Linear electric motor

Abstract

To provide a linear electric motor, a stator for the linear electric motor, a method of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor, and a method of assembling a linear electric motor.SOLUTION: A linear electric motor comprises a stator having a plurality of stacked stator segments. At least one of the stacked stator segments comprises: a stator part; a first stator back part that is adjacent to the stator part on a first surface of the stator part; and a conductor. An armature is configured to linearly move through the stator during operation. The conductor substantially surrounds the armature portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,534, filed Aug. 24, 2023, entitled "LINEAR ELECTRIC MOTOR," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The following discussion is provided for general background information only and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the subject matter.

[0003] Aspects disclosed herein relate to actuators, and in particular to the construction of electromagnetic actuators that apply linear forces. Such actuators find particular advantage in testing machines or devices used to test parameters and / or performance of materials, components, consumer products, and medical and other devices (i.e., test specimens). Typically, testing machines include one or more actuators to apply input loads and displacements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a linear electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of stacked stator segments, at least one of the plurality of stacked stator segments including a stator portion, a first stator back portion adjacent the stator portion on a first face of the stator portion, and a conductor. An armature is configured to move linearly through the stator during operation. The conductor substantially surrounds the armature.

[0005] In one embodiment, the linear electric motor further comprises at least one stator section comprising a plurality of laminations. In one embodiment, the at least one stator back section comprises a plurality of laminations. In one embodiment, the linear electric motor further comprises a plurality of stator teeth. The stator section comprises a plurality of stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening toward an outer periphery of the stator section. Each stator tooth is configured to be inserted into a respective one of the plurality of stator teeth slots. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations. In one embodiment, a housing surrounds the stator and the armature.

[0006] In one embodiment, each stator tooth may have a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. Each stator tooth is orientable in one of two positions within its respective stator tooth slot: a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion, and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face and parallel to the first face. In one embodiment, the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first and second positions.

[0007] In one embodiment, each stacked stator segment further comprises a second back portion adjacent to the stator portion on a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face. Each stator tooth may comprise a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. At least one stator portion in one embodiment comprises a plurality of laminations, at least one back portion comprises a plurality of laminations, and at least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations, the lamination direction of each stator tooth being perpendicular to the lamination direction of the stator portion and the back portion.

[0008] Generally, a stator for a linear electric motor includes a plurality of stacked stator segments, each of which includes a stator portion, a back portion adjacent a first face of the stator portion, and a conductor adjacent the back portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one stator section comprises a plurality of laminations. In one embodiment, at least one stator back section comprises a plurality of laminations. In one embodiment, at least one stator segment further comprises a plurality of stator teeth. At least one stator section may comprise a plurality of stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening toward an outer periphery of the stator section, each stator tooth being configured to be inserted into a respective one of the plurality of stator teeth slots. At least one of the plurality of stator teeth may comprise a plurality of laminations. Each stator tooth may comprise a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator teeth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. Each stator tooth is orientable in one of two positions within its respective stator teeth slot: a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion, and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face and parallel to the first face. In one embodiment, the stator portion includes at least two slots and the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first and second positions.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one stacked stator segment further comprises a second back portion adjacent the second face of the stator portion. The stator may further comprise a plurality of stator teeth engaged within radial slots of the stator portion, each stator tooth having a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator teeth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. At least one stator portion may comprise a plurality of laminations, the at least one back portion comprising a plurality of laminations, and at least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth comprising a plurality of laminations, the lamination direction of each laminated stator tooth being perpendicular to the lamination direction of the laminated stator portion and the laminated back portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the back portion includes an opening sized to receive the armature. The conductor, in one embodiment, substantially surrounds the opening.

[0012] Generally, a method of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor includes assembling a plurality of stator segments, each stator segment having a stator portion, a back portion adjacent a first surface of the stator portion, and a conductor, and stacking the plurality of stator segments to form a stator.

[0013] In one embodiment, the assembling further includes inserting the plurality of stator teeth into a plurality of stator teeth slots of the at least one stator portion, the stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer periphery of the stator portion, each stator tooth being configured to be inserted into a respective one of the plurality of stator teeth slots, each stator tooth including a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator teeth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. The method, in one embodiment, includes orienting each stator tooth in one of two positions within a respective stator tooth slot: a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion, and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face and parallel to the first face. Inserting the stator teeth, in one embodiment, includes arranging the inserted stator teeth in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first and second positions.

