Abstract: Integrated devices and methods for compensating electric grade steel lamination stack height for use in a conventional two-plate high pressure die cast tool used for casting aluminum induction rotors. These devices and methods allow for significant variation in the lamination stack height without associated failures related to stack height variation, and also ensure constant and accurate clamping pressure on both the OD and ID of the steel lamination stack which prevents electric insulation damage, metal flow between laminations, large casting metal flash, and tool damage for excessive height laminations stacks. The clamping pressure is adjustable and is actuated from a single hydraulic cylinder which allows for a wide range of pressures to accommodate fine adjustment of clamping pressure to insure no damage occurs to the laminations.

Abstract: Integrated devices and methods for compensating electric grade steel lamination stack height for use in a conventional two-plate high pressure die cast tool used for casting aluminum induction rotors. These devices and methods allow for significant variation in the lamination stack height without associated failures related to stack height variation, and also ensure constant and accurate clamping pressure on both the OD and ID of the steel lamination stack which prevents electric insulation damage, metal flow between laminations, large casting metal flash, and tool damage for excessive height laminations stacks. The clamping pressure is adjustable and is actuated from a single hydraulic cylinder which allows for a wide range of pressures to accommodate fine adjustment of clamping pressure to insure no damage occurs to the laminations.

Abstract: A method for forming a rotor assembly including a cast rotor frame includes positioning a preheated rotor core defining a plurality of passages in a mold cavity such that the mold cavity and the rotor core define the rotor frame including a plurality of conductor bars defined by the plurality of passages in fluid communication with first and second end portions of the mold cavity. Molten metal is quiescently introduced into the mold cavity through an ingate and simultaneously flowed through the plurality of passages prior to filling at least one of the first and second end portions of the mold cavity to form the cast rotor frame. Entrained air and impurities may be displaced from the passages by the flow of molten metal and vented or entrapped by a biscuit. The rotor frame and conductor bars thus formed may be characterized by high conductivity, negligible porosity, and minimal oxides.

Abstract: A method for forming a rotor assembly including a cast rotor frame includes positioning a preheated rotor core defining a plurality of passages in a mold cavity such that the mold cavity and the rotor core define the rotor frame including a plurality of conductor bars defined by the plurality of passages in fluid communication with first and second end portions of the mold cavity. Molten metal is quiescently introduced into the mold cavity through an ingate and simultaneously flowed through the plurality of passages prior to filling at least one of the first and second end portions of the mold cavity to form the cast rotor frame. Entrained air and impurities may be displaced from the passages by the flow of molten metal and vented or entrapped by a biscuit. The rotor frame and conductor bars thus formed may be characterized by high conductivity, negligible porosity, and minimal oxides.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a stator stack and a plurality of lead conductors extending from the stator stack. A plurality of conductor terminals are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of lead conductors. A plurality of wires are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductor terminals and a plurality of phase lead connection terminals are each connected to at least one of the plurality of wires.

Abstract: A resolver is configured to determine the rotational position of a first member that is selectively rotatable about an axis with respect to a second member. The resolver includes a stator core, a plurality of wire windings operatively connected to the stator core, a winding support between the windings and the stator core, and a cover at least partially enclosing the windings. One of the cover and the winding support defines a pin that is fittable inside a hole in the second member. The pin functions as a locating feature, which ensures that the stator is accurately mounted to the second member. Because the pin is part of the winding support or the cover, the locating feature does not entail the use of an extra part, thereby simplifying assembly of the stator.

Abstract: A squirrel cage rotor structure used in connection with an electrical machine is formed from a high-strength, high-conductivity, and heat-treatable aluminum alloy, e.g., a T61 tempered aluminum alloy, such as A6101-T61. The resulting structure has improved strength compared to conventional pure aluminum structures, while at the same time limiting the reduction in electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A resolver is configured to determine the rotational position of a first member that is selectively rotatable about an axis with respect to a second member. The resolver includes a stator core, a plurality of wire windings operatively connected to the stator core, a winding support between the windings and the stator core, and a cover at least partially enclosing the windings. One of the cover and the winding support defines a pin that is fittable inside a hole in the second member. The pin functions as a locating feature, which ensures that the stator is accurately mounted to the second member. Because the pin is part of the winding support or the cover, the locating feature does not entail the use of an extra part, thereby simplifying assembly of the stator.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a stator stack and a plurality of lead conductors extending from the stator stack. A plurality of conductor terminals are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of lead conductors. A plurality of wires are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductor terminals and a plurality of phase lead connection terminals are each connected to at least one of the plurality of wires.

Abstract: A squirrel cage rotor structure used in connection with an electrical machine is formed from a high-strength, high-conductivity, and heat-treatable aluminum alloy, e.g., a T61 tempered aluminum alloy, such as A6101-T61. The resulting structure has improved strength compared to conventional pure aluminum structures, while at the same time limiting the reduction in electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A motor assembly is provided that includes a rotor having a plurality of coaxial rotor laminations, a conductive end ring adjacent the rotor laminations that establishes an axial end of the rotor; and a target member supported by the end ring and rotatable with the rotor. A sensor is operable to monitor, for example, speed and/or angular position of the target member as the rotor rotates. A method of forming a motor assembly includes providing a sensor target and a sensor operable to determine the position of the sensor target. The method includes connecting the sensor target with a motor rotor end ring such that the sensor target is supported by the motor rotor end ring for common rotation therewith and may be sensed by the sensor. Connecting the sensor target to the end ring may be by overcasting the sensor target onto the motor rotor end ring.