Title: Design of a vibration isolation actuator for automotive seating systems - Part I: Modelling and passive isolator performance

Authors: X. Liu, J. Wagner

Addresses: Automotive Research Laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, South, Carolina 2963-V0921, USA. Automotive Research Laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, South, Carolina 2963-V0921, USA

Abstract: The attenuation of vibrations transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle|s occupants is an important issue for the minimisation of discomfort levels which adversely effect the driver’s efficiency. Automobile vibration isolation strategies tend to incorporate passive and/or active suspension components to reduce the vibration levels of the sprung mass relative to the unsprung mass. For active vibration isolation, the active force generators are typically placed in parallel with the passive components. However, the required number of actuators, system packaging concerns, and sprung mass magnitude present formidable obstacles for widespread deployment. An attractive alternative to active suspension systems is the attenuation of vibrations between the sprung mass and the seating system through an integrated passive and active isolation strategy. In this paper, a vibration isolation seating system will be proposed for passenger/light-duty vehicles to improve ride quality. Mathematical models will be presented to describe the vehicle|s passive suspension and seating systems, the occupant|s response to vertical motions, and two force actuators. A series of road disturbances and vehicle configurations have been considered in the numerical simulations to establish vibration levels experienced by the occupant with the passive seating system. To offer greater vibration attenuation, semi-active and active force actuators, which feature hydraulic and electro-mechanical system components, will be presented and modelled. These mathematical descriptions will serve as the basis for control algorithms, and then integrated into the chassis, seat, and occupant simulation for performance studies.

Keywords: actuator design; mechatronics; modeling; vehicle dynamics; vibration attenuation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2002.002017

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2002 Vol.29 No.4, pp.335-356

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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