[0014] The method, in one embodiment, further includes each stacked stator segment further comprising a second back portion adjacent the second face of the stator portion.

[0015] A method of assembling a linear electric motor includes stacking a plurality of stator segments on one another to form a stator and stacking a plurality of armature segments on one another to form an armature, each stator segment having a stator portion, a back portion adjacent the stator portion, and a conductor, the conductor substantially surrounding the armature, and a winding of the conductor of each of the plurality of stator segments is connected.

[0016] In one embodiment, stacking the plurality of stator segments on one another further comprises stacking laminated stator sections.In one embodiment, the method further comprises mounting the stator and the armature within a housing.

[0017] This summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the linear electric motor as described herein. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The drawings and description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear electric motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stator segment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the stator segment of FIG. 2.

[0021] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stator portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stator back portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stator tooth according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stacked stator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stator portion and stator teeth according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of a stator section lamination according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of a lamination of a stator back section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of a lamination of a stator tooth according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a flow chart diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of an armature according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a magnet in a first position.

[0034] [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a magnet in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] It should be noted that the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements in different drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise indicated, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps within a group of elements or steps, and do not impose sequential or numerical limitations on the elements or steps of the embodiment. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" elements or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and do not necessarily limit the embodiment to three elements or steps. It should also be understood that unless otherwise indicated, any designations such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "forward," "reverse," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "up," "down," or other similar terms such as "upper," "lower," "rear," "forward," "vertical," "horizontal," "proximal," "distal," "middle," etc., are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such designations are used, for example, to reflect relative locations, orientations, or directions. It should also be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] 1, a linear electric motor 100 includes a stator 110, which in one embodiment includes a plurality of stacked stator segments 120, an armature 140, and a housing 150 that encloses the stator 110 and the armature 140. The armature 140, in one embodiment, is configured to move linearly through the stator 110 during operation. In one embodiment, the stator and armature are cylindrical, although it should be understood that other shapes for the stator and armature may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The housing 150 is illustrated as having heat sink fins, however it should be understood that other types of housings or no housing at all may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, liquid-cooled or air-cooled housings may be used in various embodiments.

[0037] Each stacked stator segment 120, seen in assembled form in FIG. 2 and also in exploded view in FIG. 3, in one embodiment includes a stator portion 122, a stator back portion 124 adjacent a face of the stator portion 122, and conductors 126. In one embodiment, the conductors 126 substantially surround the armature 140 of the linear electric motor 100. A stator 110 formed from a plurality of stacked stator segments 120 is shown in assembled form in FIG. 8. The stator portion 122, in one embodiment, is a unitary plate having a central opening. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4, the stator portion 122 includes a plurality of stator teeth slots as described below. It should be understood that the conductors 126 do not have to completely surround the armature 140, but can partially surround it, and preferably surround substantially the entire circumference, but do not have to completely surround the armature 140.

[0038] In one embodiment, linear electric motor 100 further comprises a plurality of stator teeth 160 (described further below in FIG. 6). Each stator portion 122, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of stator teeth slots 128 that extend radially outward from central opening 130 toward outer periphery 132 of stator portion 122. Each stator tooth 160 is configured to be inserted into a respective one of the plurality of stator teeth slots 128.

[0039] 4 is a perspective view showing stator portion 122 in greater detail. Stator portion 122, in one embodiment, is substantially circular in shape with an inner opening 130 and an outer periphery 132. A plurality of radial slots 128 extend from inner opening 130 toward outer periphery 132 and are configured to receive stator teeth 160 as described above. Stator teeth 160 can be inserted in one of two different orientations as discussed further below. Alignment and epoxy channel notches 123, in one embodiment, function as part of a channel when the segmented stator is assembled. The channel allows for the introduction of an encapsulant material to seal the stator / motor.

[0040] 5 is a perspective view showing stator back section 124 in greater detail. Stator back section 124 is substantially circular in shape and has a smaller circumference than stator section 122 in one embodiment. Alignment and epoxy channel notches 127 in one embodiment function as part of the channel when the segmented stator is assembled. Notches 127 in back section 124 align with notches 123 in stator section 122 to form channels when the stator segments are assembled. The channels allow for the introduction of encapsulant material to seal the stator / motor.

