Patent Description:
For a better understanding of the various examples described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:.

The constraints of a transportation system that seeks to promote high speed, high efficiency, and high power density, impose challenges that are not present in the state of the art. In particular, such a transportation system may include various electromagnetic machines for levitation, guidance, braking, and the like. Delays in maintenance of such electromagnetic machines may interfere with operation of the transportation system.

In particular, coils in vacuum-compatible electromagnetic actuators (e.g. electromagnetic machines) are not commonly replaceable without causing damage to the actuator assembly. This may be due to bonding, encapsulation, and other irreversible processes used during assembly. Connectors may be a vital part of a vacuum-compatible coil, wherein the connector represents a junction which would be subject to severe degradation if exposed to air/ionizable atmosphere. Coils are a component in an actuator (e.g. electromagnetic machines) which is subject to the highest stress (electrical and mechanical) in comparison to its structural strength. This means that they are likely to fail before other components of the actuator, and will have the greatest need for replacement and maintenance.

As used herein: a "Winding" may comprise a complete set of wires and coils used to conduct current in an actuator and/or an electromagnetic machine; and a "Coil" may comprise a wire wrapped around a pole portion an actuator and/or an electromagnetic machine (e.g. a winding typically having at least one coil).

Provided herein is a replaceable winding and/or winding assembly comprising components to provide electrical power to a winding disposed around a pole of an electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine. Actuator and/or electromagnetic machines provided herein may be vacuum compatible, and each replaceable winding and/or winding assembly may be installed and removed independently without damage to other components of the actuator and/or electromagnetic machine, and/or without removing an actuator and/or electromagnetic machine that includes a replaceable winding and/or winding assembly from a pod and/or vehicle and/or payload at which the actuator and/or electromagnetic machine is mounted.

A replaceable winding and/or winding assembly provided herein may be configured in various ways; for example electrical connectors may be located at either an end-winding position and a side winding position (e.g. a primary-winding position) external to an aperture of the windings. For example, a pole of the electromagnetic actuator may be located in the aperture and/or a pole of the magnetic actuator may be immediately adjacent to the aperture and may define at least one dimension of the aperture (e.g. the aperture dimensions may be selected based on the pole dimensions). Indeed, furthermore, a replaceable winding may be disposed between neighboring poles. For example, a location and/or orientation of the electrical connectors relative to a body of an electrical winding is selected such that an electrical winding may easily be replaced at the electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine. In examples provided herein, electrical connectors are located at end windings (a longitudinal end) of an electrical winding, as well as located at a long side of an electrical winding; however, the electrical connectors may be located at any suitable position where the electrical connectors do not obstruct poles of the electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine, and/or the insertion/removal paths of the electrical winding onto the poles.

A replaceable winding and/or winding assembly provided herein may be retained at an electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine in a plurality of ways. For example one or more straps may be provided which hold a replaceable winding to a removable plate and/or a cold plate, the plate and/or the cold plate being mechanically attached to the actuator and/or electromagnetic machine. The plate could have cooling functionality (e.g. a cold plate), or it may comprise ferromagnetic material and comprise a component of a magnetic pole and/or back-iron of an electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine; alternatively the plate may comprise non-ferromagnetic material and provide electrical winding retention functionality (e.g. without cooling and/or magnetic functionality). Alternatively, bars disposed across a top of electromagnetic actuator and/or electromagnetic machine may constrain the replaceable winding and/or winding assembly in a direction of a pole portion; removable plates may be located below the replaceable winding, and the replaceable winding may be attached to the plate by various methods.

Furthermore, in the case of the end-winding connector configuration, the replaceable winding may be directly interfaced with and/or interfaced with the connectors via encapsulation that performs various functions; the encapsulation may cover all faces of the end-winding. Indeed, in the case of a primary-winding connector configuration and/or an end-winding configuration, a coil of a replaceable winding may be indirectly interfaced with and/or interfaced with a connector via leads and other components including strands of the wire comprising the coil, where the connector assembly may include encapsulation and/or another insulation system. For example, a coil of a replaceable winding may be electrically connected to the connector through wire leads and/or busbars which may be bolted, welded, soldered and/or brazed together.

A replaceable winding for an electromagnetic machine with the features of claim <NUM> is provided, comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis, the body comprising opposing surfaces along the longitudinal axis; an aperture through the body, between the opposing surfaces, the aperture having generally parallel internal sides about perpendicular to the opposing surfaces of the body, the aperture configured to removably received a pole portion of the electromagnetic machine; electrical conductors wound about the aperture in the body; and electrical connectors at one or more external sides of the body, the electrical connectors connected to the electrical conductors.

Also, an electromagnetic machine with the features of claim <NUM> is provided, comprising a ferromagnetic body extending along a longitudinal axis, the ferromagnetic body comprising: a back-iron portion; and a pole portion extending from the back-iron portion, the pole portion having parallel external sides; and a replaceable winding located on the pole portion comprising: a body along the longitudinal axis, the body being comprising opposing surfaces along the longitudinal axis; an aperture through the body, between the opposing surfaces, along the longitudinal axis, the aperture having parallel internal sides about perpendicular to the opposing surfaces of the body, the aperture configured to removably received the pole portion such that the parallel external sides of the pole portion and the parallel internal sides of the aperture are adjacent when the replaceable winding is on the pole portion; electrical conductors wound about the aperture in the body; and electrical connectors at one or more external sides of the body, the electrical connectors connected to the electrical conductors; and at least one removable retention mechanism to removably retain the replaceable winding at the pole portion.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> and <FIG> which respectively depict: a perspective view of an electromagnetic machine <NUM> that includes replaceable windings <NUM>; and a partial cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> through the line A-A of <FIG>. The electromagnetic machine <NUM> generally comprise an electromagnetic actuator which may be used for any suitable functionality, including, but not limited to, levitating (e.g. a levitation electromagnetic actuator), guidance (e.g. a guidance electromagnetic actuator), braking (e.g. a braking electromagnetic actuator), and the like, though the electromagnetic machine may be adapted for any suitable functionality.

One or more of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> and may be attached to a pod (e.g. a vehicle and/or payload, and the like), and the like, of a transportation system. For example, one or more of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may be attached to a pod and/or vehicle and/or payload used in a high speed transportation system which may be deployed on land, underground, overland, overwater, underwater, and the like; a pod and/or vehicle and/or payload of the highspeed transport system may comprise a vehicle, and the like, for transporting cargo and/or passengers, and the like, and/or any other suitable payloads. One or more of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may interact with a track of the transportation system and/or high speed transportation system to provide electromagnetic actuation for the pod and/or vehicle and/or payload. The track may be mounted in a tube, and/or at a wall, and the like, of the transportation system which may be partially evacuated. The pod and/or vehicle and/or payload may include further electromagnetic machines for any suitable type of electromagnetic actuation, in the tube. Such further electromagnetic machines may include replaceable windings similar to the replaceable windings <NUM>, but adapted for a geometry and/or functionality of the further electromagnetic machines. The replaceable windings <NUM>, and the like, may become damaged and/or need replacing, and such replacement processes will be described below.

In particular, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises: at least one ferromagnetic body <NUM> (a cross-section of which is best seen in <FIG>) extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, the ferromagnetic body <NUM> comprising: a back-iron portion <NUM> (as best seen in cross-section in <FIG>); and a pole portion <NUM> extending from the back-iron portion <NUM>, the pole portion <NUM> having parallel external sides <NUM> (e.g. one of which is depicted in <FIG>).

