Light-weighted quasi-zero stiffness device based on connected inclined beams on a flexible support

QZS isolators are particularly useful for low frequency excitations that are difficult to isolate for traditional isolation techniques. These isolators can be designed based on bistable structure which is very simple and of low weight. However, an external rigid restraint in transverse direction is often required for this kind of isolator which severely limits its application. This paper investigates a light-weighted QZS device that shows the QZS regardless of flexibility of the support. The device is based on inclined beams connected axially in series. Mechanism of the structure to generate the quasi-zero stiffness is discussed. A numerical model is developed for predicting its behavior. A series of tests were conducted to validate behavior of the structure and the numerical model, and a thorough numerical parametric study was performed. Based on the results, QZS isolators were designed and tested which is shown to have light weight and a good loading capacity.