[0041] When the stator teeth 160 are inserted into the stator teeth slots 128, the back portions 124 are aligned adjacent to their stator portions 122 by engagement of the ends 162 of the stator teeth 160 with the ends 144 of their respective stator teeth slots 128. In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, two back portions 124 are used in the stator segment 120, with the back portions 124 adjacent opposite sides of the stator portion 122. In this configuration, the back portions 124 sandwich the stator portion 122 and the stator teeth 160. The conductors 126, in one embodiment, are sized to fit into the central openings 146 of the back portions 124, and the assembly of the stator portion 122, the stator teeth 160, the two back portions 124, and the coils 126 form the stator segment 120. In one embodiment, stator back portion 124 includes a plurality of stator teeth alignment slots 148 sized and configured to receive extensions 164 of stator teeth 160, as described in further detail below. Extensions 164, in one embodiment, extend beyond the thickness of stator portion 122, thereby allowing for aligned mating of stator back portion 124 with stator portion 122 and stator teeth 160. Multiple stator segments 120 are stacked to form stator 110, as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of stator teeth 160. In one embodiment, each stator tooth 160 includes a first end 162 having a pair of symmetrical extensions 164 that extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 166 of the stator tooth 160. The longitudinal axis corresponds to a radial direction of the tooth slot 128 in which it is seated in one embodiment. A second end 168 of the stator tooth 160 has a pair of asymmetrical extensions 170 and 172, each of which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 166 in opposite directions. The first extension 170 is longer than the second extension 172 in one embodiment. The ends 162 are inserted into the stator tooth slots and extend toward the outer periphery 132 until they seat against the ends 144 of their respective stator tooth slots 128.

[0043] Each stator tooth 160 is oriented within its respective stator tooth slot 128 in one of two positions, shown as a first position 174 and a second position 178, as shown in more detail in FIG. 9. In the first position 174, the first extension 170 extends in a first direction 176 that is substantially perpendicular to the first face 134 of the stator portion 122, and the second extension 172 extends in a second direction 180 that is substantially perpendicular to the second face 136 of the stator portion 122, the second face 136 being opposite and parallel to the first face 134. In the second position 178, the second extension 172 extends in the first direction 176 and the first extension 170 extends in the second direction 180.

[0044] The stator teeth 160 are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth 160 in the first position 174 and the second position 178 in one embodiment. Arranging the stator teeth 160 in such a pattern helps reduce cogging in the linear electric motor 100. The pattern can be any number of patterns including alternating stator teeth positions so long as the number of stator teeth 160 in each of the first positions 174 and 178 is equal. For example, in the stator portion 122 as shown in FIG. 9, there are 16 stator teeth slots 128. In one embodiment, four stator teeth 160 are arranged in the first position 174 in consecutive slots 128 and four additional stator teeth 160 are in the second position 178 in the next four consecutive stator teeth slots 128. A third set of four stator teeth 160 is in the first position 174 in the next four consecutive stator teeth slots 128, and the final four stator teeth slots 128 have stator teeth 160 in the second position 178. Other patterns may be used, such as alternating every two stator teeth slots, every eight stator teeth slots, etc., so long as the number of stator teeth 160 in the first position 174 is the same as the number of stator teeth 160 in the second position 178. Symmetrical placement of stator teeth 160 in slots 128 provides better cogging reduction.

[0045] 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary housing 150 in which the stator 110 and armature 140 may be mounted. It should be understood that the housing 150 is shown only as an exemplary housing, and different housings may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such other housings include, by way of example only and not limitation, housings with heat sink fins, liquid or air cooled housings, and the like.

