations coupled together and a plurality of conductors positioned through axial slots of the plurality of stator laminations. The electric machine module also includes a coolant channel at least partially defined within the axial slots and a housing. The housing at least partially circumscribes the electric machine and at least partially defines a machine cavity which is in fluid communication with the coolant channel. | 04-05-2012 |
20120091834 | Split Drain System and Method for an Electric Machine Module - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including module housing with an inner wall and at least one end cap. The module can at least partially define a machine cavity. The electric machine module can also include at least two drain holes positioned substantially circumferentially apart from one another and extending through a lower portion of the module housing. The at least two drain holes can provide gravity-fed fluid pathways out of the machine cavity. | 04-19-2012 |
20120112574 | Rotor Lamination Cooling System and Method - Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly can include a rotor hub, a first set of rotor laminations which can include a portion having a first inner radius, and a second set of rotor laminations which can include a portion having a second inner radius larger than the first inner radius. At least one circumferential flow channel defined by the first set of rotor laminations, the second set of rotor laminations, and the rotor hub can at least partially circumscribe the rotor hub. | 05-10-2012 |
20120280582 | Method and Arrangement for Cooling Claw-Pole Electric Machines - An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in a direction of angular rotation. The rotor includes a first claw-pole segment and an opposing second claw-pole segment. The first claw-pole segment includes a plurality of fingers extending from an end ring. Each finger includes a distal end and a proximal end with the proximal end fixed to the end ring. Each finger also includes an interior side and an exterior side with the exterior side facing the stator. A leading side and a trailing side are defined on each finger by the direction of angular rotation. A chamfer is formed on the exterior trailing side of each finger at the proximal end of the finger. | 11-08-2012 |
20130002067 | Electric Machine Module Cooling System and Method - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a housing. The housing can include a machine cavity, a coolant jacket, and at least one coolant aperture positioned through a portion of the housing so that the coolant jacket is fluidly connected to the machine cavity. In some embodiments, an electric machine can be at least partially positioned within the machine cavity and includes a stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a stator core with slots. The stator core can include a weld side and an insertion side. In some embodiments, conductors can be positioned in the slots so that portions of the conductors axially extend from the weld side and the insertion side of the stator core. In some embodiments, at least some of the conductors can be configured and arranged to define a substantially radially-directed aperture between portions of the conductors on the weld side. | 01-03-2013 |
20130015732 | Electric Machine ModuleAANM Bradfield; Michael D.AACI AndersonAAST INAACO USAAGP Bradfield; Michael D. Anderson IN US - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including an electric machine positioned with a housing. The brushless electric machine including a center axis of rotation and a support member with a field coil wound around a portion of the support member. The electric machine includes a rotor assembly circumscribing the support member and a shaft coupled to a rotor assembly. The machine also include a stator assembly including a distributed stator winding comprising a plurality of conductors positioned within the stator assembly. The module also includes a cooling system, which includes an inlet disposed through a portion of the housing, a first channel positioned within the support member that fluidly connects a second channel with the inlet. | 01-17-2013 |
20130167790 | Dual Synchronized Starter Motors - A starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first starter motor including a first pinion and a second starter motor including a second pinion. The first starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second starter motor is connected in series to the first starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first starter motor, and the second starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first starter motor and the second starter motor. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168974 | Starter Motor Assembly With Soft Start Solenoid - A solenoid in an engine starter assembly includes an electromagnetic coil operable on a plunger coupled to a shift lever to move a pinion gear into contact with the engine ring gear. The solenoid is provided with a return spring to restore the plunger to an initial position in which the pinion and ring gears are disengaged, in the absence of a coil force. A contact plate is supported on the plunger to engage open electrical contacts when the plunger is in a first position to complete an electrical circuit to drive the starter motor rotating the pinion gear at a faster speed. An over-travel spring resists movement of the plunger once the contact plate engages the electrical contacts. An auxiliary spring is disposed on the plunger to resist movement of the plunger only when the plunger travels to a position offset between the initial position and the first position. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173144 | Starter Motor Assembly - A control system for the starter assembly of an engine includes a first field effect transistor (FET) electrically connected between an electrical power supply and the starter motor and a second FET electrically connected between the power supply and the solenoid. A control unit is electrically connected to the gate of each FET and is configured to selectively apply a voltage to each gate, wherein the FET provides a current to the respective starter motor and solenoid as a function of the applied voltage. The control unit can selectively apply the gate voltages for cold start, soft start, and start-stop operation of the engine, and in response to sensor signals received by the control unit, such as ring gear rotational speed. | 07-04-2013 |
