Patent attributes
An electric motor with a movable permanent magnet stator is disclosed. The electric motor includes a rotor with an armature having a plurality of windings about the armature. A plurality of stator magnets are disposed about the rotor. The plurality of stator magnets a selectively positionable between a proximal position, in close proximity to the rotor, and a distal position, away from the rotor. An actuator is coupled to the plurality of stator magnets, the actuator operable to position the plurality of stator magnets between the proximal position and the distal position. The output of the electric motor is controlled by moving the stator magnets towards and away from rotor, rather than applying varying amounts of electricity to the rotor.
