Reluctance rotor core with a support structure comprising flux guiding portions

Abstract

A motor including motor segments and a support structure. Each motor segment has one or more sets of flux guides. The support structure able to support said flux guides comprises support plates, a central support shaft and beams. Each support plate is located on one or both sides of a motor segment, is coupled to the central support shaft and defines a set of openings. Each beam is coupled to at least two support plates. The central support shaft and said beams extend in axial direction. The support plates extend perpendicular to the shaft.

Description

RELUCTANCE ROTOR CORE WITH A SUPPORT STRUCTURE COMPRISING FLUX GUIDING PORTIONSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates to flux guides, and, more particularly , to a support structure for flux guides.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, and automobiles, often include one or more motors or other energy-generation devices that can be used to power the vehicles. The one or more motors may at least partially use electricity, and the one or more motors may include at least one flax guide to enhance generation or usage of electricity by the one or more motors. Other motors may include materials that may not. allow the other motors to function optimally. For example, a configuration, composition, or the like of the other motors may limit an output of the other motors.SUMMARY

[0003] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0004] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a support structure may support one or more flux guides. The support structure may include a support plate, a centralsupport shaft, and one or more beams. The support plate may be located to define an aft surface of the support structure and coupled with a central support shaft. The support plate may define a set of openings. The central support shaft may extend away from the support plate. The one or more beams may be coupled with the support plate. Each beam of the one or more beams may extend away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and may be configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

[0005] In some embodiments, the central support shaft may extend along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, and the longitudinal axis may be located offset from a center of the support structure.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the central support shaft may include a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the one or more flux guides.

[0007] In some embodiments, the support structure may additionally include a support pin, and the support pin may be located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the support pin may additionally be coupled with the support plate, and the support pin may be configured to transfer a radial load of the central support shaft to the support plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more beams may maintain a plurality of gaps, and each gap of the plurality of gaps may be defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the one or more beams may include more than one beam, and the one or more beams may be arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first beam of the one or more beams may be located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure. A second beam of the one or more beams may be located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and the second radius may be less than the first radius.

[0012] In certain embodiments, in response to the one or more beams receiving rotational stress, each beam of the one or more beams may be configured to apply compression pressure to the support structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, each beam of the one or more beams may be located abutting one or more protrusions that extend from the corresponding flux guide.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support plate may have a center that is substantially aligned with a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0015] In various embodiments, the set of openings may be arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the one or more flux guides.

[0016] In various embodiments, the set of openings may include a first opening defining a first shape and a second opening defining a second shape, and the second shape may be different than the first shape.

[0017] In certain embodiments, at least one of the support plate, the central support shaft, or the one or more beams may include a non-magnetic polymeric material.

[0018] In some embodiments, a brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) may include the support structure and one or more flux guides.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a support structure may be used for one or more flux guides. The support structure may include a set of flux guides, a support plate, a central support shaft, and one or more beams. The support plate may be located defining an aft surface and coupled with a central support shaft. The support plate may define a set of openings. The central support shaft may extend away from the support plate. The one or more beams may be coupled with the support plate. Each beam of the one or more beams may extend away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and may be configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

[0020] In some embodiments, the central support shaft may extend along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, and the longitudinal axis may be offset from a center of the support structure. The central support shaft may include a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the support structure, and the support structure mayadditionally include a support pin located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the one or more beams may maintain a plurality of gaps, and each gap of the plurality of gaps may be defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides. The one or more beams may include more than one beam, the one or more beams may be arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and a first beam of the one or more beams may be located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure. A second beam of the one or more beams may be located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and the second radius may be less than the first radius.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) may be used for a hybrid electric drive system. The BDFM may include a set of flux guides and a support structure. The support structure may include a support plate, a central support shaft, and one or more beams. The support plate may be located on an aft surface of the BDFM and coupled with a central support shaft, and the support plate may define a set of openings. The central support shaft may extend away from the support plate. The one or more beams may be coupled with the support plate. Each beam of the one or more beams may extend away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and may be configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the set of flux guides.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support plate may have a center that is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the BDFM, and the set of openings may be arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the set of flux guides.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. I A is a perspective view of a motor with a support structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. IB is another perspective view of the motor of FIG. 1A and without a central shaft.