20130187518 | SOLENOID COIL WITH REVERSE TURN - A solenoid arrangement includes a plunger configured to move in an axial direction and a coil wound radially outward from the plunger. The coil includes a first winding layer and at least one additional winding layer positioned radially outward from the first winding layer. The first winding layer includes a first portion wound in a first winding direction and a second portion wound in a second winding direction that is opposite the first winding direction. The at least one additional winding layer is wound in the second winding direction radially outward from both the first portion and the second portion of the first winding layer.. | 07-25-2013 |
20130199509 | Solenoid with Variable Reluctance Plunger - A solenoid for a vehicle starter includes at least one coil with a passage extending through the coil in an axial direction. The solenoid further includes a plunger configured to move in the axial direction within the passage. The plunger includes a cylindrical outer surface with a substantially uniform diameter and a circumferential notch. The cylindrical outer surface includes a first portion with a first diameter on one side of the circumferential notch, and a second portion with the first diameter on an opposite side of the circumferential notch. The circumferential notch includes a portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. | 08-08-2013 |
20130221681 | STARTER MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine control system including an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit can be in communication with one or more sensors. The control system can include a starter machine that is in communication with the electronic control unit. The starter machine can comprise a solenoid assembly that includes a plurality of biasing members and a motor that is coupled to a pinion. In some embodiments, the motor can be electrically coupled to at least one of the first coil winding and the second coil winding. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit can be capable of being configured and arranged to circulate a priming current from a power source to the motor through at least one of the first coil winding and the second coil winding. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221682 | STARTER MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine including an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit can be in communication with one or more sensors. The control system can include a starter machine that is in communication with the electronic control unit. The starter machine can comprise a solenoid assembly that includes a plurality of biasing members, a motor that is coupled to a pinion, and power module and controller that is coupled to the motor. In some embodiments, at least one of the power module and the controller are configured to control a speed of the pinion to substantially synchronize the pinion speed and the speed of an engine component. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221683 | STARTER MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine control system including an electronic control unit. The control system can include a starter machine that is in communication with the electronic control unit. The starter machine can comprise a solenoid assembly that includes a plurality of biasing members and a first and a second coil winding. The starter machine can also include a motor that is coupled to a pinion. The starter machine can comprise an electromagnetic switch that is coupled to the first coil winding and is configured to regulate a priming current passing through the first coil winding. In some embodiments, the motor can be electrically coupled to the first winding and the control unit can be capable of closing the electromagnetic switch to circulate the priming current from a power source to the motor through the first coil winding. | 08-29-2013 |
20130264897 | INTERNAL COOLING OF STATOR ASSEMBLY IN AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including an electric machine with a stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a plurality of stator laminations coupled together and a plurality of conductors positioned through axial slots of the plurality of stator laminations. The electric machine module also includes a coolant channel at least partially defined within the axial slots and a housing. The housing at least partially circumscribes the electric machine and at least partially defines a machine cavity which is in fluid communication with the coolant channel. | 10-10-2013 |
20130300129 | VARIABLE FLUX ELECTRIC STARTER MACHINE HAVING DUAL FIELDS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A variable flux electric machine including a frame, an armature rotatably mounted within the frame, a first field having a plurality of windings that defines at least one wound pole fixedly mounted relative to the frame, a second field having at least one permanent magnet (PM) that defines at least one PM pole fixedly mounted relative to the frame, and a relay electrically coupled to the plurality of windings of the first field. | 11-14-2013 |
