Analyzing isolation capacity of new seat suspension resorting TPS and NSS combined

Based on the isolating capacity of both three parallel suspensions (TPS) and negative stiffness suspension (NSS), two new models of seat suspension resorting the TP + NSS (TPS and NSS combined) and NS + TPS (NSS and TPS combined) are proposed and studied for ameliorating comfortable and shaking of the driver. The effect of design parameters in TPS, NSS, TP + NSS, and NS + TPS is also analyzed to highlight the isolating capacity and stability of a combination of TPS and NSS. Root-mean-square value in vertical-, pitch-, and roll-accelerations of driver’s seat ( a zs , a ϕs , and a θs ) are used to be the evaluation indexes. Investigation reveals that all the a zs , a ϕs , and a θs with the seat’s suspension using the TP + NSS are strongly reduced in comparison with the TPS, NSS, and NS + TPS. Especially, the a zs using TP + NSS is remarkably ameliorated by 31.4% in comparison with TPS, while both a ϕs and a θs have been greatly deteriorated by 89.7% and 84.7% compared to NSS. Besides, under the change of all design parameters of TPS, NSS, TP + NSS, and NS + TPS, the TP + NSS’s design parameters insignificantly affect the a zs , a ϕs , and a θs in comparison with design parameters of the TPS, NSS, and NS + TPS. Thus, the new seat suspension designed by TP + NSS can improve the comfort and shaking of the seat better and be more stable than that of all TPS, NSS, and NS + TPS. With a combination of TPS and NSS proposed, its structure is much simpler than the structure of active suspensions. Concurrently, its isolation efficiency is very good. Thus, this research result can be referenced to design and apply the TP + NSS to the seat suspension system of vehicles to further improve both the shaking and ride quality of the driver’s seat.