The electromagnetic machine <NUM> further comprises at least one replaceable winding <NUM> located on the pole portion <NUM>, the at least one replaceable winding <NUM> comprising: a body <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>, the body <NUM> comprising opposing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM> (e.g. top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> best seen in <FIG>); an aperture <NUM> through the body <NUM>, between the opposing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, along the longitudinal axis <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> having parallel internal sides <NUM> (e.g. as best seen in <FIG>) about perpendicular the opposing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> configured to removably received the pole portion <NUM> such that the parallel external sides <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and the parallel internal sides <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> are adj acent when the replaceable winding <NUM> is on the pole portion <NUM>; electrical conductors (not visible but understood to be present in the body <NUM>) wound about the aperture <NUM> in the body <NUM>; and electrical connectors <NUM> at one or more external sides <NUM> of the body <NUM>, the electrical connectors <NUM> connected to the electrical conductors, as described in more detail below. When the replaceable winding <NUM> is removed from the pole portion <NUM>, the sides <NUM>, <NUM> generally slide relative to each other.

Put another way, the pole portion <NUM> may be generally rectangular in cross-section and the aperture <NUM> may have a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the pole portion <NUM> may be generally square in cross-section and the aperture <NUM> may have a square cross-section.

Furthermore, while as depicted, the body <NUM> is generally planar (e.g. and the generally parallel internal sides <NUM> are about perpendicular to a plane of the body <NUM>), the body <NUM> may have any suitable shape. For example, the body <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, bends and/or steps (e.g. one or more steps) along the direction of the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Indeed, the body <NUM> may have any suitable shape where the electrical winding <NUM> is replaceable at the electromagnetic machine <NUM> as described in further detail below.

In general, there may be a gap between the internal sides <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> and respective external sides <NUM> of the pole portions <NUM>. Indeed, as the electrical windings <NUM> are removable from the pole portions <NUM> and/or ferromagnetic bodies <NUM>, such a gap may provide adequate mechanical clearance between the internal sides <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> and respective external sides <NUM> of the pole portions <NUM>; such clearance may further reduce and/or eliminate intimate thermal contact directly between the electrical windings <NUM> and the pole portions <NUM>.

According to the invention, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> further comprises one or more trays <NUM> for removably receiving the electrical connectors <NUM>. For example, as depicted, the electrical connectors <NUM> may extend laterally outward from the body <NUM> and/or the sides <NUM>; indeed, as depicted, the connectors <NUM> are located "down" from the body <NUM>. Hence, the tray <NUM> may be attached to the back-iron portion <NUM>, for example via respective brackets and the like, to provide support for the connectors <NUM>. The connectors <NUM> are generally configured to electrically connect to a power source for driving the electrical conductors in the body <NUM>, for example to power the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. According to the invention, the connectors <NUM> are threaded and configured to mate with complementary threads of a plug and/or connector of the power source.

As depicted the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises two ferromagnetic bodies <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, and hence two back-iron portions <NUM> and two pole portions <NUM>, as well as two replaceable windings <NUM> on each of the pole portions <NUM> and two trays <NUM> (e.g. on a side opposite the electromagnetic machine <NUM> in the perspective of <FIG>). However, for simplicity, only one of each of the ferromagnetic bodies, the back-iron portions <NUM> the pole portions <NUM>, and the replaceable windings <NUM> are annotated. However, in other examples, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise as few as one ferromagnetic body <NUM> (e.g. and one back-iron portion <NUM> and pole portion <NUM> and one tray <NUM>) and one replaceable winding <NUM>. However, in yet further examples, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise more than two ferromagnetic bodies <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, and hence more than two back-iron portions <NUM> and more than two pole portions <NUM>, as well as more than two replaceable windings <NUM> on each of the more than two pole portions <NUM> (e.g. and more than two trays <NUM>). Indeed, the replaceable windings <NUM> and the pole portions <NUM> are generally provided in a one-to-one relationship.

As will be described below, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> further comprises at least one removable retention mechanism to removably retain a replaceable winding <NUM> at a respective pole portion <NUM>.

As further depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise at least one cold plate and/or plate <NUM> which may provide cooling functionality. While, hereafter, references are made to a cold plate <NUM>, the term "cold plate" may be replaced throughout with the term "plate" and/or "plate with cooling functionality". For example, a plate with, or without cooling functionality may also have electrical winding retaining functionality as described below. In some examples, the plate <NUM> may comprise ferromagnetic material to provide magnetic functionality to the plate <NUM> (e.g. the plate <NUM> may function as part of the ferromagnetic bodies <NUM>). As best seen in <FIG>, the at least one cold plate <NUM> may be removably retained at a ledge <NUM> of the back-iron portion <NUM> adjacent the pole portion <NUM> (e.g. a corner is formed by the ledge <NUM> and the external side <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>), the replaceable winding <NUM> located on the at least one cold plate <NUM>. As depicted, the at least one cold plate <NUM> may be affixed to the ledge <NUM> via any suitable fasteners <NUM> (e.g. as depicted bolts, and the like).

Furthermore, a replaceable winding <NUM> is generally easily removable and/or replaceable at a pole portion <NUM>. Hence, when a replaceable winding <NUM> is damaged and/or needs to be replaced, the retention mechanisms are removed, the replaceable winding <NUM> is lifted off, and/or removed from the pole portion <NUM>, for example by virtue of the sides <NUM>, <NUM> being about parallel to one another, and another replaceable winding <NUM> is placed over the pole portion <NUM>, with the retention mechanisms being replaced (e.g. with the previous retention mechanisms and/or new/replacement retention mechanisms).

In <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> is depicted without retention mechanisms. However, in some examples, the retention mechanisms may comprise straps (e.g. see <FIG>), and the like, which may comprise flexible non-ferromagnetic material, such as aluminum, and/or any suitable metal, plastic and the like. As best seen in <FIG>, the straps may fit along a pathway <NUM> around the top surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the electrical winding <NUM>, between the parallel sides <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. via a relief cut at a side <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>), along the ledge <NUM> (e.g. via a relief cut at the ledge <NUM>) and across the cold plate <NUM>. Such a strap may be attached to itself via any suitable connector and tightened to any suitable tension, to removably retain the replaceable winding <NUM> relative to the pole portion <NUM> and against the cold plate <NUM> which is in turn mechanically retained at the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. Hence, the cold plate <NUM> further includes electrical winding retaining functionality (e.g. indeed, the cold plate <NUM> may be replaced with a plate without cooling functionality but with electrical winding retaining functionality). Hence, the at least one removable retention mechanism may comprise one or more straps around a replaceable winding <NUM> and at least one cold plate <NUM>. Furthermore the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise one or more relief cuts on external sides <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and the ledge <NUM>, the one or more relief cuts configured to receive a respective strap, and are described below with respect to <FIG>.

While as depicted the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> is flat, as is a complementary surface of the at least one cold plate <NUM>, in other surfaces the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> and the complementary surface of the at least one cold plate <NUM> need not be flat; however, the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> and the complementary surface of the at least one cold plate <NUM> are generally complementary. Indeed, in general, an opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> facing the electromagnetic machine <NUM> is complementary to a respective surface of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> on which the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> is located (e.g. in <FIG> and <FIG>, the complementary surface of the at least one cold plate <NUM>). Put another way, an opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> facing the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may be complementary to a respective surface of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> at which the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to be located.