20130300130 | VARIABLE FLUX ELECTRIC STARTER MOTOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A variable flux electric starter motor includes a frame, an armature rotatably mounted within the frame, and a primary field mounted to the frame. The primary field includes a plurality of primary windings electrically connected one to another. A relay is electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of poles. A supplemental field is mounted to the frame. The supplemental field includes a supplemental winding electrically connected in parallel to the plurality of primary windings. | 11-14-2013 |
20130300131 | METHOD OF OPERATING VARIABLE FLUX ELECTRIC STARTER MACHINE HAVING DUAL FIELDS - A method of operating a variable flux electric machine includes passing an electrical current through a plurality of wound poles of a wound field to generate a first flux, rotating an armature at a first crank point having a first speed in response to the first flux, shorting at least one of the plurality of wound poles, generating a second flux through a permanent magnet (PM) field having a plurality of PM poles, and rotating the armature at a second crank point having a second speed in response to the second flux, the second speed being greater than the first speed. | 11-14-2013 |
20140009018 | STARTER MACHINE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT - A rotary electric starter machine including an electric motor, a housing surrounding the motor, and a pinion connected to the motor, at least one of the motor and the housing comprising a magnetically active portion of the machine, wherein the magnetically active motor portion is made of an enhanced performance steel material having a flux density at a given magnetizing force level that is at least about 20% less than the flux density at the given magnetic force level of a conventional low carbon steel material chosen from the group consisting of AISI 1008 and AISI 1010 steel. | 01-09-2014 |
20140217851 | ELECTRIC MACHINE AND A METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A COMMUTATOR FOR AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - An electric machine and a method of forming a commutator for an electric machine includes forming a commutator assembly including a plurality of commutator bar members linked through a corresponding plurality of bridge elements, rolling the commutator assembly into a commutator form having a substantially continuous, uninterrupted, outer surface, introducing an internal support member that receives an end portion of each of the plurality of commutator bar members into an inner diameter of the commutator form, and separating the plurality of commutator bar members by removing each of the plurality of bridge elements creating a discontinuous outer surface. | 08-07-2014 |
20140240067 | Solenoid with Variable Reluctance Plunger - A solenoid for a vehicle starter includes at least one coil with a passage extending through the coil in an axial direction. The solenoid further includes a plunger configured to move in the axial direction within the passage. The plunger includes a cylindrical outer surface with a substantially uniform diameter and a circumferential notch. The cylindrical outer surface includes a first portion with a first diameter on one side of the circumferential notch, and a second portion with the first diameter on an opposite side of the circumferential notch. The circumferential notch includes a portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. | 08-28-2014 |
20140260792 | STARTER - Some embodiments include a starter that includes at least one solenoid coil winding that is integrated with a pinion and plunger assembly. Some embodiments include a starter with an output shaft including a rotational axis coupled to a pinion including pinion teeth, and at least one solenoid coil winding at least partially circumferentially surrounding the pinion, the pinion teeth and the output shaft. In some embodiments, the solenoid coil winding is capable of providing a magnetic field flux within the pinion, the output shaft or both. Some embodiments provide a starter with a pinion that can move bi-directionally with respect to the rotational axis of the output shaft. In other embodiments, the output shaft includes splines and the pinion includes a slot with spline contours. In some further embodiments, a starter control system includes a starter that is capable of being in communication with an electronic control unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265671 | HIGH EFFICIENCY B+ CONNECTION - An alternator includes a B+ bolt, rectifier B+ terminals, a bus having bends respectively surrounding ones of the rectifier B+ terminals and having an end formed into a ring terminal, and a stop, where the bus ring terminal is placed onto the B+ bolt and a load cable ring terminal may be placed onto the B+ bolt in direct contact with the bus ring terminal and secured thereto by the stop. A method of connecting B+ on an alternator includes bending a copper bus conductor so that one side of the bus conductor surrounds and abuts each of the rectifier B+ terminals, shaping one end of the bus conductor into a ring terminal, and placing the ring terminal of the bus conductor onto the B+ stud. A method includes coupling the B+ terminals and the B+ stud together with a copper bus conductor, and cooling the copper bus conductor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265672 | PHASE LEAD INSULATOR - An alternator includes a phase lead insulator structured for electrically insulating and routing phase leads, the insulator including a channel guide having a width substantially equal to a width of one phase lead, the insulator including a retainer for retaining a phase lead within the channel guide. The phase lead insulator may include a circumferential channel guide having a width substantially equal to a width of a conductor and having a height substantially greater than or equal to a plurality of heights of such conductors and may include a retainer for retaining a conductor within the channel guide. A method of placing phase leads of an alternator includes bending at least one phase lead into the channel guide, and routing phase lead(s) to a corresponding connection position of a bridge rectifier. