Experimental determination of the parameters of the characteristics of the seat suspension for automotive vehicles

Abstract

This article describes the methodology and results of the experimental determination of the static-elastic damping characteristics of the Sibeco air suspension with a scissor guide mechanism. To implement the measurement procedure in laboratory conditions, bench equipment, including a compressor unit (power system) with a control pressure gauge, a measuring device (height gauge) for fixing linear displacements and reference weights, was used. The measurements were carried out stepwise at various fixed values of air pressure in the pneumatic elastic element, as well as in the presence or absence of a standard unregulated hydraulic shock absorber in the design of the considered seat suspension system. The whole process of obtaining the necessary parameters was held in accordance with the recommendations of the official domestic regulatory documentation, which establishes regulations on the general technical conditions for the design of seats for automotive vehicles. There were analyzed the obtained curves of the static characteristics of the seat suspension, including for the presence of a character of nonlinearity in different specific sections of the characteristic. Based on these results, the values of the parameters of stiffness, natural frequency and resistance forces (“dry friction” forces) were calculated during the compression and rebound strokes of the seat suspension for certain measurement conditions. Additionally, an assessment for the compliance of these parameters with the normative indicators of domestic technical standards was made. Also, the dependences of the instantaneous values of the stiffness of the considered air suspension of the Sibeco seat on deformation at various air pressures in the pneumatic elastic element were constructed and analyzed. Recommendations on the operation of this device for cushioning the seats of operators of motor and tractor equipment were given.