[0026] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a portion of the motor of FIG. 1A and without the central shaft.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view’ of the motor of FIG. 1A without a central shaft.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a front view' of the motor of FIG. 1A with a central support shaft and without a support plate.

[0029] FIG. 5 is front view’ of the motor of FIG. 1A without a central support shaft and without a support plate.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view’ of a set of flux guides and a portion of the support structure of the motor of FIG. 1A.

[0031] FIG. 7A is a sectional view' of a portion of the motor of FIG. 1A.

[0032] FIG. 7B is a sectional side view of a portion of the motor of FIG. 1A.

[0033] FIG. 7C is a partial front view’ of a portion of the motor of FIG. 1 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The subject mater of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except w'hen the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0035] The described embodiments of the invention provide support structures for one or more flux guides. While the support structures are discussed for use with respect to flux guides and a brushless doubly fed machine, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the support structures may be used in machines of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0036] FIGS. 1A-7C illustrate an example of a motor 100 with a support structure 200 and one or more flux guides 208 according to embodiments. The motor 100 may be used in an aircraft or for other suitable passenger vehicles as desired. The motor 100 illustrated is abrushless doubly fed motor (BDFM) 100 with a central shaft 101. However, the particular motor 100 illustrated should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, the support structures 200 described herein may be used w'ith other types of motors as desired, and the motor 100 need not be a BDFM motor and / or be a BDFM motor with the configuration illustrated.

[0037] In various embodiments, the motor 100 may include one or more motor segments 108 along a length of the motor 100, and each motor segment 108 may have one or more setsI I 1 of flux guides 208. In the embodiment illustrated, the motor 100 includes eight motor segments 108; however, the number of motor segments 108 should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, the motor 100 may have one motor segment 108 or a plurality of motor segments 108 as desired. In the present embodiment and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, each motor segment 108 includes six sets 111 of flux guides 208, and each set 111 includes four flux guides 208. However, the number of sets 111 of flux guides 208 and / or the number of flux guides 208 provided within a set 111 should not be considered limiting. In other embodiments, a motor segment 108 may include at least one setI I I of flux guides 208, and the set 111 includes at least one flux guide 208. Moreover, while the flux guides 208 are illustrates as being generally U-shaped, the shape and configuration of the flux guides 208 and / or the sets 111 should not be considered limiting on the disclosure.

[0038] As discussed in detail below, the support structure 200 may enhance electromagnetic performance and / or properties of the motor 100 with the flux guides 208. The support structure 200 may further provide improved physical properties to the motor 100 with the flux guides 208 by providing improved stability and''or positioning between components of the motor 100 (including the flux guides 208), provide cooling effects for the motor 100, and / or provide other performance improvements for the motor 100. The motor 100 with the support structure 200 may allow the motor 100 to operate at higher operating speeds compared to other motors or components that have flux guides. In one such example, the motor 100 may be able to operate at approximately 3000 rpm or higher, such as approximately 12,000 rpm or higher, such as 14,000 rpm, 16,000 rpm, 20,000 rpm, etc. In other examples, the motor 100 w’ith the support structure 200 may operate at other rpms as desired, such as less than 3000 rpm or greater than 3000 rpm as desired.

[0039] The support structure 200 includes, for each motor segment 108, opposing support plates 104 that cover opposing ends of the flux guides 208 along the length of the motor 100.In embodiments with a plurality of motor segments 108, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the support plates 104 of intermediate motor segments 108 may be adjacent to each other. In other words, a plurality of support plates 104 may be provided between flux guides 208 along the length of the motor 108 at intermediate locations. In other embodiments, a single support plate 104 may be provided between flux guides 208 of adjacent motor segments 108 along the length of the motor 100.