Indeed, as depicted, the opposing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be flat. However the opposing surfaces <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may have any suitable profile, for example compatible with a track with which the electromagnetic machine <NUM> interacts.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depict perspective views of the replaceable winding <NUM>, with the electrical connectors <NUM> located at an external side <NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> (e.g. and/or the body <NUM>). Also depicted in <FIG>, is an electrical connection <NUM> from electrical conductors (e.g. which form a coil) inside the replaceable winding <NUM> (e.g. and/or the body <NUM>). In particular, the electrical connection <NUM> is from an internal side of the aperture <NUM> to one of the electrical connectors <NUM>, for example via a housing <NUM> of the connectors <NUM>, within which the electrical connection connects to a first connector <NUM>, of the electrical connectors <NUM>. Hence, the electrical connection <NUM> runs along the opposing surface <NUM>-<NUM> (not visible in <FIG>) While not depicted, the replaceable winding <NUM> further comprises a second electrical connection from an external side <NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> to a second connector <NUM>, of the electrical connectors <NUM>; however, the second electrical connection, and the connection to the second electrical connector <NUM>, are generally located within the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may be formed from any suitable insulating encapsulating material, which may include, but is not limited to, plastic, resin, and/or another suitable material. Indeed, the body <NUM> of the replaceable winding <NUM> may also generally be encapsulated with any suitable insulating encapsulating material, such as a resin.

According to the invention, in <FIG> is shown a faceplate and/or frame <NUM> to which the electrical connectors <NUM> are attached, and which spaces the electrical connectors <NUM> from each other. The electrical connectors <NUM> generally extend from the frame <NUM>.

For completeness, attention is briefly directed back to <FIG> which further depicts the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprising retention plates <NUM> located at opposing longitudinal ends of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> to retain a magnet thereof, described in more detail below with respect to <FIG>. Put another way, retention plates <NUM> may be located at opposite ends of a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, the retention plates <NUM> configured to hold a magnet between two ferromagnetic bodies <NUM> of the pole portions <NUM>. In some examples, the retention plates <NUM> may be attached to one or more back-iron portions <NUM> of at least one ferromagnetic body <NUM> at the opposite ends of a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, for example via bolts, and/or any other suitable fastener.

<FIG> which further depicts the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprising mounting devices <NUM>, located at the opposite ends of a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, and which may be attached to the at least one back-iron portion <NUM> and/or frame (not depicted) which may assist in supporting a magnet (not depicted in <FIG>; see <FIG>) and/or the ferromagnetic bodies <NUM> and/or other components of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. The mounting devices <NUM> may be configured to attach the electromagnetic machine <NUM> to a pod and/or vehicle and/or payload; in some of these examples, the retention plates <NUM> may be attached to the mounting devices <NUM> at the opposite ends of a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. However, the retention plates <NUM> and/or the mounting devices <NUM> may be attached to any suitable component of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a perspective view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> with the replaceable windings <NUM> removed, for example to show a structure of the at least one cold plate <NUM>. In particular, as depicted, the at least one cold plate <NUM> comprises two cold plates <NUM> around the two pole portions <NUM>, each of the cold plates <NUM> being a "W" shape and/or an "M" shape and/or an "E" shape.

In particular the at least one cold plate <NUM> (and/or the plate <NUM>) comprises a gap <NUM> extending between an external edge <NUM> of the at least one cold plate <NUM> (and/or the plate <NUM>) and a pole portion <NUM> to interrupt eddy currents in the at least one cold plate <NUM> (and/or the plate <NUM>) around the pole portion <NUM>. Indeed, as depicted, the gap <NUM> is formed where the two cold plates <NUM> meet and/or are closest to each other and/or extend towards each other (e.g. the term "meet" is not meant to imply that the two cold plates <NUM> touch). Put another way, the at least one plate <NUM> comprises a gap <NUM> disposed along a direction substantially perpendicular to a flow of current in a coil in the body <NUM>, such that the at least one plate <NUM> is not contiguous around the pole portion <NUM>. Put yet another way, the at least one plate <NUM> comprises a gap <NUM>, such that the at least one plate <NUM> is discontinuous around the pole portion <NUM>. Put yet another way, the at least one plate <NUM> is interrupted by a gap <NUM> which is disposed between an external edge of the at least one plate <NUM> and the pole portion <NUM>, to interrupt eddy currents in the at least one plate <NUM> around the pole portion <NUM>,.

In <FIG>, example positions of bolts <NUM> attaching the at least one cold plate <NUM> to the ledge <NUM> are also depicted.

In <FIG>, details of the tray <NUM> in the absence of the electrical connectors <NUM> is also depicted.

<FIG> further depicts relief cuts <NUM> along on external sides <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>. While not depicted the relief cuts <NUM> extend along corresponding regions of the ledge <NUM>, such that the electromagnetic machine <NUM> further comprises: the ledge <NUM> of the back-iron portion <NUM> adjacent the pole portion <NUM> (e.g. with the replaceable winding <NUM> located on the ledge <NUM>); and one or more relief cuts <NUM> on external sides <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and the ledge <NUM>. In general, the relief cuts <NUM> are configured to receive straps (e.g. at least one removable retention mechanism to removably retain the replaceable winding <NUM> at the pole portion <NUM>). While <FIG> depicts four relief cuts <NUM> (e.g. for as many as five straps) the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may include more than four or fewer than four relief cuts <NUM>. Furthermore, not all the relief cuts <NUM> may be provided with a strap.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a partially exploded view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. In particular one replacement winding <NUM> is depicted in an exploded view which shows the position of the electrical connection <NUM> relative to the gap <NUM>. Indeed, the electrical connection <NUM> is about aligned with the gap <NUM> such that when the replaceable winding <NUM> is on a respective pole portion <NUM>, the electrical connection <NUM> is located in the gap <NUM>.

<FIG> further shows the electrical connectors <NUM> and the frame <NUM> in an exploded view relative to the tray <NUM>. In particular, it is understood from <FIG> that the frame <NUM> and the tray <NUM> include complementary apertures through which fasteners (e.g. as depicted bolts, and the like) may be used to attach the frame <NUM> (and hence the electrical connectors <NUM>) to the tray <NUM>.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a bottom view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> shows two sets of electrical connectors <NUM> supported by respective trays <NUM>, for example a set of electrical connectors <NUM> for each of two replaceable windings <NUM> (not visible in <FIG> depicts the location of respective electrical connections <NUM> of the two replaceable windings <NUM> in respective gaps <NUM> formed by the at least one cold plates <NUM>. Put another way, <FIG> shows that the at least one cold plate <NUM> comprises a gap <NUM> between the external edge <NUM> of the at least one cold plate <NUM> and the pole portion <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>), wherein electrical connections <NUM> between the electrical conductors (e.g. inside the replaceable windings <NUM>) to the electrical connectors <NUM> extend from the parallel internal sides <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> through the gap <NUM>.

<FIG> further depicts a bottom view of a magnet <NUM> which is located between the back-iron portions <NUM> of the ferromagnetic bodies <NUM> and retained between the retention plates <NUM>. However, the magnet <NUM> may be optional depending on a particular function and/or magnetic operation of an electromagnetic machine. Furthermore, while the magnet <NUM> is depicted as one piece, the magnet <NUM> may be segmented. For example, the magnet <NUM> may comprise a plurality of segments of magnetic material (e.g. magnetic segments). The magnetic segments may be retained relative to each other via magnetic attraction therebetween, and/or via retention devices (e.g. of a frame of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, described in more detail below). Such a configuration may reduce cost as producing many smaller segments of magnetic material may be less expensive, with fewer rejects, than when producing one larger magnet. However, as depicted, the magnet <NUM> may also comprise a solid, and/or non-segmented, magnet.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a top view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. In particular, in <FIG>, retention mechanisms <NUM> have been provided to removably retain the replaceable windings <NUM> at respective pole portion <NUM>. For example, as depicted, the retention mechanisms <NUM> comprise respective straps which are locations of respective relief cuts <NUM> (e.g. a strap is located in a respective relief cut <NUM>, which may have a shape that is generally complementary to a strap). As depicted, three straps are around each of the replaceable windings <NUM> (e.g. and around the at least one cold plate <NUM>, not visible in <FIG>). For example, while there are four relief cuts <NUM> at a pole portion <NUM>, only three relief cuts <NUM> are used for straps.