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each stacked stator segment 120 includes a stator portion 122, two back portions 124, one on each side of the stator portion 122, and a number of stator teeth 160 engaged in radial slots 128 of the stator portion 122. A conductor 126 is disposed within an opening 136 of one of the back portions 124. The conductor 126 may be a wound coil or the like. In one embodiment, the conductor 126 substantially surrounds an armature 140 of the linear electric motor 100. Each stator segment 120 may be assembled with other stacked stator segments 120 to form a stacked stator 110 as shown in FIG. 8. Although a back portion 124 is shown on each side of each stator portion 122, it should be understood that a single back portion 124 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one of the stator portion 122, the back portion 124, and the stator teeth 160 comprises a plurality of laminations. The laminations 129 of the stator portion 122 are shown in a side view of the stator portion 122 in FIG. 10. The laminations 125 of the back portion 124 are shown in a side view of the back portion 124 in FIG. 11. The laminations 161 of the stator teeth 160 are shown in FIG. 12. In one embodiment, the laminations 129 of the stator portion 122 and the laminations 125 of the back portion 124 are assembled in the same orientation. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the laminations 161 of the stator teeth 160 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the laminations 123 of the stator portion 122 and the laminations 125 of the back portion 124. As known in the art, laminations are used in one embodiment to better control eddy currents.

[0048] The use of laminations for one or more of the stator section 122, back section 124, stator teeth 160, and armature pieces results in a lower cost assembly compared to, for example, machining from a steel ingot.

[0049] Thus, the stator 110 of the linear electric motor 100 includes a plurality of stacked stator segments 120, as shown in FIG. 9, with each stator segment 120 including a stator portion 122, a back portion 124 adjacent a face of the stator portion 122, and a conductor 126 abutting the back portion 124. A second back portion 124 may be positioned adjacent an opposite face of the stator portion 122 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, at least one stator portion 122 includes a plurality of laminations 129, as best shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, at least one stator back portion 124 includes a plurality of laminations 125, as best shown in FIG. 11. A plurality of stator teeth 160, in one embodiment, are inserted into a plurality of stator teeth slots 128 to reduce cogging in the motion of the armature 140 as discussed above. At least one stator tooth 160 may include a plurality of laminations 161, as best shown in Figure 12. The laminations 161 of the stator tooth 160, in one embodiment, are substantially perpendicular to the laminations 129 of the stator portion 122 and the laminations 125 of the stator back portion 124, respectively.

[0050] FIG. 13A is a flow chart diagram of a method 200 for assembling a stator of a linear electric motor. The method 200, in one embodiment, includes assembling a plurality of stator segments at block 202 and stacking the plurality of stator segments to form a stator at block 204. The assembly of the stator segments as in block 202 is further shown in FIG. 13B and may further include assembling a stator section having a plurality of stator teeth slots as described above and a plurality of stator teeth, each stator tooth being inserted into a respective one of the plurality of stator teeth slots of each stator section at block 206, and assembling the stator teeth with a back section or sections adjacent the stator section. The method block 202, in one embodiment, may further include orienting each stator tooth in one of two positions within its respective stator teeth slot as shown in block 208. The first position and the second position are further described above.

[0051] A method 300 of assembling a linear electric motor is illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 14. Method 300, in one embodiment, includes stacking a plurality of stator segments together to form a stator at block 302 and installing an armature at block 304. The armature, in one embodiment, may comprise a plurality of armature segments stacked together to form the armature. Method 300 further includes connecting conductors of each of the plurality of stator segments substantially surrounding the armature at block 306 and mounting the stator and armature within a housing at block 308. Stacking the plurality of stator segments together may further include stacking unitary and / or laminated stator sections, unitary and / or laminated stator back sections, unitary and / or laminated stator teeth, unitary and / or laminated armature segments, or a combination of all or some of the above. Assembling the linear electric motor may further include known methods including connecting the conductors to each other, vacuum pressure impregnating the assembly to bond the components in place and provide thermal connections to the conductors, inserting the stator and armature into a housing, attaching end caps, and inserting or bolting the linear electric motor into a load frame or other device.

[0052] FIG. 15 shows the armature 140 in more detail. The armature 140, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of unitary and / or stacked armature segments 604 alternating with magnets 606 in a stack, the magnets 606 being aligned in one of two positions 608 and 610, which indicate different orientations of their poles relative to the stack, as described below, and with end caps 602 at either end of the armature 140. In one embodiment, the magnets 606 identified at position 608 are oriented with their south poles on the right and their north poles on the left. Similarly, the magnets 606 identified at position 610 are oriented with their south poles on the left and their north poles on the right. The resulting stack has each segment 604 having a magnetic field associated with south on one side and north on the other side. In other words, each segment 604 experiences the same polarity of the magnets 606 on either the left or right side. 16 and 17 show magnet positions 608 and 610, respectively, it should be understood that such magnet positions are within the scope of the present disclosure so long as the magnets have alternating polarity orientations. Although the armature 140 is shown as cylindrical, it should be understood that the shape of the armature may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a linear electric motor with stacked stator segments, providing integral and / or stacked components. Such a configuration reduces component and assembly costs and is easily scalable by varying the size of the armature and stator segments. Such stacked segments allow the assembled components to be fitted into an existing frame.