[0040] Optionally, each support plate 104 may define one or more openings 206. The number, shape, size, and distribution of openings 206 should not be considered limiting. When the openings 206 are included, the openings 206 may allow for air flow through the motor 100 to provide a cooling effect.

[0041] In addition to the support plates 104, the support structure 200 includes, for each set 111 of flux guides 208, a central support shaft 102, and one or more beams 202. The central support shaft 102 and the one or more beams 202 may facilitate positioning of the flux guides 208 while providing improved stability' with improved electromagnetic performance.

[0042] The number of central support shafts 102 and the number of beams 202 in the support structure 200 may be varied depending on the number of sets H i . The central support shaft 102 and the one or more beams 202 may extend between the support plates 104 of a particular motor segment 108. In such embodiments, the support plates 104 may define apertures configured to receive the central support shaft 102 and the one or more beams 202. In some embodiments, the central support shaft 102 and one or more beams 202 for a given set 1 11 may span two or more motor segments 108. Optionally, the central support shaft 102 and one or more beams 202 for a given set 111 may extend along the entire length of the motor 100 (e.g., from a forward-most support plate 104 to an aft-most support plate 104); however, they need not in other embodiments.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one of the support plates 104, the central support shaft 102, and / or the one or more beams 202 may include a non-magnetic material. As nonlimiting examples, the central support shaft 102 and one or more beams 202 of each set i l l may include a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the one or more flux guides 208. As non-limiting examples, the central support shaft 102 and / or the one or more beams 202 may include polymeric materials, aluminum materials oralloys, platinum materials or alloys, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable materials as desired.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, each central support shaft 102 may extend along a corresponding longitudinal axis 402. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 402 of a given central support shaft 102 may be located offset from a center axis 404 of the support structure 200. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the longitudinal axis 402 of each central support shaft 102 and the center axis 404 may extend parallel to each other As illustrated in FIG. 3, the support plate 104 may have a center axis 406 that is substantially aligned with the center axis 404 of the support structure 200.

[0045] The set of openings 206 of the support plate 104, when included, may be arranged radially around the center axis 406 of the support plate 104 in various patterns to facilitate air flow to cool the one or more flux guides 208. As mentioned, the number, shape, size, pattern, and distribution of the openings 206 should not be considered limiting. As a non-limiting example, the set of openings 206 may include a first opening defining a first shape and a second opening defining a second shape different than the first shape. As a non-limiting example, the first opening 206 may be a circle and the second opening may be an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, etc.

[0046] Optionally, a support pin 210 may be located adjacent to the central support shaft 102 and may be utilized to retain a position of the central support shaft 102. The support pin 210 may additionally be coupled with the support plate 104. In certain embodiments, the support pin 210 may be configured to transfer a radial load, a lateral load, and the like of the central support shaft 102 to the support plate 104.

[0047] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each beam of the one or more beams 202 may be positioned between adjacent flux guides 208 of one or more flux guides 208. In various embodiments, in response to the one or more beams 202 receiving rotational stress, each beam of the one or more beams 202 may apply compression pressure to the support structure 200. The compression pressure may stabilize the support structure 200, or the motor 100 or other motor that includes the support structure 200, at various rpms, including high rpms.

[0048] As mentioned, any number of beams 202 may be provided for a given set 111 of one or more flux guides 208. In the present embodiment, and as best illustrated with respect to FIGS. 4-6, each set 111 of flux guides 208 includes nine beams 202a-i. In otherembodiments, a set 111 of one or more flux guides 208 may include any number of beams 202 as desired. In some embodiments, the one or more beams 202 may be arranged around or relative to the central support shaft 102 of the set 111 of flux guides 208 the support structure 200.

