Have you ever wondered what makes a vibrator tick? Vibrators are pretty straightforward from a technological and hardware perspective. There are a couple of key components that can be found in the vast majority of vibrators that will determine the strength and vibration type of the product. 

Power

Typically, USB-rechargeable vibrators are powered with a lithium-ion battery – a way smaller version of what you would find in an e-bike or a laptop. These batteries are great because they are rechargeable and thus considered more ecologically- and user-friendly. However, there are also battery-operated vibrators, in which case, you are supplying the power source by inserting a AA or AAA battery, but these have become less popular over time (and arguably, with good reason… all it takes is your vibrator battery dying on you once mid-session to become a permanent convert to USB-rechargeable)

PCB

The next component is the PCB or printed circuit board. This is the vibrator’s proverbial brain, made of insulating materials that connect to the different electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and chips. The PCB allows the motor to talk to the power source, and for the user to be able to power the device on and off and cycle through the different settings. It also, very importantly, regulates the vibrator’s power source so that it doesn’t overheat.

Wiring

The electrical current from the lithium-ion battery must travel from the power source to the motor, and electrical wiring allows that to happen. The wiring also connects the buttons on your vibrator to the PCB, which informs the motor how fast to rotate and in what type of pattern. More specifically, a consistent rotation creates an intensity speed, and an intermittent rotation that pauses creates a pattern.

Housing

Each vibrator’s components are housed in an enclosure, typically made of plastic. The housing is a shell that holds all the parts of the vibrator together, provides a protective barrier from external elements, and gives the product its physical shape. Vibes can come in many shapes and sizes, and that can also affect their strength (as evidenced by our very own vibes!). 

 

Motors 

The motor is the heart of the vibrator and what will determine the vibrator’s strength, rotation speed, and type of vibration. There are several components within each motor’s construction that determine whether it’s a rumbly, strong vibration or more of a buzzy, lighter vibration – and everything encompassed in between

 

 

Eccentric rotating mass: Often just called the counterweight, this is the most important component in determining the type and strength of vibration. The counterweight itself is not symmetrical, so when the power travels from the battery to the motor, the weight rotates in a circle, creating a vibrating sensation attributable to its lack of symmetry. 

 

The weight, size, and shape of the counterweight can vary greatly and each variable influences the type of vibration produced. For example, more compact, lighter counterweights rotate more quickly on a smaller circumference, creating a buzzy vibration sensation. Conversely, larger and heavier counterweights will rotate a bit slower due to the greater mass and create a more rumbly vibration as a result. The type of metal the motor is made of can also influence the strength of the vibration, as some metals are heavier than others. 

What this means, in reality, is that if you want a small, compact vibrator that is great for travel or can be designed as a wearable, like Pep or Flick, the counterweight and motor will also be compact to allow for that size, creating a more buzzy vibration. 

Conversely, the larger, heavier counterweights found in products like Ollie or Clutch will create a more rumbly, strong vibration. 

Let’s take a look at some of the different motor sizes and their counterweights to get a sense of how the physics of this actually works:

Understanding how vibrators work can deepen our appreciation for the variety of experiences in each innovative device. By combining technology and design, vibrators offer a unique way to connect with your body. So, as you embark on your journey of discovery, remember that it’s all about finding what brings you joy and comfort. Embrace the adventure, and don’t hesitate to explore what works best for you!