How does a portable fan oscillate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning of portable fans, specifically focusing on the mechanisms behind their operation and oscillation. Participants explore various aspects of fan motors, including types and components, while also addressing the oscillation feature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the workings of a portable fan and shares pictures of the motor.
  • Another participant questions the initial inquiry, suggesting a lack of understanding about fan operation.
  • Links to external resources are provided by a participant to guide the original poster towards understanding fan mechanics.
  • A participant identifies the motor type as an AC motor and suggests searching for induction motors.
  • Another participant specifies that the motor is a "shaded pole" motor, common in small AC fan motors.
  • One participant proposes building a fan using basic materials like wire and a magnet.
  • A question is raised about the function of copper wiring around the magnet in the motor, indicating a lack of understanding.
  • A later reply clarifies that the copper coil creates an electromagnet, explaining the principles of magnetic fields and current flow.
  • A participant questions the relevance of the term 'portable' in the context of the discussion.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity specifically about the oscillation mechanism of portable fans, seeking clarification on its operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of how oscillation is achieved in portable fans, and multiple viewpoints regarding the motor types and their functions are presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the oscillation mechanism.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the technical details of fan operation, and there are references to external resources that may not fully address the original inquiry about oscillation.

driedupfish
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I am curious as to how a portable fan works. I took one apart and here are some pictures of the motor:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9FkpE8S_7W0NTEwOGZlYzUtMzhkNS00ZmU4LWE5ODItN2Q5NWViNDNmOGMz&hl=en&invite=CIrB408"
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9FkpE8S_7W0MjM3MTAwNTUtODRlYy00ZThiLWE0MzUtMWI3MjAzMjA4MjI0&hl=en&invite=CPXusNgG"
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9FkpE8S_7W0ZGI5MzMwMzUtYTU4NS00ZGEwLWE3OWQtNTU1NzExYmIxMmMx&hl=en&invite=CKaQ1bkG"
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9FkpE8S_7W0ODlmYTJmMWUtNDJiNC00Mzk2LWI5N2MtMzA0NzI1YTI2NGI3&hl=en&invite=CPKwofAL"
 
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Your kidding, right?
If not, what part of a portable fan do you not understand?
 
By the looks of the picture it is an AC motor. Search induction motor.
 
The motor in your pictures is called a "shaded pole" motor. Most all small AC fan motors will be of this type.

Edit: Bassplayer142 is also correct. It's a shaded pole induction motor. :)
 
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you can try building your own with some wire and a magnet and dc source
 
If you guys look at the first picture, there seems to be copper wiring around the magnet. Can someone explain the function of this? Sorry if this is a stupid topic, I really have no idea.
 
driedupfish said:
If you guys look at the first picture, there seems to be copper wiring around the magnet. Can someone explain the function of this? Sorry if this is a stupid topic, I really have no idea.

The "magnet" is actually not a permanent magnet, it's just layers of soft steel. That copper coil is what turns it into a magnet. Whenever you put current through a conductor you automatically create a magnetic field. When you wrap that conductor around soft steel or iron, it turns the metal into a magnet. In this way you can turn the magnet on or off by turning the current on or off. Likewise you can change the North pole of the magnet to a South pole by simply switching the direction of the current! This is what they mean when they speak of an electromagnet. A permanent magnet cannot be turned on or off, and the North and South poles can't change place.

Edit: you can make an electromagnet yourself with some insulated wire, a nail, and a battery:
http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/electromagnet.php
 
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What does 'Portable' have to do with it?
 
  • #10
Hi...
I was also curious as to how portable fan works. But I want to know how it oscillates from one extreme to other...
Is there a special mechanism to do this on the fan? I am unable to locate one!
Thanks.
 

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