[0049] In some embodiments, a first beam of the one or more beams 202 may be located at a first radius 504 with respect to the center axis 404 of the support structure 200, and a second beam of the one or more beams 202 may be located at a second radius 506 with respect to the center axis 404 of the support structure 200. The second radius 506 may be less than the first radius 504. As a non-limiting example, the beam 202c may be positioned at the first radius 504, and the beam 202a may be positioned at the second radius 506 that is less than the first radius 504. In other embodiments, each beam 202 may be provided at other positionings or locations relative to the center axis 404 as desired. In various embodiments, the location of each beam 202 may at least partially depend on a shape and / or number of the flux guides 208.

[0050] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, within a set I 11 of flux guides 208, the one or more beams 202 may maintain a gap 702 between adjacent flux guides 208, which may improve the magnetic performance of the flux guides 208. As non-limiting examples, the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes the beam 202a and the beam 202f may maintain a gap 702c between the flux guide 208c and the flux guide 208d; the beam 202b and the beam 202e may maintain a gap 702b between the flux guide 208b and the flux guide 208c; and the beam 202c and the beam 202d may maintain a gap 702a between the flux guide 208a and the flux guide 208b.

[0051] In some embodiments, each beam 202 of the one or more beams 202 optionally may be located abutting one or more positioning features, such as but not limited to protrusions 705, that extend from a corresponding flux guide 208 of the one or more flux guides 208. In other embodiments, positioning features may be provided additionally or alternatively on the beams 202. When the protrusions 705 or other positioning features are included, the protrusions 705 may facilitate engagement and / or positioning between the beams 202 and the flux guides 208. For example, the beam 202a may be located abutting protrusions 705a-d, the beam 202f may be located abutting protrusions 705e-h, etc. The shape, number, and location of the protrusions 705 should not be considered limiting. Moreover, in other embodiments, other features or devices may be utilized to position the beams 202 relative to the flux guides 208 in addition to or in place of the protrusions 705. In other embodiments, positioning features such as the protrusions 705 (or other features or devices) need not be included. Asnon-limiting examples, the beams 202g-i are illustrated between adjacent flux guides 208 but without positioning features on the flux guides 208 or on the beams 202.

[0052] In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

[0053] Example 1 . A support structure for supporting one or more flux guides, the support structure comprising: a support plate located defining an aft surface of the support structure and coupled with a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

[0054] Example 2. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the central support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the longitudinal axis is located offset from a center of the support structure.

[0055] Example 3. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the central support shaft comprises a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the one or more flux guides.

[0056] Example 4. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising a support pin, wherein the support pin is located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

[0057] Example 5. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support pin is additionally coupled with the support plate, and wherein the support pin is configured to transfer a radial load of the central support shaft to the support plate.

[0058] Example 6. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the one or more beams maintains a plurality of gaps, wherein each gap of the plurality of gaps is defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides.

[0059] Example 7. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the one or more beams includes more than one beam, and wherein the one or more beams are arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0060] Example 8. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein a first beam of the one or more beams is located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a second beam of the one or more beams is located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the second radius is less than the first radius.

[0061] Example 9. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein, in response to the one or more beams receiving rotational stress, each beam of the one or more beams is configured to apply compression pressure to the support structure.

[0062] Example 10. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein each beam of the one or more beams is located abutting one or more protrusions that extend from the corresponding flux guide.

[0063] Example 11 . The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support plate has a center that is substantially aligned with a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0064] Example 12. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the set of openings are arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the one or more flux guides.

[0065] Example 13. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the set of openings comprises a first opening defining a first shape and a second opening defining a second shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape.

[0066] Example 14. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least one of the support plates, the central support shaft, or the one or more beams comprises a non-magnetic polymeric material.

[0067] Example 15. A brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) comprising the support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples and one or more flux guides.