To remove a replaceable winding <NUM>, the straps may be cut and/or removed and/or detached from themselves; the replaceable winding <NUM> is lifted off, and/or removed from a pole portion <NUM>, for example by virtue of the sides <NUM>, <NUM> being about parallel to one another; and another replaceable winding <NUM> is placed over the pole portion <NUM>, with the straps being replaced. In some examples, the straps may be positioned in the relief cuts <NUM> prior to the other replaceable winding <NUM> is placed over the pole portion <NUM>. In other examples, a radius of curvature of the relief cut <NUM>, as it extends from the pole portion <NUM> to the ledge <NUM>, may be selected to be of a size such that a strap slides between the other replaceable winding <NUM> and the pole portion <NUM>, and along the ledge <NUM>. Similarly, a corresponding radius may be provided at corresponding corners of the cold plates <NUM>.

Heretofore, the electrical connectors <NUM> have been described as being located at a side of the body <NUM> about parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

However, attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts a perspective view of replaceable windings <NUM>, having a body <NUM> and a longitudinal axis <NUM>, with electrical connectors <NUM> located at a longitudinal end. Indeed, the replaceable winding <NUM> is similar to the replaceable winding <NUM>, but the electrical connectors <NUM> are located at a longitudinal end of the replaceable winding <NUM> (e.g. in an end-winding configuration) rather than along a side (e.g. in a primary-winding configuration) as with the replaceable winding <NUM>. As depicted, electrical connections from a coil located in the body <NUM> to the electrical connectors <NUM> are located in a housing <NUM> (e.g. an insulating encapsulating housing) of the connectors <NUM>, which are held in place via a faceplate and/or frame <NUM>. The housing <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may otherwise be similar to the housing <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, but adapted for the geometry of the replaceable winding <NUM>.

Indeed, the replaceable winding <NUM> is generally otherwise similar to the replaceable winding <NUM>; however, at the replaceable winding <NUM>, the electrical connectors <NUM> are located at an end of the body <NUM> about perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> (e.g. an end-winding position).

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which perspective views of the replaceable winding <NUM> at an electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> is depicted without replaceable winding <NUM>. The electromagnetic machine <NUM> includes: a ferromagnetic body <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, the ferromagnetic body comprising <NUM>: a back-iron portion <NUM>; and a pole portion <NUM> extending from the back-iron portion <NUM>, the pole portion <NUM> having parallel external sides <NUM>. As also depicted in <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises relief cuts <NUM> in the external sides <NUM>. As depicted, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> includes a ledge <NUM> of the back-iron portion <NUM> and corresponding relief cuts <NUM> at the ledge <NUM> that extend from a respective relief cut <NUM> to an outer side <NUM> of the back-iron portion <NUM>; such relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> may be on either side of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> (e.g. on either side of the longitudinal axis <NUM>).

<FIG> further depicts a tray <NUM> for receiving and/or supporting the electrical connectors <NUM>, the tray <NUM> extending from a longitudinal end of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, one or more strap retainers <NUM> may be removably attached in corresponding relief cuts <NUM> at the ledge <NUM> using, for example bolts, screws, and the like. For example, in these examples, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises at least one removable retention mechanism <NUM>, such as straps, to removably retain a replaceable winding <NUM> at the pole portion <NUM>. The one or more strap retainers <NUM> generally comprise ferromagnetic material (e.g. a same ferromagnetic material as a pole portion <NUM>) such that the one or more strap retainers <NUM> may magnetically function as part of a pole portion <NUM>.

The one or more strap retainers <NUM> may be plates, and the like, of a size and shape to mate with a corresponding relief cut <NUM>, and having a groove, and the like, on a ledge facing side for a strap to fit between a strap retainer <NUM> and a corresponding relief cut <NUM>. However, such strap retainers <NUM> are not generally attached to a corresponding relief cut <NUM> before a corresponding strap is placed in the corresponding relief cut <NUM>. For example, to attach the replaceable winding <NUM> to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, straps are placed in the relief cuts <NUM>, the strap retainers <NUM> are attached to corresponding relief cut <NUM> using bolts, screws, and/or any suitable fastener, and the like, the replaceable winding <NUM> is placed over the pole portion <NUM>, and the straps are then wrapped around the replaceable winding <NUM>, tightened, and attached to themselves (e.g. using any suitable connector).

Indeed, <FIG> depicts the replaceable winding <NUM> over the pole portion <NUM> with four retention mechanisms <NUM> (e.g. the straps) used to attach retain the replaceable winding <NUM> relative to the pole portion <NUM>. When the replaceable winding <NUM> is to be removed, the straps are cut and/or unattached from themselves, which releases the replaceable winding <NUM>, and the replaceable winding <NUM> is lifted off of the pole portion <NUM> (e.g. and replaced by another replaceable winding <NUM>).

Hence, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises: a ledge <NUM> of the back-iron portion <NUM> adjacent the pole portion <NUM>, the replaceable winding <NUM> located on the ledge <NUM>; one or more relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> on external sides <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and the ledge <NUM>; and one or more strap retainers <NUM> removable attached in corresponding relief cuts <NUM> at the ledge <NUM>, the at least one removable retention mechanism <NUM> comprising one or more straps around the replaceable winding <NUM> and the one or more strap retainers <NUM>, the one or more relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> configured to receive a respective strap. While four removable retention mechanisms <NUM> (e.g. straps) and corresponding relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> and strap retainers <NUM> are depicted (e.g. two per side), the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise more than four or fewer than four removable retention mechanism <NUM> (e.g. straps) and corresponding relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> and strap retainers <NUM>.

<FIG> further depicts the electrical connectors <NUM> retained by the tray <NUM>.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> which depicts four of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> ganged together and/or attached to each other, such that their respective pole portions <NUM> are parallel to each other. As depicted, for example, the four electromagnetic machines <NUM> are labelled as an electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, an electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, an electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, and an electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>. In particular, the electromagnetic machines may be ganged together and/or attached to each other via any suitable fasteners, and the like, and/or mounted on a common support.

As depicted, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> has had a respective replaceable winding <NUM> removed, for example by cutting and/or detaching respective straps. Hence, the strap retainers <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> are visible in <FIG>.

Alternatively, with reference to <FIG>, which depicts a portion of an electromagnetic machine 900B without replaceable windings <NUM>, a plurality of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may include a common back-iron portion 927B (e.g. provided as a single slab of ferromagnetic material, from which any suitable number of respective core portions 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, extend. Relief cuts 913B in sides of the respective core portions 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, are also depicted, as well as relief cuts 933A for receiving strap retainers (e.g. such as a strap retainer <NUM>). Replaceable windings <NUM> may be placed onto each of the core portions 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, similar to as depicted in <FIG>, and retained via straps using the relief cuts 913B and the strap retainers <NUM> in the relief cuts 933A. Indeed, the core portions 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, 909B-<NUM>, the relief cuts 913B, 933Aare similar to respective core portions, and the relief cuts <NUM>, <NUM> as described above.

Attention is next directed to <FIG> and <FIG> which respectively depict a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectional partially exploded view of another electromagnetic machine <NUM> with a replaceable winding <NUM> and which may be used as an electromagnetic actuator. As depicted, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises a ferromagnetic body <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM> (e.g. into and/or out of the page of <FIG>), the ferromagnetic body <NUM> comprising: a back-iron portion; and a pole portion <NUM> extending from the back-iron portion <NUM>, the pole portion <NUM> having parallel external sides. The replaceable winding <NUM> is over the pole portion <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG>), similar to the electromagnetic machines described heretofore, and the replaceable winding <NUM> is sandwiched between cold plates <NUM>. Also depicted are electrical connectors <NUM> (e.g. of two electrical connectors <NUM>, similar to the electrical connectors <NUM>). However, at least one of the cold plates <NUM> may be optional.

