A six-axis hybrid vibration isolation system using active zero-power control supported by passive weight support mechanism

This paper presents a six-degree-of-freedom hybrid vibration isolation system integrated with an active negative suspension, an active–passive positive suspension and a passive weight support mechanism. The aim of the research consists in maximizing the system and control performances, and minimizing the system development and maintenance costs. The vibration isolation system is, fundamentally, developed by connecting an active negative suspension realized by zero-power control in series with an active–passive positive suspension. The system could effectively isolate ground vibrations in addition to suppress the effect of on-board generated direct disturbances of the six-axis motions, associated with vertical and horizontal directions. The system is further reinforced by introducing a passive weight support mechanism in parallel with the basic system. The modified system with zero-power control allows simplified design of the isolation table without power consumption. It also offers enhanced performance on direct disturbance suppression and large payload supporting capabilities, without degrading transmissibility characteristics. A mathematical model of the system is presented and, therefore, analyzed to demonstrate that zero-compliance to direct disturbance could be generated by the developed system. Experimental demonstrations validate the proposed concept that exhibits high stiffness of the isolation table to static and dynamic direct disturbances, and good transmissibility characteristics against ground vibration. Further improvements of the vibration isolation system and the control system are discussed as well.