US 5,179,872 A · Magneto rotor

Abstract

A magneto rotor includes a bowl-like aluminum body with an open end defined by an annular rim having an inner peripheral surface. A plurality of arcuate pockets are machined into the peripheral rim surface, each of the pockets extending between first and second radiused ends, the radius of curvature of the pockets being approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the rim. A light weight, high field-strength magnet, formed as an arcuate plate of a neodymium-iron alloy, is adhesively fixed in each of the pockets. Each of the magnets substantially conforms to the pocket in which it is seated, and extends between first and second radiused ends. The engagement between the radiused pocket ends and the radiused magnet ends restrains the magnets from dropping radially inwardly from the pockets should the adhesive fail. The magnets are restrained from moving axially out of the pockets by a retaining ring that covers the open tops of the pockets. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet alloy is approximately 33 percent neodymium, 64 percent iron, 1 percent boron, and 2 percent dysprosium. The resulting rotor structure provides high magnetic field strength with relatively low structural mass, thereby enhancing engine performance.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A magneto rotor, comprising:

a substantially bowl-shaped body with an open end defined by an annular rim having an inner peripheral surface;
a plurality of arcuate pockets in the rim, each of the pockets extending between first and seconds ends and having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the peripheral surface, each pocket having an open radially-inward side;
and
a magnet formed as an arcuate plate of a neodymium-iron alloy disposed in each of the pockets, each magnet extending between first and second ends and substantially conforming to the shape of the pocket in which it is disposed, the magnets being retained in the pockets at least in part by the engagement between the pocket ends and the magnet ends, wherein the alloy comprises approximately 33 per cent neodymium, 64 per cent iron, 1 per cent boron, and 2 per cent dysprosium, and wherein the alloy, when magnetized, has a working temperature of approximately 120 degrees C.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magneto rotor

Life of this patent

Magneto rotor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21