Patent ID: 9369029
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: H02K

Claim Text:
1. A rectifier assembly for placement within a rotating shaft of an electric machine assembly having a first machine providing an alternating current output and a second machine receiving a direct current input, with the rectifier assembly converting the alternating current output to the direct current input, the rectifier assembly comprising: opposing first and second conductive segments, each conductive segment having a substantially arcuate cross section; opposing first and second non-conductive segments, each non-conductive segment having a substantially arcuate cross section, and coupling the first and second conductive segments such that the arcuate cross sections of the first and second conductive segments and arcuate cross sections of the first and section non-conductive segments collectively define an annular elongated rectifier structure defining an interior and extend in a longitudinal direction, with the first and second conductive segments and the first and second non-conductive segments in a radially alternating adjacent arrangement in the annular rectifier structure; a set of diode seats axially arranged along the longitudinal direction and provided on each of the first and second conductive segments so as to face the interior, with a diode seat in one set being paired with a diode seat in the other set to define axially spaced pairs of diode seats; a biasing element overlying each of the diode seats; and a non-conductive support for each of the diode seats and holding the biasing element in position relative to the diode seat; wherein a diode seated on the diode seat is biased by the biasing element against the diode seat and held in place by the non-conductive support.