A Simple Direct Current Electric Motor

I recently designed this project specifically for the MakerEd Challenge 2.0.

This project explores how a basic electric motor converts electricity into movement through electromagnetic interactions. It’s a fun and safe way to demonstrate the principals of electromagnetism.

This basic direct current electric motor has been designed with simplicity and ease of construct in mind, as such there are a minimum of parts and requires no soldering. This makes it an ideal classroom or children’s project.

The project consists of only 3 printed parts (Armature, Base and Switch Lever), four 2x10mm neodymium magnets, 2 C cell batteries a spool of 0.5mm enamelled copper wire, a sewing pin, a thumbtack and 9 contacts made from 0.002 and 0.005 brass shimming.

For simplicity the armature frame of the motor is combined with the bearing shafts and commutator as a single piece. While the base of the motor combines the battery holder, switch, bearing surfaces and magnet holders into a single piece. The switch is consists of a handle and a tapered disc that pushes on a brass contact. The armature spins on two tapered bearing surfaces on the motor base, and is held in position with a slight interference fit.

The project should make an excellent teaching aid for the science of physics classroom.

https://youtu.be/l4N95VHW8mI