Analytical Study on the Low-Frequency Vibrations Isolation System for Vehicle’s Seats Using Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Isolator

Mohammad Abuabiah,Mahmoud Assad,Peter Plapper,Luqman Herzallah,Ihab H Alsurakji,Yazan Dabbas

doi:10.3390/app12052418

Mohammad Abuabiah, Mahmoud Assad + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052418

Copy DOI

Abstract

Improving the vibration isolation for the seat of small vehicles under low excitation frequencies is important for providing good comfort for the driver and passengers. Thus, in this study, a compact, low-dynamic, and high-static stiffness vibration isolation system has been designed. A theoretical analysis of the proposed quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) isolator system for vehicle seats is presented. The isolator consists of two oblique springs and a vertical spring to support the load and to achieve quasi-zero stiffness at the equilibrium position. To support any additional load above the supported weight, a sleeve air spring is used. Furthermore, the two oblique springs are equipped with a horizontal adjustment mechanism that is aimed to reach higher frequencies with the existed stroke when a heavy load is applied. The proposed system can be fitted for small vehicles, especially for B-segment and C-segment cars. Finally, the simulation results reveal that the proposed system has a large isolation frequency range compared to that of the linear isolator.

Highlights

Despite the massive evolution in the vibration isolation systems where cars, buses, and trucks were the main focus in road and off-road efforts until the present, they still lack the ability to provide complete comfort for drivers and passengers
This study has focused on isolating harmful low-frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the vehicle’s seat
The practical implementation for the proposed vibration isolation system is based on implementing a simple and compact system that combines the merits of the quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) with an air spring, which is able to isolate extremely low levels of vibrations

Summary

Introduction

Despite the massive evolution in the vibration isolation systems where cars, buses, and trucks were the main focus in road and off-road efforts until the present, they still lack the ability to provide complete comfort for drivers and passengers. Many studies have shown that drivers are exposed to a decent level of body vibrations, e.g., [1,2]. Exposure to such high-intensity and low-frequency vibration may cause fatigue, low back pain, and discomfort, especially among long-haul drivers. Additional studies went a step further, studying the body’s resonant frequency under different postural conditions, hand positions, seat heights, and back support conditions for healthy adults of different gender and ages [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. The conclusions that can be drawn from the previous studies are that the resonant frequencies of the human body parts are between

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion