A Study on a New Type of Isolator for Shock and Vibration Based on a Swinging Motion Mechanism - Part 2: New Bumper System

In the automotive field, safety has become a world-wide issue along with energy and the environment. In an effort to propose a shock isolator based on a new principle, the authors have formulated an idea of isolating and reducing shock by transforming rectilinear motion into circular motion. We call it a swinging unit. According to its principle, it is a shock isolator, not absorber. In the first report, we described this transformation of motion and gave an analysis of the fundamental characteristics of the swinging unit.

This time, we prepared a new bumper system composed of the swinging unit and two oil cylinders. An experimental vehicle model was made and the new bumper system was installed in it. Then, an experiment was conducted using the vehicle model to verify whether the new bumper system is effective in reducing shock. The experimental results show that the new system is effective. The cost may be the main factor in deciding whether it will be used in practical applications.