Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi

I just built this toothbrush robot and have a problem with one side of the robot, one motor vibrating more than the other, even if I shift all the components from one side to the other. I have even changed the motors and the problem is still there.

Bye
Szoze

szoze,

Thank you for your question, and welcome to science buddies. It's hard to troubleshoot without seeing your specific bot...there are many, many different brush-bot designs.

That being said, I can offer that perhaps look at the structure holding the motor components (including the brush). If one side is heavier, either through the brush being larger on one side over the other or by components being attached predominately on one side over the the other, the motor on that side will not be able to make it shake as much. If you think this may be the case, I'd check the balance of your bot and shift components accordingly.

Another possibility is that the brush shape itself may be causing a difference in vibration. Many toothbrushes have brush heads that are fat at one end and tapper down toward the top. This could cause a difference in balance (as noted above) and also, the larger end may have a bit more friction (and stability) with the ground as the "skinny" end causing an asymetric vibration.

Keep troubleshooting and let us know if you figure it out.