In contrast to electromagnetic machines described heretofore, a removable retention mechanism <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises at least one ferromagnetic retainer, for example in the shape of a bar, removably attached to an external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>, for example via one or more fastener <NUM> (e.g. at least a partially threaded fastener) through an aperture of the retention mechanism <NUM> that mate with respective holes <NUM> (e.g. at least a partially threaded hole), and the like, in the external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the ferromagnetic retainer (e.g. the removable retention mechanism <NUM>) extends at least partially across an outward opposing surface of the replaceable windings <NUM>; in particular, as depicted, a cold plate <NUM> is between the ferromagnetic retainer and the outward opposing surface of the replaceable windings <NUM>. Hence, for example, the removable retention mechanism <NUM> may be of similar ferromagnetic material as the ferromagnetic body <NUM>, and attached to the external surface <NUM> of the pole portions <NUM> using the at least one fastener <NUM> (e.g. screws, bolts, and the like), and which may also be ferromagnetic, and which mechanically retain the replaceable winding <NUM> on the pole portion <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, , one or more pins <NUM> extending from a pole facing side of the retention mechanism <NUM> (and/or one or more pins <NUM> external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>) may assist with retaining the retention mechanism <NUM> in position relative to the pole portion <NUM>. For example such pins <NUM> may mate with respective holes in the cold plate <NUM> and/or the external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM>, and/or pins <NUM> extending from the external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and/or the cold plate <NUM> may mate with respective holes in the pole facing side of the retention mechanism <NUM>.

While the retention mechanism <NUM> is depicted as rectangular in cross-section, the retention mechanism <NUM> may have any suitable shape and may be as simple as bars (e.g. as depicted), rods, and the like, which extend from the external surface <NUM> of the pole portion <NUM> and at least partially across an outward opposing surface of the replaceable winding <NUM> (e.g. and/or the cold plates <NUM>).

<FIG> further shows removable of the replaceable winding <NUM>. In particular, the removable retention mechanisms <NUM> are removed (e.g. by removing the one or more fasteners <NUM>) which enables the adjacent cold plate <NUM> to be removed (e.g. which may be optional), and then the replaceable winding <NUM> may be lifted off the pole portion <NUM> (e.g. presuming a frame of the connectors <NUM>, not depicted, are also unattached from a tray, not depicted). The process may be reversed to place a new replaceable winding <NUM> onto the electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

Other examples and/or embodiments are within the scope of the present specification.

For example, attention is next directed to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> which depict examples of portions of electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> having retention mechanisms different from the retention mechanisms <NUM> (e.g. different from straps). For example, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM>-<NUM>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM>-<NUM>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM>-<NUM>, and the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> comprises one or more retention mechanisms <NUM>-4A, <NUM>-4B.

The electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are interchangeably referred to hereafter, collectively, as the electromagnetic machines <NUM> and, generically, as an electromagnetic machine <NUM>. This convention will be used hereafter. For example, the retention mechanisms <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-4A, <NUM>-4B are referred to hereafter as the retention mechanisms <NUM> and/or as a retention mechanism <NUM>.

To better show details of the retention mechanisms <NUM>, in each of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a respective left hand side shows a top view of an end of an electromagnetic machine <NUM>, with electrical connectors (e.g. similar to the connectors <NUM>), removed while a respective right hand side shows an end view of an electromagnetic machine <NUM>, with retention plates (e.g. similar to the retention plates <NUM>) removed.

As depicted, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> comprise respective magnets <NUM>, respective pole portions <NUM>, respective electrical windings <NUM> around the respective pole portions <NUM>, and cold plates <NUM>, which are respectively similar to magnet <NUM>, the pole portions <NUM>, the electrical windings <NUM> and cold plates <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. However, as depicted, the magnets <NUM> are segmented. Similarly, as will next be described, the retention mechanisms <NUM> are different from the retention mechanisms <NUM>. The electromagnetic machines <NUM> are understood to be otherwise similar to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

While in the depicted examples, only one respective retention mechanism <NUM> is depicted at each of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>, for example at one respective end thereof, it is understood that an electromagnetic machine <NUM> may comprise any suitable number of respective retention mechanisms <NUM>. For example, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise one or more respective retention mechanisms <NUM> along a longitudinal axis thereof (e.g. similar to the longitudinal axis <NUM>); in a particular example, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise at least three retentions mechanisms <NUM>, one at each end of the pole portions <NUM>, and one at about the middle of the pole portions <NUM>.

Furthermore, the retention mechanisms <NUM> may comprise any suitable material which may be electrically conducting and/or ferromagnetic, or an insulator. The retention mechanisms <NUM>, when ferromagnetic, may assist with shaping magnetic flux and/or a magnetic flux path (e.g. as described with respect to <FIG>). Furthermore, a gap between an electromagnetic machine <NUM> and a track (e.g. a track of a transportation system) may be maintained taking into account any additional height added to pole faces due to presence of the retention mechanisms <NUM>.

Furthermore, while not depicted, the retention mechanisms <NUM> are understood to be attached to the electromagnetic machines <NUM> using any suitable devices and/or fasteners and/or mechanisms to assist the retention mechanisms <NUM> with retaining the electrical windings <NUM>, and optionally the cold plates, to the electromagnetic machines <NUM>.

With attention next directed to <FIG>, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> is understood to include a plate attached to respective pole faces of the pole portions <NUM>, and which extends across at least a portion of the electrical windings <NUM>. Hence, for example, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> is understood to be attached to both pole portions <NUM> and across the electrical windings <NUM> between the pole portions <NUM>. Furthermore, while as depicted the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> is square in shape, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> may have any suitable shape.

Attention next directed to <FIG>, which depicts a retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> similar to the retention mechanisms <NUM> and/or the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>. As depicted, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> perpendicularly extends between the cold plates <NUM>, and in particular from under the cold plates <NUM>, and around sides of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, over the electrical windings <NUM> and the pole portions <NUM>. Like the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>, it is understood that the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> may be attached to the pole portions <NUM>, and/or any other suitable portion of the of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> using any suitable fasteners, and/or other suitable mechanism.

Attention next directed to <FIG>, which depicts a retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, similar to the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>, but extending from side-to-side across the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>. As depicted, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> perpendicularly extends across outer edges of the electrical windings <NUM> and across the pole portions <NUM>. Like the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>, it is understood that the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> may be attached to the pole portions <NUM>. Furthermore, while as depicted the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> is rectangular in shape, the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM> may have any suitable shape.

Attention next directed to <FIG>, which depicts retention mechanisms <NUM>-4A, <NUM>-4B of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>. At the depicted end of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, there is one retention mechanism <NUM>-4A and two retention mechanisms <NUM>-4B, one at each opposing outer edge of respective electrical windings <NUM>. The retention mechanism <NUM>-4A is similar to the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>, but is narrower in shape, and is understood to be attached to both pole portions <NUM> and across the electrical windings <NUM> between the pole portions <NUM>. As depicted, the retention mechanisms <NUM>-4B may be similar to the retention mechanisms <NUM> and/or the retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>; however, a retention mechanism <NUM>-4B may perpendicularly extend from under one cold plate <NUM>, and around a respective side of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> and, over respective electrical windings <NUM> to a respective pole portion <NUM>. The retention mechanisms <NUM>-4A, <NUM>-4B may be attached to the pole portions <NUM>, and/or any other suitable portion of the of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> using fasteners and/or any other suitable mechanism.

