What Is a Vibrator Motor?
A vibrator motor is a motor that produces vibration when activated.
Typically compact, these motors have built-in components and mechanisms to generate vibration. They are used in a range of devices such as smartphones, and game console controllers, and in machinery handling powder or granular materials to prevent stagnation. Vibrator motors, compared to air-driven vibrators, are notable for their ability to generate more significant vibration force.
Applications of Vibrator Motors
Vibrator motors find use in various fields. Below are some common applications:
1. Vibration Notification
A common use is in communication devices like cell phones and smartphones. They alert users to incoming messages or alarms through vibrations, offering a discreet alternative to sound. This is especially useful in environments where noise should be minimized, such as in meetings.
2. Touch Feedback
In touch screen devices, these motors provide tactile feedback when a button or icon is touched. This physical response aids in user interaction, enhancing feedback and touch confirmation during use.
3. Game Controllers
Game controllers for consoles and PCs often incorporate Vibrator motors. They enhance gaming experiences by producing vibrations in response to in-game actions and events, adding a layer of realism.
4. Industrial Equipment
In industrial settings, Vibrator Motors are used in equipment like hoppers. They prevent the “shelf hanging” of powder when it accumulates in a hopper, aiding in the smooth movement of materials. Vibrator motors are also used in vibratory mixers, devices that mix and homogenize materials through vibration.
Principle of Vibrator Motor
A vibrator motor includes an oscillator, or a weight, attached to its rotating shaft. The oscillator is designed with an offset center of gravity from the shaft connection. When the motor rotates, the eccentricity causes vibration, transferring it to the surrounding area.
The vibration amplitude depends on the oscillator’s mass and eccentricity, while the vibration frequency varies with the motor’s rotational speed. The selection of these characteristics is tailored to the motor’s intended application.
In portable devices, efficiency in generating vibration with minimal power, often from batteries, is crucial. For applications in material handling, setting the correct amplitude and frequency is vital. These settings may be theoretically derived or determined through trial-and-error testing.
Types of Vibrator Motors
Vibrator motors come in various designs, including coin type and cylindrical type.
1. Coin-Type Vibrator Motor
This type features a disk-shaped rotor and stator, resembling a coin. The rotor, usually made of magnetic material, vibrates when electrically activated, while the stator typically contains a coil.
Coin vibrator motors are small and thin, making them ideal for compact devices like smartphones. Their unique thin design minimizes the space needed for installation.
2. Cylindrical Vibrator Motor
Comprising a cylindrical rotor and surrounding coil, this type of motor allows for adjustable vibration intensity and frequency through current control. This flexibility makes them suitable for larger equipment and industrial machinery, as they can generate substantial vibration force and high frequencies.