Quasi-Zero Stiffness Vibration Isolator for Low-Frequency Seat Attenuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for isolating vehicle seats from low frequency vibrations (0-10 Hz) are complex and expensive, failing to effectively attenuate vibration transmission from the chassis to the seats.

Innovation Solution

A vibration isolator mechanism providing a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response, incorporating conical disc spring members and spacers, with a force application and adjustment mechanism to manage forces within a predetermined range, thereby attenuating vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current methods are used to isolate vehicle seats from low frequency vibrations, then vibration isolation is attempted, but the methods are complex and expensive while failing to effectively attenuate vibration transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidisolation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a vibration isolator that provides a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response within a predetermined force range. This changes the mechanical parameter (stiffness) of the isolator to achieve effective low-frequency vibration attenuation. The force application mechanism adjusts the applied force to maintain it within the predetermined range where the quasi-zero/negative stiffness response occurs, thereby resolving the contradiction between isolation effectiveness and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current methods are used to isolate vehicle seats from low frequency vibrations, then vibration isolation is attempted, but the methods are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves cost-effective vibration isolation by changing the stiffness parameter of the isolator to provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response. This approach uses a force application mechanism with adjustment capability to maintain operation within the predetermined force range, providing effective low-frequency vibration attenuation without requiring complex or expensive conventional isolation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a vibration isolator provides a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response within a predetermined force range, then effective vibration attenuation is achieved, but the applied force must be precisely controlled within that range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration attenuation performanceVSAvoidforce control requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a force adjustment mechanism that provides feedback control to maintain the applied force within the predetermined range where the quasi-zero/negative stiffness response occurs. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the force application to ensure optimal vibration attenuation performance without requiring manual intervention or complex operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between attenuation performance and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively isolates vehicle seats from low frequency vibrations, reducing discomfort for occupants and simplifying the isolation process compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration isolator structured to provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response to a force applied to the vibration isolator when the applied force is within a predetermined range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuasi-zero/negative stiffness response: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10677310B2Vibration isolator mechanism with adjustable force application mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.06.09 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US10677310B2 patent drawing
  • US10677310B2 patent drawing
  • US10677310B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration isolator mechanism is provided for limiting transfer of vibrations from a first element to a second element coupled to the first element. The vibration isolator mechanism may include a vibration isolator structured to provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response to a force applied to the vibration isolator when the applied force is within a predetermined range. The vibration isolator mechanism may also include a force application mechanism structured to apply a force to the vibration isolator. The vibration isolator mechanism may also include a force adjustment mechanism structured to adjust the force applied to the vibration isolator by the force application mechanism so that the applied force is within the predetermined range.