The Design and Analysis of a Novel Passive Quasi-Zero Stiffness Vibration Isolator

Purpose This project aims to design a novel passive quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolator (QZS-VI) and analyze the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the QZS-VI. Methods First, a novel combination of V-shaped lever, plate spring and cross-shaped structure (VL-PS-CS) vibration isolation platform is designed, and a nonlinear QZS-VI is built by parallel connecting VL-PS-CS and coil spring. Second, the static and dynamic modeling of QZS-VI are derived considering the geometrical nonlinearity of V-shaped lever and the large deflection of plate spring, and the average method is applied to obtain the displacement transmissibility. Third, the effects of different structural parameters (e.g., the lengths of long arm and short arm of V-shaped lever, the assembly angle between two arms, the thickness of plate spring) on the static mechanical and equivalent nonlinear friction properties of QZS-VI are thoroughly investigated. Finally, the vibration isolation performance of the designed QZS-VI is compared with another QZS-VI of buckled beam mechanism and traditional linear vibration isolator. Results The QZS-VI with VL-PS-CS fully explores the nonlinear advantages of plate spring and V-shaped lever and can achieve excellent high static and low dynamic stiffness and nonlinear friction properties. The superior static mechanical properties and nonlinear friction of QZS-VI can be tuned with different structural parameters. The designed QZS-VI exhibits much smaller resonant frequency, lower peak value and more stability property at the peak frequency than other isolators due to its special nonlinear friction and stiffness properties. Conclusions The designed QZS-VI is practical, novel and suitable for low-frequency vibration isolation. The innovative structure provides novel insights into the design of passive vibration isolators and has great potential for application in engineering practice.