Chapter 5 - Variable equivalent stiffness seat suspension

Abstract

In this chapter, we propose two kinds of seat suspensions with variable equivalent stiffness devices. One of them applies an electrical variable stiffness (VS) device that composes of an inductor and a variable resistor. Another one uses a spring and a variable electromagnetic damper. Both seat suspensions are proven to have the variable equivalent stiffness capability, which could benefit the suspensions’ performance in vibration control. Besides, the systems’ energy consumptions are low and have energy harvesting capability. The proposed two semi-active VS devices also have potential in other practical applications.