Optimal Design and Dynamic Analysis of a New Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Isolation Device

Compared with the linear isolation system, the quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) nonlinear isolation system has the characteristics of high static stiffness and low dynamic stiffness, which has better low-frequency vibration isolation performance. However, most of the existing QZS isolators only consider the quasi-zero-stiffness characteristic at the static equilibrium position achieved by the parallel connection of positive and negative stiffness structures. To optimize the isolation performance of the QZS system, a new isolation device based on the parallel connection of oblique springs and vertical springs was proposed. The device can not only achieve quasi-zero-stiffness at the static equilibrium position but also expand the interval of quasi-zero-stiffness through parameter optimization design to optimize the stiffness characteristics of the QZS system, thus effectively improving the vibration isolation performance. The QZS nonlinear systems with the optimal parameters were analyzed dynamically, and the nonlinear motion equations were approximately solved based on the fifth-order polynomials fitted by the restoring force curves. A prototype was further designed and fabricated to compare and analyze the vibration isolation performance of the QZS system and the equivalent linear system through a shaking table test.