The grille-type secondary structure of the short-primary single-sided linear induction motor (SSLIM) has problems such as small electromagnetic thrust and large normal suction. To solve these problems, an inverted trapezoidal secondary structure is proposed. The rectangular structure of the existing grid guide bar is changed into an inverted trapezoidal structure with a large upper surface area and a small lower surface area. The effective current-carrying volume and air gap magnetic density of the secondary induction plate are improved by using the large slip characteristics of the SSLIM and the resulting skin effect. Under the condition that the primary structure remains unchanged, the SSLIM finite element model of the inverted trapezoidal secondary structure is established, and compared with the traditional grille-type structure under three operating conditions of steady state, starting and braking, which verifies that the inverted trapezoidal structure has the advantages of large electromagnetic thrust and small normal suction.