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265679 | STARTER - Embodiments of the invention provide a starter that includes a motor with an armature that is coupled to a pinion. In some embodiments, the starter can include a main field coil that can be configured and arranged to produce a main magnetic field flux. Some embodiments include at least one auxiliary flux assembly arranged in close proximity with the main field coil and electrically disconnected from it. In some embodiments, a control system can operatively power the main field coil to produce a magnetic field flux. In some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary flux assembly can provide a supplementary field flux adding to the main magnetic field flux that interacts with the armature. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265680 | STARTER - Embodiments of the invention provide a starter that includes a motor with an armature that is coupled to a pinion. In some embodiments, the starter can include a main field coil that can be configured and arranged to produce a main magnetic field flux. Some embodiments of the invention provide a starter that includes an auxiliary field coil capable of being electrically coupled with the main field coil and can be configured and arranged to produce a supplemental magnetic field flux. In some embodiments, the auxiliary field coil is capable of being electrically coupled in series with the main field coil. In some other embodiments, the auxiliary field coil is capable of being electrically coupled in parallel with the main field coil. Some embodiments include a starter system. In some embodiments, a control system can operatively power the main field coil and the auxiliary field coil within the starter system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290615 | DUAL SYNCHRONIZED VEHICLE STARTER MOTORS - A vehicle starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first vehicle starter motor including a first pinion and a second vehicle starter motor including a second pinion. The first vehicle starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second vehicle starter motor is connected in series to the first vehicle starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first vehicle starter motor, and the second vehicle starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first vehicle starter motor and the second vehicle starter motor. | 10-02-2014 |
20140300234 | ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE ROTOR POLE CONFIGURATION - A rotor for a rotary electric machine, the rotor including first and second pole pieces each having a respective magnetic hub arranged for rotation about an axis along which they are spaced. Pluralities of magnetic first and second pole fingers are spaced from each other and extend between the hubs. Each pole finger has a proximal end connected to its respective hub, and an axially opposite distal end. The first and second pole fingers circumferentially alternate about the axis, and each pole finger has a respective radially inner surface defining a cavity that extends axially from the distal end to a cavity terminus. Relative to each pole finger, at a respective axial position between the distal end and the cavity terminus the radial distance between the axis and the radially inner surface is substantially greater inside of the cavity than outside of the cavity. | 10-09-2014 |
20140338952 | CONDUCTOR INSULATION ARRANGEMENT WITH INSULATION SLEEVE FOR ELECTRIC MACHINE - An electric machine includes a core with a plurality of slots. Electric conductors are positioned within the slots with connection ends extending from the in-slot portions. A plurality of insulation sleeves separate the plurality of electric conductors. Each insulation sleeve substantially covers one entire conductor, including the in-slot portions and the connection ends of the conductor. A tip portion on each connection end remains uncovered by the insulation sleeve and is electrically connected to another tip portion on another conductor. Air passages are formed between the plurality of insulation sleeves at the in-slot portions and at the connection ends of the plurality of electric conductors. | 11-20-2014 |
20150042187 | ENHANCED ELECTRONICS COOLING FOR ELECTRIC MACHINES - An electric machine including a rotor and a stator operably coupled with the rotor, electronic components, and a drive shaft disposed along a central axis of the machine. A bearing support supportively surrounds the drive shaft, and a frame end is connected to the stator and has a backface portion to which the electronic components are mounted. The backface portion defines a frame airflow space through which cooling air can flow. The backface portion is sloped relative to the central axis and defines a frame air inlet through which cooling air is received into the frame airflow space, and the frame air inlet is located between the bearing support and the backface portion. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042213 | ELECTRIC MACHINE HAVING VENTURI EFFECT COOLING ENHANCEMENT - A rotary electric machine through which cooling air is passed during machine operation, having a frame air inlet, a frame air outlet, and a first airflow space from which a first portion of cooling air is expelled through the frame air outlet. A cover defines a second airflow space from which a second portion of cooling air is drawn through a cover air outlet and expelled with the first portion of cooling air through the frame air outlet, movement of the second portion of the cooling air through the second airflow space and the cover air outlet being induced by a venturi effect responsive to movement of the first portion of cooling air past the cover air outlet. Also, methods of moving cooling air through a rotary electric machine. | 02-12-2015 |