In a simple electric motor, the two stationary brushes’ primary role is to conduct electricity from a power source, like a battery, to the rotating armature (or rotor). They make contact with the split-ring commutator, allowing current to flow into and out of the armature coils as they rotate. This ensures a continuous flow of current to drive the motor’s rotation.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Contact with the Commutator:
The brushes are stationary and make contact with the split-ring commutator, which is a rotating mechanism attached to the armature.
Current Transfer:
As the armature rotates, the brushes continuously contact the different halves of the split-ring commutator, allowing current to flow into and out of the armature coils.
Maintaining Direction of Rotation:
The split-ring commutator, along with the brushes, reverses the current flow through the armature coils every half turn, ensuring that the motor rotates in the same direction.
Continuous Power Flow:
The brushes act as a reliable electrical contact, ensuring a continuous flow of power from the source to the rotating part of the motor, driving its rotation.
In essence, the brushes act as a bridge, transferring electrical energy from the stationary power source to the moving parts of the motor, enabling its rotation.