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SMITHSONIAN INVENTION KITS
Laboratory School for Advanced Manufacturing
CHARLES PAGE MOTOR
Contents
OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Background Knowledge ............................................................................................................................ 3
Who was Charles Page? ............................................................................................................................ 4
Related School Standards ......................................................................................................................... 4
Next Generation Science Standards ..................................................................................................... 4
Common Core Standards ...................................................................................................................... 4
Virginia Standards of Learning .............................................................................................................. 4
Curriculum Framing Questions ................................................................................................................. 4
Essential Questions ............................................................................................................................... 4
Module Questions................................................................................................................................. 4
Content Questions ................................................................................................................................ 5
ANALYSIS AND DECONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................................... 6
Smithsonian 3D Digitization of Artifact..................................................................................................... 6
Animation of Operation ............................................................................................................................ 6
Primary Source Documents ...................................................................................................................... 7
DESIGN AND FABRICATION ........................................................................................................................... 8
Interpretive Documents ............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Materials List and Suppliers ...................................................................................................................... 8
Instructions ............................................................................................................................................. 10
OVERVIEW
The first Smithsonian Invention Kit is Charles Grafton Page’s Solenoid Electric Motor. This is a device that
converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Charles Page was an important patent examiner and
inventor in the mid-19th century. He was a contemporary of Joseph Henry, a leading American scientist
in the then-new field of electromagnetism, and the Smithsonian’s first Secretary. Page made many
electromagnetic devices. His primary interest was in replacing the steam power with electricity. We
leave it to the reader to determine the extent to which he succeeded, and the impact on society, as the
resources accompanying this first Invention Kit are explored.
Background Knowledge
An “electromagnetic engine” that Charles Page patented in 1857 uses two solenoids – one to pull the
armature in one direction, and a second to pull the armature in the opposite direction. A commutator
attached to a rotating flywheel switches electrical current between the two solenoids to automate the
process of alternately turning each solenoid on and off.
Video 1. Animation of original Charles Page Motor in operation.
Electromagnetic force is an invisible force that can move objects at a distance. After Alessandro Volta
invented the battery in 1800, Oersted discovered that an electric current causes a magnetic needle to
deflect. This physical demonstration led Andre-Marie Ampere to develop a mathematical relationship
between electricity and magnetism which we now classify as electromagnetism.
In 1821, Michael Faraday applied Ampere's relationship to produce a continuous motion that he termed
"electromagnetic rotation." This demonstration, as well as the principles of induction that Faraday later
discovered led to the development of the electric motor. These principles govern the operation of many
other modern devices, including solenoids, generators, and transformers, among others. The word
“motor” is derived from the Latin root movere which means “to move.”
Who was Charles Page?
Charles Page was born on the 25th of January, 1812 in Salem Massachusetts.
One of nine children, Charles exhibited an early interest in electricity when at
age nine he climbed onto the roof of his family's house during a thunderstorm
and tried to catch the lightning with a shovel. A ten year old Charles built an
electrostatic machine he used to shock his friends. Charles also had a great
fondness for magic tricks. He would later visit several magic shows and
demonstrate how the tricks were done.
Related School Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
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MS-ETS1-1
MS-PS2-3
Common Core Standards
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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7
Virginia Standards of Learning
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Physical Science Standards of Learning Goal #7
PS.1m
Other PS.1 standards include PSf, g, j, k, l, and n
PS.6a and b
PS.10b, c, and d
PS.11
Curriculum Framing Questions
Essential Questions
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How did the Charles Page electromagnetic engine impact later inventions?
How did the understanding of electromagnetism support the development of Charles Page's
motor? (Electromagnetism led to an understanding of electromotive force, which could replace
the mechanical force generated by steam engines)
Module Questions
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What technological and/or scientific discoveries were based on the engine Charles Page
invented?
What scientific and technological discoveries were crucial to the invention of the Charles Page
motor? (electromagnetism/solenoid, electrochemical reactions/batteries)
Content Questions
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How does the presence or absence of insulation on wire affect its ability to carry electric current
and generate a magnetic field?
What is the impact of multiple layers of coiled wire on the strength of an electromagnet?
How are resistance, amperage and voltage related in an electrical circuit?
What role does iteration play in the development of a (powerful) new technology?
What is the value of constructing a prototype (of a potential technology)?
What is the purpose of the brainstorming step in engineering design?
What are some benefits of the motor (especially when contrasted with a steam engine)?
How might the motor be used?
ANALYSIS AND DECONSTRUCTION
Smithsonian 3D Digitization of Artifact
A high definition scan available on the Smithsonian website allows students to explore the original
invention in detail, with the ability to pan and zoom into areas of interest. This ability includes but is not
limited to the digital measurement of key components in the invention. Accompanying tours and
associated instructional content are also available.
Smithsonian 3D Website: Charles Page Electromagnetic Engine
Animation of Operation
Animations will provide the ability to play, pause, and proceed with frame-by-frame analysis to identify
the role of each component in the invention. The ability to watch the invention in operation will
enhance students’ analysis and conceptual understanding.
Video 2. Animation of operation
Primary Source Documents
These documents provide an important tool for gaining insight into the approach and methods
employed by the inventor. Descriptions and accounts can also humanize the inventor as they describe
obstacles encountered and failures experienced.
