Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a rotor core including a first end and a second end. The rotor core includes a plurality of permanent magnet openings that are each configured to receive a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet rotor also includes a first rotor end lamination coupled to the first rotor core end. The first rotor end lamination includes a plurality of inner lamination walls defining a first lamination opening and a second lamination opening circumferentially adjacent the first lamination opening. At least one inner lamination wall includes at least one permanent magnet retention feature configured to secure the permanent magnet within a corresponding permanent magnet opening. The at least one permanent magnet retention feature includes at least one tab extending radially from at least one of the plurality of inner lamination walls within the first rotor end lamination.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a rotor core including a first end and a second end. The rotor core includes a plurality of permanent magnet openings that are each configured to receive a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet rotor also includes a first rotor end lamination coupled to the first rotor core end. The first rotor end lamination includes a plurality of inner lamination walls defining a first lamination opening and a second lamination opening circumferentially adjacent the first lamination opening. At least one inner lamination wall includes at least one permanent magnet retention feature configured to secure the permanent magnet within a corresponding permanent magnet opening. The at least one permanent magnet retention feature includes at least one tab extending radially from at least one of the plurality of inner lamination walls within the first rotor end lamination.

Abstract: A method for securing a permanent magnet within a rotor core is described. The rotor core includes a first end and a second end and at least one permanent magnet opening configured to receive the permanent magnet. The method includes coupling a first rotor end lamination to the first end of the rotor core. The first lamination includes at least one inner wall that defines an opening within the first lamination that corresponds to the permanent magnet opening in the rotor core. The first lamination includes a bridge portion positioned between the at least one inner wall and an outer edge of the first rotor end lamination. The method also includes positioning a permanent magnet at least partially within the permanent magnet opening and mechanically deforming the bridge portion of the first lamination to secure the permanent magnet within the permanent magnet opening.

Abstract: A method for securing a permanent magnet within a rotor core is described. The rotor core includes a first end and a second end and at least one permanent magnet opening configured to receive the permanent magnet. The method includes coupling a first rotor end lamination to the first end of the rotor core. The first lamination includes at least one inner wall that defines an opening within the first lamination that corresponds to the permanent magnet opening in the rotor core. The first lamination includes a bridge portion positioned between the at least one inner wall and an outer edge of the first rotor end lamination. The method also includes positioning a permanent magnet at least partially within the permanent magnet opening and mechanically deforming the bridge portion of the first lamination to secure the permanent magnet within the permanent magnet opening.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a motor enclosure, a motor-bearing assembly, a motor control unit, a mid shield, and a bearing. The motor-bearing assembly is configured for placement within the motor enclosure and has a shaft extending therefrom. A portion of the motor control unit is configured for placement within the motor enclosure. The mid shield is configured for placement within the motor enclosure between the motor control unit and the motor-bearing assembly and further configured to engage the shaft. The bearing is configured to seat within the mid shield and provide at least a portion of the engagement between the shaft and the mid shield.

Abstract: A motor is described that includes a motor enclosure, a motor winding assembly, a motor control unit, and a mid shield. The motor enclosure includes a plurality of protrusions into the motor enclosure in a substantially configuration around its perimeter and the motor winding assembly is configured for placement within the motor enclosure. A portion of the motor control unit is configured for placement within the motor enclosure and the mid shield is configured for placement within the motor enclosure between the motor control unit and the motor winding assembly where it engages the protrusions upon insertion into the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for reducing a length of a motor is described. The method includes engaging a motor enclosure at a first end with a motor winding assembly, inserting a mid shield into the motor enclosure from a second end of the enclosure, and fastening the mid shield to the motor winding assembly. The method further includes engaging the second end of the motor enclosure with a motor control unit, at least a portion of the motor control unit within the motor enclosure, and fastening the motor control unit to the mid shield.

Abstract: A motor is described that includes a motor enclosure, a mid shield, and a motor control unit having a chassis and a plurality of components mounted on the chassis. The motor enclosure includes a plurality of protrusions extending into the motor enclosure. The mid shield is configured for placement within the motor enclosure and configured to engage the protrusions. The mid shield is configured with a plurality of open spaces. The chassis of the motor control unit is configured to engage an end of the motor enclosure and the motor control unit is configured such that at least a portion of the components extend into the motor enclosure and the spaces in the mid shield.

Abstract: A motor is described that includes a motor enclosure, a motor-bearing assembly, a motor control unit, and a mid shield. The motor-bearing assembly is configured for placement within the motor enclosure, and a portion of the motor control unit is configured for placement within the motor enclosure. The mid shield is configured for placement within the motor enclosure between the motor control unit and the motor-bearing assembly. The mid shield is further configured to allow removal of the motor control unit without disturbance of the motor-bearing assembly.