CPC H02K 11/28 (2016.01) [H02K 1/16 (2013.01); H02K 1/20 (2013.01); H02K 1/278 (2013.01); H02K 3/24 (2013.01); H02K 5/20 (2013.01); H02K 9/197 (2013.01); H02K 29/03 (2013.01); H03K 3/011 (2013.01); H03K 17/6871 (2013.01); H05K 7/209 (2013.01); H02K 5/10 (2013.01); H02K 2213/03 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. An electric machine, comprising:
a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in one of a rotor or a stator having a plurality of wire windings carrying an electric current, the magnet assembly comprising:
a plurality of fixed magnets disposed in a ring arrangement, the plurality of fixed magnets arranged having alternating poles facing toward the rotor or stator and forming a slot therebetween;
a plurality of rotatable magnets, each of the rotatable magnets having a north pole and a south pole and configured to rotate within the slot; and
a drive assembly for turning the rotatable magnets within the slots to vary the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly in the rotor or stator, the drive assembly configured to turn the rotatable magnets between a first position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is augmented and a second position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is reduced.
|