An Inside Look at Vibrators and how they function!

If you walk into your local sex toy store, cupidboutique or any adult toy store Canada you will see that the majority of toys that are available are Vibrators! At first glance you may be intimidated by the many shapes, colors, sizes or functionality. This is actually quite normal, as just like us, every single one is built differently. 

In this discussion we cover what is a vibrator? How does a Vibrator Work? And How Sex Toys Work in general!

What is the purpose of a vibrator? Why were they invented?

Originally when vibrators were invented they didn’t consider that a woman would want one.  Joseph Mortimer Granville invented the vibrator back in the early 1880’s. He invented the vibrator as a medical device for men! Yep, you read that right! It was to be used on a variety of parts, mainly to treat muscle aches and pains, spinal disease and deafness. In fact the only suggested sexual use for this device, at that time was for vibrating men’s perineum to treat impotence. Say What!? Interesting history here isn’t there!

So that’s where the story starts, but you must be wondering how it works? 

The Purpose of a Vibrator:

This is where it gets good! Lol. Thanks to Mr. Granville we have evolved with the vibrator. Not only is it just for men, there are tons of styles and functions for both men and women alike. So, what do vibrators do exactly? Allow me to break down those barriers.

A vibrator is a self-contained device that vibrates at either one single speed (or function) or a multitude of vibrations and pulsations. Depending on the style or how many functions it may contain. There are buttons that make those actions come to life. Those buttons are directly connected to the motors within the vibrators and each press of the button either makes it go higher or lower in vibrations; this would be your basic low, medium, high or ultra-high vibrations.

Take it one step further and there might be other buttons for quick shut off (off/on or power) which cuts the power to the vibrations and brings it to a halt. Other buttons may have special functions such as pulsations; this is different from the frequency of vibrations. Pulsations are connected by the same motor and once you press that button it changes the whole pace of what the vibrator can do. For example, we-vibe has several pulsations that can be used. Each press of the button changes the modes and provides a different action such as Pulse, Wave, Echo, Tide, Crest or Surf. Each of these actions allows the vibrator to move in certain ways to escalate you into pure bliss! Sounds awesome! Right? 

Are There Vibrating Dildos too!?

Yep, absolutely! In the same sense, we also enjoy vibrating dildos! They work and function similar to vibrators but have a more flexible outcome. With a dildo (phallic or non) we can stimulate ourselves or partner in a more casual and realistic sense but with the same end goal. I am sure you’ve been curious and wondered how do dildos work? In actuality, it’s the same way that a vibrator would.

There are a few on the market that have multiple vibrations so again your basic low, medium and high vibration functions. But there are also some that thrust, have spinning heads, or moving scrotums for an extra hint of surprise pleasure. While most of them have buttons you can press to find that perfect combination some have turn dials which quickly take you from 0-100 in a single twist.

Components of Vibrators: 

Virtually all available battery-powered vibrators use a simple class of rotary-vibrating motors, which provides very similar range of operation; somewhere between 80 and 130 Hz with fixed amplitude and the lowest setting. This allows the vibrator to vibrate at both high and low frequencies when the buttons are pressed or the dials are turned. The little motor inside the vibrator has a fast paced weight that spins when the “On” button is pressed. This weight has two different settings on either side, once it starts to spin you get an uneven wobble and this is what creates the vibrations inside the toy.

In a sense of measurement most low speed vibrations by a battery powered vibrator wave around 51 decibels to 64 decibels.  On the higher speeds which are plug-in vibrators or rechargeable vibrators have closer to 84 decibels as they have more current power circulating through them. Makes sense right? 

Could You Make Your Own?

I guess if you are quite technical and handy I imagine you could. Let me give a few pointers as to how to make a vibrator. First of all and most importantly whatever you choose to play with, always think safety first. Such as: Can it shock me? Is anything sharp or could poke me? Simple safety precautions could save you an embarrassing trip to the O.R. So please always consider that first and foremost. 

You can always use tools around the house for things that work as vibrators and create a makeshift one. Like for instance an electric toothbrush: You can use the back of the head or the base where the vibrations are more intense. Try to steer clear of the bristles or cover them with a cloth or plastic wrap really well. Similar to the electric toothbrush, you can also use an electric shaver: Keep the lid on or cover it with a soft material that can be touched against your skin. Also you could use an electric facial brush: use the flat smooth side or tip, just try to not use the bristles as it may be too rough for the area. Another ideal DIY tip can be to use an old cell phone: all noises off and vibration as high as it can go.

Regardless of what you choose, homemade vibrators can be a bit tricky but with a clever mind you can make just about anything into a vibrator. If you need some ideas you can always check out Cupid Boutique and see if there is one there you can make yourself! 

If you have a moment and would like to read more of our blogs. You can see more HERE