Engineer reveals how she invented world's first silent vibrator

The world's first silent vibrator is set to go into mass production after a female engineer used space technology to develop the concept.

Julia Ryssel, 30, says most vibrators are as loud as electric shavers and she felt sure women found the noise a turn off.

So the engineer and mother to a young daughter, from the city of Dresden in the eastern German state of Saxony, founded her own start-up company, Laviu Gmbh, to produce the quiet sex toys.

"The vibration motors reach 40 to 50 decibels," said Ms Ryssel. "I wanted to bring intelligent technology into a completely normal area of everyday life."

She realised that, thanks to the so-called intelligent materials also used in space and aero technology, electric motors were no longer necessary.

The product has already received more than 650 pre-orders through their online shop, and won a "futureSAX" innovation award. Photo / Australscope, CEN

Ms Ryssel decided to develop a sex toy that did not buzz, but pulsated soundlessly, using the technology used in the solar sail on the Rosetta space probe.

According to the promotional video, Laviu has a silent but powerful pulsation and will be made of medical silicone and other high-quality materials.

Women who tested the prototype said they were satisfied by the resulting massage which gave them new sensual experiences.

Ms Ryssel, who has applied for international patents for the technology,
added: "Vibrators and such are not filth anymore nowadays, but rather a lifestyle product."

She claims credit for the internal workings of the silent vibrators, while business partner Martin Cirillo-Schmidt is behind the external design.

The pair raised one million Euro ($1.69 NZD) from investors and crowdfunding to bring the invention to market.

And they say the innovative product has already received more than 650 pre-orders through their online shop, and won a "futureSAX" innovation award.

Ms Ryssel said: "The assembly line is up; everything will be assembled here in Dresden. Some parts will be purchased from China, because not everything my products require is available here in Germany."

The engineer said the world needed more women to act as role models to encourage other female entrepreneurs.

She said: "When you see that others have made it, it gives you courage."

- Australscope