Furthermore, while some retention mechanisms <NUM> are depicted as extending across outer edges of the electrical windings <NUM> and/or extending fully across the pole portions <NUM>, the retention mechanisms <NUM> may extend only partially across the electrical windings <NUM> and/or only partially across the pole portions <NUM>, as long as the electrical windings <NUM> are retained, and/or be of any suitable shape and/or configuration such that the electrical windings <NUM> are retained.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> hence generally illustrate that electrical windings of the electromagnetic machines provided herein may be retained using any suitable combination of retention mechanisms configured to retain electrical windings around pole portions thereof. Furthermore, such retention mechanisms may be removable in order to replace the electrical windings of the electromagnetic machines provided herein.

Retention mechanisms provided herein may be adapted in other ways. For example, attention is next directed to <FIG> and <FIG> which respectively depict top views of electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. electromagnetic machines <NUM> and/or an electromagnetic machine <NUM>), with electrical windings, and other components removed, to show a respective segmented magnet <NUM>, respective pole portions <NUM> and respective retention mechanisms <NUM>. The electromagnetic machines <NUM> are understood to be similar to one or more of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>, <NUM>. The magnets <NUM>, respective pole portions <NUM> and retention mechanisms <NUM> are understood to be respectively similar to the magnet <NUM>, respective pole portions <NUM> and retention mechanism <NUM>-<NUM>, however, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise any suitable retention mechanisms.

In particular, <FIG> and <FIG> further depict that the electromagnetic machines <NUM> comprise three respective retention mechanisms <NUM>, one at each end of the pole portions <NUM>, and one at about the middle of the pole portions <NUM>, however the electromagnetic machines <NUM> comprise any suitable number of respective retention mechanisms <NUM>.

In particular, as depicted, the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> are understood to be electrically connected and/or bonded to the pole portions <NUM> at a respective single "point" and/or region (e.g. which may be referred to as single-point grounding/bonding). For example, as depicted, the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> are electrically connected and/or bonded to the pole portions <NUM> at respective single points <NUM> (e.g. which may comprise areas and/or regions rather than merely a point), for example using a fastener (e.g. a screw and/or bolt) that is electrically conducting. While any other suitable fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and the like, may be used to otherwise physically attach the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> to the pole portions <NUM>, it is understood that such other fasteners do not electrically connect the retention mechanisms <NUM> to the pole portions <NUM>. For example, fasteners at the single points <NUM> may comprise electrically conducting material, whereas other fasteners, not at the single points <NUM>, may comprise non-electrically conducting material and/or electrically insulating material, and/or the other fasteners may be used in conjunction with non-electrically conducting and/or electrically insulating material washers, inserts, and the like. It is understood that any suitable combination of devices may be used to physically attach the retention mechanisms <NUM> to the pole portions <NUM>, while also electrically isolating the retention mechanisms <NUM> from the pole portions <NUM> other than at the respective single points <NUM>. Furthermore, a pole portion facing aside of the retention mechanisms <NUM> may comprise an electrically insulating layer to further electrically isolate the retention mechanisms <NUM> from the pole portions <NUM> (e.g. other than at the single points <NUM>).

Such an arrangement generally enables the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, which may be electrically conducting, to be at a same and/or similar electrical potential as the pole portions <NUM> and the other conducting components electrically connected to the pole portions <NUM> (e.g. the magnet <NUM>), to dissipate charge and/or electrical coronas, while also reducing eddy currents between the retention mechanisms <NUM> and the pole portions <NUM>. For example, as depicted, respective arrows <NUM> that extend from the single points <NUM>, represent eddy currents that are contained at a retention mechanism <NUM> and do not extend into the pole portions <NUM>.

In contrast, the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> are understood to be to be electrically connected and/or bonded to the pole portions <NUM> at a respective points <NUM> and/or at a plurality of locations, for example at eight points per retention mechanism <NUM>. Such multiple points of electrical connection allow eddy currents, represented by arrows <NUM>, to flow between the retention mechanisms <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> via the pole portions <NUM>. Hence, there may be a reduction in eddy currents in the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, as compared to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, due to the single point bonding.

While not depicted, cold plates of electromagnetic machines provided herein may also be electrically connected to other electrically conducting portions of the electromagnetic machines using single point bonding. For example, retention mechanisms provided herein, such as the retention mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically insulated from respective cold plates and such cold plates may be single point bonded to respective pole portions, or back-iron portions and the like. Alternatively, retention mechanisms provided herein, such as the retention mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically insulated from respective pole portions and back-iron portions, and respective cold plates may be single point bonded to respective retention mechanisms. Indeed, any suitable combination of electrically conducting components of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be adapted for single point bonding and/or to reduce eddy currents.

In yet further examples, electromagnetic machines provided herein may be adapted to include magnetic flux sensors.

For example, attention is next directed to <FIG> and <FIG> which respectively depict different views of an electromagnetic machine <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> shows a top view, of an end of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, with electrical connectors (e.g. similar to the connectors <NUM>) removed, <FIG> shows and end view of an electromagnetic machine <NUM>, with retention plates (e.g. similar to the retention plates <NUM>) removed, and <FIG> depicts a top view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> with electrical windings, and other components removed.

As depicted, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> comprises a magnet <NUM>, back-iron portions <NUM>, pole portions <NUM>, and electrical windings <NUM> around the respective pole portions <NUM>, which are respectively similar to the magnet <NUM>, the back-iron portions <NUM>, the pole portions <NUM>, and the electrical windings <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>. However, as depicted, the magnets <NUM> are segmented.

The electromagnetic machine <NUM> may be substantially similar to any other of the electromagnetic machines described herein, however, the pole portions <NUM> are adapted to include one or more magnetic flux sensors <NUM>, for example at opposite ends thereof and/or at about a middle thereof (e.g. as best seen in <FIG>); hence, for example, each pole portion <NUM> includes three magnetic flux sensors <NUM> such that there are six magnetic flux sensors <NUM> in total. While not depicted, the pole portions <NUM> may include grooves and/or apertures and/or recesses, and the like, at which the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> may be received.

While examples of specific locations of the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> are shown, it is understood that the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> are positioned at any suitable location, and an electromagnetic machine <NUM> may include any suitable number of magnetic flux sensors <NUM>. Regardless, a magnetic flux sensor <NUM> is understood to measure magnetic flux flowing about perpendicular to a respective pole portion <NUM>.

As such, magnetic flux in the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may be monitored, for example by an external computing device <NUM> (e.g. at a vehicle and, the like, to which an electromagnetic machine <NUM> is attached) which receives signals from the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> that represent measured magnetic flux. Power to respective electrical windings of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> (e.g. via respective connectors, similar to the connectors <NUM>) may be controlled by the computing device in a feedback loop with signals from the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> to control magnetic flux in the electromagnetic machine <NUM> to given values. Hence, while not depicted, the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> are understood to be adapted for communicative coupling to such a computing device, for example via any suitable harnessing and/or wiring and/or data connectors of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> and/or via wireless communication links (e.g. in such examples, the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> may include respective transceivers for wireless communication).

Hence, as depicted in <FIG>, the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> are understood to be communicatively coupled with a computing device <NUM> (e.g. wirelessly and/or via a data connector),the computing device <NUM> controlling power to the electrical windings <NUM> via a power sources <NUM> connected to connectors (e.g. not depicted, but similar to the connectors <NUM>) of the electrical windings <NUM>. Furthermore, while the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> are depicted as being both deployed on an electromagnetic machine <NUM>, and as being separately communicatively coupled to a computing device <NUM>, it is understood that the electromagnetic machine <NUM> (and a vehicle thereof) comprises wiring and/or harnessing and/or communication links connecting the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> to a computing device <NUM>. Regardless, the computing device <NUM> is understood to be configured to: control power to electrical windings <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> based on magnetic flux measured by the magnetic flux sensors <NUM>.