Figure 1. Charles Page “Electromagnetic Engine” Parent, 1854
DESIGN AND FABRICATION
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Files
CAD files of crucial elements (such as the commutator of an electric motor) will provide important
scaffolding. Students will still participate in a design process as they create other components of the
invention and combine them with these elements, but the scaffolding provided through the CAD files
will ensure that students will be successful in their endeavors.
Materials
Magnet Wire
Magnet wire is a solid core, conductive wire that has an insulating
enamel coating on it. It usually appears red, but can be found in other
colors. This is the best type of wire for making electromagnets and
solenoids.
Gauge: Magnet wire will come in various gauges. While any gauge will
work, certain gauge wires work best for this particular application.
Through testing, it was discovered that 24 and 26 AWG magnet wire
work best.
Source: Magnet wire is sold at a lot of online vendors, such as Amazon (http://amzn.com/B0082CUNVE).
Iron Rods
Iron rods can be found in many common objects, such as
coat hangers and nails. The best source of iron rods for the
motor are metal coat hangers.
Source: Metal coat hangers can be sourced from a number of different places. Online vendors, such as
Amazon (http://amzn.com/B00J5NCHTA) carry them, but a local laundromat may have them and give
them away for free.
Copper Sheets
Copper sheets (or flashing) are a great conductive material that is also
flexible. These are used for making the switch contacts.
Source: Copper sheets can be sourced online, at Amazon
(http://amzn.com/B00AKMNNX4) or a local hardware store. Each motor
requires two small strips (approximately 4” x ¼”) so one sheet can be used for
many motors.
Copper Tubes
Copper tubes are used for the axle shaft on the motor. Because of
how the motor works, the shaft must be conductive, and so
copper tubes are used. Cutting the tubes is required, and the best
tool for the job is a pipe cutter.
Source: Online vendors, Amazon (http://amzn.com/B00827OGNU)
or a hardware store.
Alligator Clips
Alligator clips are used to attach the magnet wire to the switch
contacts. This provides a solderless joint, which makes classroom
activities easier, but provide a vulnerable joint. Soldering the magnet
wire to the switch contacts is an option, but additional tools and
materials (soldering iron and solder) would be needed.
Source: Amazon, (http://amzn.com/B00GYTZN7G).
Acrylic Sheets (or Plywood)
The sheet material is to be laser cut for the base of the motor, as
well as the posts. ¼” or 1/8” thick material can be used, 1/8” is
cheaper and lighter. Acrylic or Plywood can be used, plywood is
cheaper but can be more difficult to laser cut.
Source: Acrylic can be used purchased from various online
vendors, Amazon (http://amzn.com/B004PN9YAK) or a local
lumber supply for 1/8” or ¼” plywood.
Laser cutting: Based on the size of laser cutter
available, choose the appropriate sized material.
Based on the size, the original CAD files may need to
be edited to fit and maximize the material. For the
most economical option, try to fit as many parts on
one sheet. With a 24” x 12” sheet of material, 4
complete motor parts can be cut.
Super Glue (or Hot Glue)
Super glue is used for joining the base parts together (as shown in the above photograph).
It is also used to join the armature and crank-arm parts together. Hot glue can be used as
an alternative, but it can make the joints bulkier and cause additional friction in the
motor.
Source: Amazon (http://amzn.com/B000LGPD64), or hardware/craft store.
Battery
A battery is required to test the solenoids, and to operate the
motor. In general, a 6 Volt battery is the minimum
recommended battery voltage and a 12 Volt battery is the
maximum recommended battery voltage. However,
experiments show that lower and higher voltages can work
but may not work or damage to the motor.
Source:
Tools
3D Printer
Laser Cutter
Wire Cutters
Scissors
Pipe Cutters
Instructions
Step-by-step instructions with figures, photographs, animations, and 3D-scans incorporated will be
supplied to scaffold reconstruction of the invention. The instructions will be developed for levels of
reconstruction:
1. Build and wrap two solenoids (see solenoid invention page)
2. Attach armature to armature pivot
1. It is important that the armature is centered on the pivot, use a ruler to measure.
2. Use a small amount of hot glue to attach the armature to the pivot.
3. Take the remaining three small linking parts to the pivot armature (pin, joint, washer)
and assemble them to the pivot armature. The joint must be a specific orientation, make
sure you match it up with the above diagram.
4. Use a small amount of hot glue to attach the washer to the pin.
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3. Assemble solenoid and armature to base
0. Take one of the two solenoid tubes and attach it to the base.
1. Insert one end of the armature rod inside the solenoid tube.
2. Take the other solenoid tube and guide the other end of the armature rod inside the
tube, and attach the solenoid tube to the base.
4. Assemble and attach connecting linkage to armature
0. Attach linkage cap to the linkage rod using a small amount of hot glue.
1. Attach other end of linkage rod to armature pivot joint using a small amount of glue.
5. Attach axle and switch stands
0. Glue the axel stands (with holes cut out) to the base
1. Glue the switch stands (with notches cut out) to the base
6. Assemble axle and crank mechanism
0. Insert sleeve bearing into axle stands (do not glue yet!)
1. Insert axel commutator into sleeve bearing
2. Position and hold axle so the bent portion is facing up
3. Position and hold sliding armature so that it is all the way right (furthest position)
4. Attach crank to axle and connecting linkage to crank while keeping this position
5. This step is critical to getting a properly timed engine, the position of the axle
commutator and crank needs to be set specifically or else the engine will not work.
7. Attach Flywheel
8. Attach Switch Contacts