A Quasi-Zero-Stiffness-Based Sensor System in Vibration Measurement

Quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) systems have been extensively studied and used as a useful vibration isolation device. In this paper, the feasibility of the application of a QZS system for vibration measurement is investigated. The structural parameters of the QZS system are first analyzed to ensure that the system is staying at stable equilibriums. Comparisons of the absolute motion of a general and typical vibration platform (e.g., a moving vehicle body) and the motion signal measured from the QZS system attached are then conducted to show the effectiveness of the method under different base excitations. Moreover, the case under which the QZS-based sensor system may not behave well is also studied and potential solutions are discussed. The QZS vibration system is shown to be a useful device for absolute displacement measurement in vibration control systems particularly for moving platforms compared with the exciting methods and would benefit a wide range of engineering practices.