Devices and methods for magnetic pole retention in electromagnetic machines

An apparatus, comprising:

• a rotor element configured to be disposed for rotational movement about an axis of rotation relative to a stator, the rotor element being spaced from the stator in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the rotor element including:
• a magnetic support formed at least in part of a ferromagnetic material,
• a first magnetic pole assembly coupled to the magnetic support,
• a second magnetic pole assembly coupled to the magnetic support,
• a retainer member having a first coupling portion matingly coupled to a coupling portion of the first magnetic pole assembly and to a coupling portion of the second magnetic pole assembly, and
• a coupler configured to maintain the retainer member coupled to the first magnetic pole assembly, the second magnetic pole assembly and to the magnetic support, the coupler being elongate and extending in the axial direction.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a rotor element configured to be disposed for rotational movement about an axis of rotation relative to a stator, the rotor element being spaced from the stator in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the rotor element including:
• a magnetic support;
• a first magnetic pole assembly coupled to the magnetic support,
• a second magnetic pole assembly coupled to the magnetic support,
• the first magnetic pole assembly and the second magnetic pole assembly each having an angled edge portion;
• a retainer member having a length and a width, the length being greater than the width and extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the retainer member having a first angled edge portion and a second angled edge portion configured to matingly engage the angled edge portion of the first magnetic pole assembly and angled edge portion of the second magnetic pole assembly, respectively;
• and
• a coupler configured to maintain the retainer member coupled to the first magnetic pole assembly, the second magnetic pole assembly and to the magnetic support.