Put another way, an electromagnetic machine provided herein may comprise one or more magnetic flux sensors configured to measure magnetic flux of one or more pole portions, and electrical windings of the electromagnetic machine may be controllable by a computing device communicatively coupled to the one or more magnetic flux sensors, the computing device configured to control the magnetic flux in a feedback loop with the one or more magnetic flux sensors.

Furthermore, the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> may be removably attached to the pole portions <NUM> such that the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> may be replaced. It is yet further understood that, when wiring and/or harnessing connect the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> to a computing device, such wiring and/or harnessing may be attached to back-iron portions and/or routed between electrical windings and pole portions and/or routed between an end of electrical windings into an aperture thereof (e.g. similar to the aperture <NUM>) and/or between internal sides of electrical windings and adjacent external sides of pole portions. As such, as electrical windings provided herein are removable, such routing of wiring and/or harnessing may be provided in a manner such that the electrical windings are removable without affecting and/or removing the wiring and/or harnessing and/or the magnetic flux sensors.

For example, attention is next directed to <FIG> and <FIG> which depict: an end view and a top view of an electromagnetic machine <NUM> (e.g. respectively similar to the views of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The top view in <FIG> shows the electromagnetic machine <NUM> with electrical windings, and other components removed. The electromagnetic machine <NUM> is understood to include a segmented magnet <NUM>, back-iron portions <NUM>, pole portions <NUM> and electrical windings <NUM> (e.g. respectively similar to the segmented magnet <NUM>, back-iron portions <NUM>, pole portions <NUM> and electrical windings <NUM>). <FIG> further schematically indicates relative positions of one pair of electrical connectors <NUM> (e.g. similar to the connectors <NUM>), which are removed from <FIG>. Similar to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, the pole portions <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> are adapted to include three magnetic flux sensors <NUM> each (e.g. six magnetic flux sensors <NUM> total). However, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> may include any suitable number of one or more magnetic flux sensors <NUM>.

As also depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM> includes a data connector <NUM>, adjacent the depicted pair of the connectors <NUM>, and wiring and/or harnessing <NUM> between the data connector <NUM> and the one or more magnetic flux sensors <NUM>. The electromagnetic machine <NUM> is otherwise understood to be similar to the electromagnetic machine <NUM> and/or other electromagnetic machines provided herein.

While the harnessing <NUM> is depicted as being between the magnetic flux sensors <NUM> and the data connector <NUM> and located around sides of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>, the harnessing <NUM> may be in any suitable position and/or path at the electromagnetic machine <NUM> and may be attached to any suitable portion of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> via any suitable combination of fasteners, clips, brackets, loops, belts and the like. For example, as best seen in <FIG>, the harnessing <NUM> may be attached to the back-iron portions <NUM> via fasteners <NUM> (not depicted in <FIG> but nonetheless understood to be present). Furthermore, the harnessing <NUM> is understood to be between the electrical windings <NUM> and the pole portions <NUM> (e.g. as indicated by dashed portions of the harnessing <NUM> in <FIG>). Hence, in general, the harnessing <NUM> is understood to be self-contained at electromagnetic machine <NUM> (e.g. and is not attached to external structures such as a vehicle, and the like, to which electromagnetic machine <NUM> may be attached. In particular, as mentioned above, such routing of the harnessing <NUM> may be provided in a manner such that the electrical windings are removable without affecting and/or removing the wiring and/or harnessing and/or the magnetic flux sensors.

While, the data connector <NUM> is depicted in a particular position, it is understood that the data connector <NUM> may be in any suitable position and is understood to generally connect to a complementary data connector that connects the one or more magnetic flux sensors <NUM> to a computing device (e.g. at a vehicle to which the electromagnetic machine <NUM> is attached), for example to control power to the electromagnetic machine <NUM> in a feedback loop with measured magnetic flux. The data connector <NUM> and the harnessing <NUM> may further convey power to the one or more magnetic flux sensors <NUM> (e.g. which may require power to function).

Similarly, connectors of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be in any suitable positions.

For example, attention is next directed to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> which respectively depict different views of electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. electromagnetic machines <NUM> and/or an electromagnetic machine <NUM>) having different connector configurations. To better show details of the connector configurations, in each of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a respective left hand side shows a top view of a respective electromagnetic machine <NUM>, electrical windings, cold plates, and other components removed (e.g. similar to the view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> in <FIG>), but showing positions/configurations of respective connectors and trays, and a respective right hand side shows a schematic end view of a respective electromagnetic machine <NUM> (e.g. similar to the view of the electromagnetic machine <NUM> in <FIG>) showing positions/configurations of respective connectors and trays.

As depicted, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> include respective segmented magnets <NUM> and two respective pole portions <NUM>.

With attention first directed to <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> is understood to comprise two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM>, on opposite sides of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, supported by respective trays <NUM>-<NUM>. While depicted schematically, the connectors <NUM>-<NUM> and trays <NUM>-<NUM> are understood to be substantially similar, respectively, to the connectors <NUM> and the trays <NUM>. Similar to the electromagnetic machines <NUM>, two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM> face in opposite directions, perpendicularly facing outward and away from the pole portions <NUM>, on opposite sides of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, and at opposite ends of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, with the trays <NUM>-<NUM> adapted accordingly. Hence, the connectors <NUM>-<NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> have a similar configuration to the connectors <NUM> of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>.

With attention next directed to <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> is understood to comprise two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM>, supported by respective trays <NUM>-<NUM>, which are substantially similar, respectively, to the connectors <NUM>-<NUM> and the trays <NUM>-<NUM>. However, in contrast to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, the two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM> are located on a same side of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, facing a same direction, perpendicularly facing outward and away from the pole portions <NUM> at opposite ends of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, with the trays <NUM>-<NUM> adapted accordingly.

With attention next directed to <FIG>, the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM> is understood to comprise two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM> located on a same side of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, at opposite ends of the electromagnetic machine <NUM>-<NUM>, and supported by respective trays <NUM>-<NUM>. However, in contrast to the electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, the two pairs of connectors <NUM>-<NUM> are oriented "downward" and/or in a direction perpendicular to that of the connectors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, with the trays <NUM>-<NUM> adapted accordingly.

Hence, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that connectors of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be in any suitable orientation and/or direction, for example for compatibility with an orientation and/or direction of respective complementary connectors at a vehicle, and the like, to which electromagnetic machines provided herein are attached.

In yet further examples, different physical configurations and/or assemblies of electromagnetic machines may be provided. For example, mounting devices (e.g. similar to the mounting devices <NUM>) and/or retention plates (e.g. similar to the retention plates <NUM>) of electromagnetic machines provided herein may have different physical configurations than the mounting devices <NUM> and/or the retention plates <NUM>.

For example attention is next directed to <FIG> which respectively depict end views of respective electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. electromagnetic machines <NUM> and/or an electromagnetic machine <NUM>) that show respective magnets <NUM> and examples of different respective mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. mounting devices <NUM> and/or a mounting device <NUM>) that may be used in place of the mounting devices <NUM>. In <FIG> it is understood that respective retention plates are removed to show respective magnets <NUM> and that while only the magnets <NUM> and the mounting devices <NUM> are depicted, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may be similar to other electromagnetic machines provided herein, and include any suitable components (e.g. pole portions, back-iron portions, electrical windings etc.).