[0068] Example 16. A support structure for one or more flux guides, the support structure comprising: a set of flux guides; a support plate located defining an aft surface and coupledwith a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

[0069] Example 17. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the central support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein the longitudinal axis is offset from a center of the support structure, wherein the central support shaft comprises a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the support structure, and wherein the support structure further comprises a support pin located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

[0070] Example 18. The support structure of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the one or more beams maintains a plurality of gaps, wherein each gap of the plurality of gaps are defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides, wherein the one or more beams includes more than one beam, wherein the one or more beams are arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a first beam of the one or more beams is located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a second beam of the one or more beams is located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the second radius is less than the first radius.

[0071] Example 19. A brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) for a hybrid electric drive system, the BDFM comprising: a set of flux guides; and a support structure comprising: a support plate located on an aft surface of a brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) and coupled with a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the set of flux guides.

[0072] Example 20. The BDFM of any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support plate has a center that is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the BDFM, andwherein the set of openings are arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the set of flux guides.

[0073] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

[0074] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the FIG. (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0075] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviationfrom absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0076] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, and certain shown exemplary embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Variations of those preferred embodiments, within the spirit of the present invention, may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0077] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. A support structure for supporting one or more flux guides, the support structure comprising: a support plate located defining an aft surface of the support structure and coupled with a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the central support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the longitudinal axis is located offset from a center of the support structure.

3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the central support shaft comprises a nonmagnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the one or more flux guides.

4. The support structure of claim 3, further comprising a support pin, wherein the support pin is located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

5. The support structure of claim 4, wherein the support pin is additionally coupled with the support plate, and wherein the support pin is configured to transfer a radial load of the central support shaft to the support plate.

6. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more beams maintains a plurality of gaps, wherein each gap of the plurality of gaps is defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides.

7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein the one or more beams includes more than one beam, and wherein the one or more beams are arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

8. The support structure of claim 7, wherein a first beam of the one or more beams is located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a second beam of the one or more beams is located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the second radius is less than the first radius.

9. The support structure of claim 6, wherein, in response to the one or more beams receiving rotational stress, each beam of the one or more beams is configured to apply compression pressure to the support structure.

10. The support structure of claim 6, wherein each beam of the one or more beams is located abutting one or more protrusions that extend from the corresponding flux guide.11 . The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the support plate has a center that is substantially aligned with a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure.

12. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the set of openings are arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the one or more flux guides.

13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the set of openings comprises a first opening defining a first shape and a second opening defining a second shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape.

14. The support structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of the support plate, the central support shaft, or the one or more beams comprises a non-magnetic polymeric material.

15. A brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) comprising the support structure of claim 1 and one or more flux guides.

16. A support structure for one or more flux guides, the support structure comprising: a set of flux guides: a support plate located defining an aft surface and coupled with a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the one or more flux guides.

17. The support structure of claim 16, wherein the central support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein the longitudinal axis is offset from a center of the support structure, wherein the central support shaft comprises a non-magnetic material that does not affect a magnetic circuit associated with the support structure, and wherein the support structure further comprises a support pin located adjacent to the central support shaft to retain a position of the central support shaft.

18. The support structure of claim 16, wherein the one or more beams maintains a plurality of gaps, wherein each gap of the plurality of gaps are defined between a corresponding flux guide of the one or more flux guides, wherein the one or more beams includes more than one beam, wherein the one or more beams are arranged around a central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a first beam of the one or more beams is located at a first radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, wherein a second beam of the one or more beams is located at a second radius with respect to the central, longitudinal axis of the support structure, and wherein the second radius is less than the first radius.

19. A brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) for a hybrid electric drive system, the BDFM comprising: a set of flux guides: and a support structure comprising:a support plate located on an aft surface of a brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) and coupled with a central support shaft, the support plate defining a set of openings; the central support shaft that extends away from the support plate; and one or more beams coupled with the support plate, each beam of the one or more beams extending away from the support plate in a same direction as the central support shaft and configured to be positioned between adjacent flux guides of the set of flux guides.

20. The BDFM of claim 19, wherein the support plate has a center that is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the BDFM, and wherein the set of openings are arranged radially around the center of the support plate to facilitate air flow to cool the set of flux guides.

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