[0054] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered as illustrative and not limiting, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, improvements and other embodiments that fall within the true scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. 1. A linear electric motor, comprising:

1. A stator comprising a plurality of stacked stator segments, at least one of the plurality of stacked stator segments comprising: A stator portion; a stator back portion adjacent to the stator portion on a first surface of the stator portion; A conductor; A stator comprising: an armature configured to move linearly through the stator during operation, the conductor substantially surrounding the armature; A linear electric motor comprising:

2. 2. The linear electric motor of claim 1, wherein at least one stator portion or at least one stator back portion comprises a plurality of laminations, and / or the linear electric motor further comprises a plurality of stator teeth, the stator portion comprising a plurality of stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening toward an outer periphery of the stator portion, each stator tooth being configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of stator teeth slots, and in one embodiment at least one of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations, and in a further embodiment each stator tooth comprises a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along a stator teeth slot corresponding to the stator tooth, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions.

3. 3. The linear electric motor of claim 2, wherein each stator tooth is orientable in one of two positions within its corresponding stator tooth slot: a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first surface of the stator portion, and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite the first direction and perpendicular to a second surface of the stator portion opposite the first surface and parallel to the first surface.

4. 4. The linear electric motor of claim 3, wherein the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern in which the number of stator teeth in the first position and the number of stator teeth in the second position are equal to one another.

5. 1. A stator for a linear electric motor, comprising: A plurality of stacked stator segments, each stator segment comprising: A stator portion; a back portion adjacent to a first surface of the stator portion; a conductor adjacent to the back portion; Equipped with Stator.

6. At least one stator section or at least one stator back section comprises a plurality of laminations; and / or At least one stator segment further comprises a plurality of stator teeth, and in one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations; and / or the at least one stator portion includes a plurality of stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening toward an outer periphery of the stator portion, each stator tooth being configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of stator teeth slots. The stator according to claim 5.

7. Each stator tooth has a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions. In one embodiment, each stator tooth has two positions within its corresponding stator tooth slot, i.e., forward and backward in a first direction perpendicular to the first face of the stator portion.

7. The stator of claim 6, wherein the first extension portion can be oriented in one of a first position in which the first extension portion extends and a second position in which the first extension portion extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second surface of the stator portion opposite the first surface and parallel to the first surface, and in a further embodiment, the stator portion has at least two slots and the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern in which the number of stator teeth in the first position and the second position are equal to each other.

8. 6. The stator of claim 5, wherein at least one stacked stator segment further comprises a second back portion adjacent a second face of the stator portion, and / or the back portion comprises an opening sized to receive an armature.

9. 1. A method of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor, comprising the steps of: assembling a plurality of stator segments, each stator segment including a stator portion, a back portion adjacent a first surface of the stator portion, and a conductor; stacking the plurality of stator segments to form the stator; A method comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the assembling further includes inserting a plurality of stator teeth into a plurality of stator teeth slots of at least one stator portion, the stator teeth slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer periphery of the stator portion, each stator tooth being configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of stator teeth slots, each stator tooth having a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator teeth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extensions being longer than the second extensions.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising orienting each stator tooth in one of two positions within its corresponding stator tooth slot: a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to the first face of the stator portion, and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction, perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face and parallel to the first face.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein inserting the stator teeth includes arranging the inserted stator teeth in a pattern in which a number of stator teeth at the first location and a number of stator teeth at the second location are equal to one another.

13. 1. A method of assembling a linear electric motor, comprising the steps of: stacking a plurality of stator segments together to form a stator, each stator segment including a stator portion, a back portion adjacent a first surface of the stator portion, and a conductor; stacking a plurality of armature segments on one another to form an armature, the conductor substantially surrounding the armature; connecting a winding of the conductor of each of the plurality of stator segments; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein stacking the plurality of stator segments on one another further comprises stacking laminated stator sections.

Images