Furthermore, it is understood that each of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise four respective mounting devices <NUM>, one on either side of a respective magnet <NUM>, and at opposite ends of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>. Hence, while <FIG>,.

<FIG> show end views of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>, and hence only two respective mounting devices <NUM> are visible in <FIG>, it is understood that the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise two further respective mounting devices <NUM> at an end opposite the depicted end (e.g. similar to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>). However, electromagnetic machines provided herein may include any suitable number of mounting devices (e.g. less than, or greater than, four mounting devices) in any suitable positions.

With attention first directed to <FIG>, the mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM> comprises two sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, which are rectangular in shape, and perpendicularly joined together by respective fasteners <NUM>, for example, a screw, a bolt, and the like. As such, the mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM> are "L" shaped. Alternatively, the two sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be welded together and/or integral, and the like.

However, a mounting device <NUM> may have any other suitable shape and/or may be provided in one section and/or piece. For example, attention is next directed to <FIG>, which shows the mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM> provided as single respective pieces, which are rectangular in shape.

Similarly, attention is next directed to <FIG>, which shows the mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM> provided as single respective pieces, which are have a shape similar to that of the ferromagnetic body <NUM>.

Hence, <FIG> illustrate that mounting devices of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be in any suitable configuration and/or in any suitable number of sections (e.g. which may be joined together in any suitable manner) and/or be in any suitable shape. In particular, mounting devices of electromagnetic machines provided herein may have internal sides and/or pole-facing sides, and the like, that are of a shape and/or configuration that are suitable for removing and/or replacing electrical windings of the electromagnetic machines. For example, internal sides and/or pole-facing sides, and the like, of mounting devices of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be about parallel to external pole faces, for example which may form gaps and/or apertures of suitable shapes at which replaceable electrical windings may be removed and/or inserted.

For example attention is next directed to <FIG> which respectively depict end views of respective electromagnetic machines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. electromagnetic machines <NUM> and/or an electromagnetic machine <NUM>) that show respective magnets <NUM>, and examples of different respective retention plates <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. retention plates <NUM> and/or a retention plate <NUM>) that may be used in place of the retention plates <NUM>. In <FIG> it is understood that respective mounting devices <NUM> are similar to the mounting devices <NUM>-<NUM>, but that any suitable mounting device may be used. It is further understood that while only the magnets <NUM>, the retention plates <NUM> and the mounting devices <NUM> are depicted, the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may be similar to other electromagnetic machines provided herein, and include any suitable components (e.g. pole portions, back-iron portions, electrical windings etc.).

Furthermore, it is understood that each of the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise two respective retention plates <NUM>, one on either side of a respective magnet <NUM>, and at opposite ends of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>. Hence, while <FIG> show end views of the electromagnetic machines <NUM>, and hence only one respective retention plate <NUM> is visible in <FIG>, it is understood that the electromagnetic machines <NUM> may comprise a further respective retention plate <NUM> at an end opposite the depicted end (e.g. similar to the electromagnetic machine <NUM>).

With attention first directed to <FIG>, the retention plate <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a band (and/or a narrow plate), and the like, which is rectangular in shape, and extends perpendicularly between the opposing mounting devices <NUM>. While not depicted, the retention plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be joined to the mounting devices <NUM> (e.g. by respective fasteners such as bolts, and the like, not depicted, and/or welding, and the like, etc.), and/or be integral with one or more of the mounting devices <NUM>.

However, a retention plate <NUM> may have any other suitable shape and/or may be provided in one section and/or piece. For example, attention is next directed to <FIG>, which shows the retention plate <NUM>-<NUM> provided as a plate, which is rectangular in shape, and which may be joined to the mounting devices <NUM> (e.g. by respective fasteners such as bolts, and the like, not depicted, and/or welding, and the like, etc.), and/or be integral with one or more of the mounting devices <NUM>.

Furthermore, a retention plate may be provided in more than one section. For example, attention is next directed to <FIG>, which shows the retention plate <NUM>-<NUM> provided in two sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, each of the sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> comprising respective bands, and the like, which are rectangular in shape, and extend perpendicularly between the opposing mounting devices <NUM>. While not depicted, one or more of the sections <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the retention plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be joined to the mounting devices <NUM> (e.g. by respective fasteners such as bolts, and the like, not depicted, and/or welding, and the like, etc.), and/or be integral with one or more of the mounting devices <NUM>.

Hence, <FIG> illustrate that retention plates of electromagnetic machines provided herein may be in any suitable configuration and/or in any suitable number of sections and/or be in any suitable shape. Furthermore, such retention plates may be shaped to facilitate replacement of electrical windings of electromagnetic machines provided herein.

It is hence further understood that any features of any of the electromagnetic machines provided herein may be combined in any suitable manner with features of other electromagnetic machines provided herein.

In this specification, components may be described as "configured to" perform one or more functions or "configured for" such functions. In general, a component that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language of "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y and Z" can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, and the like). Similar logic can be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of "at least one. " and "one or more. " language.

The terms "about", "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", and the like, are defined as being "close to", for example as understood by persons of skill in the art. In some examples, the terms are understood to be "within <NUM>%," in other examples, "within <NUM>%", in yet further examples, "within <NUM>%", and in yet further examples "within <NUM>%".

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some examples, the functionality of computing devices (e.g. computing device <NUM>) and/or methods and/or processes described herein can be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a programmable array logic (PAL), a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable logic device (PLD), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other examples, the functionality of the computing devices and/or methods and/or processes described herein can be achieved using a computing apparatus that has access to a code memory (not shown) which stores computer-readable program code for operation of the computing apparatus. The computer-readable program code could be stored on a computer readable storage medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these components, (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), fixed disk, USB (Universal Serial Port) drive, optical drive, and the like). Furthermore, it is appreciated that the computer-readable program can be stored as a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium. Further, a persistent storage device can comprise the computer readable program code. It is yet further appreciated that the computer-readable program code and/or computer usable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable program code and/or non-transitory computer usable medium. Alternatively, the computer-readable program code could be stored remotely but transmittable to these components via a modem or other interface device connected to a network (including, without limitation, the Internet) over a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be either a non-mobile medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a mobile medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof. Furthermore, such computing devices (e.g. computing device <NUM>) and/or methods and/or processes described herein may be implemented using "engines" which may be understood to include hardware (e.g. implemented as an ASIC, an FPGA, a PAL, a PLA, a PLD etc.), and/or a combination of hardware and software (e.g. a combination of hardware and software includes software hosted at hardware, such as a software module that is stored at a processor-readable memory implemented or interpreted by a processor), or hardware and software hosted at hardware.

Claim 1:
A replaceable winding (<NUM>) for an electromagnetic machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis (<NUM>), the body (<NUM>) comprising opposing surfaces (<NUM>) along the longitudinal axis (<NUM>);
an aperture (<NUM>) through the body (<NUM>), between the opposing surfaces (<NUM>), the aperture (<NUM>) having generally parallel internal sides (<NUM>) about perpendicular to the opposing surfaces (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), the aperture (<NUM>) configured to removably received a pole portion (<NUM>) of the electromagnetic machine (<NUM>);
electrical conductors wound about the aperture (<NUM>) in the body (<NUM>);
electrical connectors (<NUM>) at one or more external sides (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), the electrical connectors (<NUM>) connected to the electrical conductors, characterized in that the electrical connectors (<NUM>) are threaded and configured to mate with complementary threads of a plug or a connector of a power source for driving the electrical conductors in the body (<NUM>), wherein the replaceable winding (<NUM>) further comprising
a faceplate or frame (<NUM>) which is removably attached to a tray (<NUM>), to which the electrical connectors (<NUM>) are attached, and which spaces the electrical connectors (<NUM>) from each other.