In the ever-evolving world of agricultural machinery, comfort and efficiency are paramount. Enter W. Tao, a researcher from the Fujian Key Laboratory of Big Data Application and Intellectualization for Tea Industry at Wuyi University, who has made significant strides in enhancing the comfort and safety of agricultural tractor seats. Tao’s groundbreaking work, published in the journal ‘Mechanical Sciences’, focuses on the design of a magnetorheological (MR) suspension damper for tractor seats, integrating an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC).
The research addresses a critical issue in agricultural machinery: the need for effective vibration isolation in tractor seats. Vibrations not only cause discomfort but also lead to fatigue and reduced productivity among operators. Tao’s innovative approach involves creating a semi-active controller that combines ANFIS and ADRC to precisely control the damping force of MR seat dampers. “The integration of ANFIS and ADRC allows for a more adaptive and responsive control system,” Tao explains, “This means the seat can better adapt to varying terrain and operating conditions, providing a smoother ride for the operator.”
The study begins with the Bouc–Wen model, which is used to create a dynamic model of the damper based on experimental data. This ensures that the model accurately reflects the physical behaviors of the damper. The ANFIS technology is then employed to develop an inverse model, which is crucial for predicting and controlling the damper’s behavior. This inverse model is subsequently integrated with the ADRC controller to form a novel control scheme for the seat suspension system.
The results are impressive. Simulation analyses show that the root-mean-square (rms) value of the vertical vibration acceleration of the ADRC-controlled suspension system decreased by 68.9% compared to traditional PID control and by 34.4% compared to passive control. Similarly, the rms value of the dynamic disturbance decreased by 50.0% and 28.6% respectively. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the proposed controller in providing a more comfortable and stable ride.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the agricultural sector, improved seat comfort can lead to increased operator productivity and reduced fatigue-related injuries. For the energy sector, where heavy machinery is often used in challenging terrains, this technology could significantly enhance operator safety and efficiency. “This research opens up new possibilities for the design and control of suspension systems in various industries,” Tao notes, highlighting the potential for broader applications beyond agricultural tractors.
As the demand for advanced agricultural and energy sector machinery continues to grow, innovations like Tao’s MR suspension damper will play a crucial role in shaping future developments. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like ANFIS and ADRC, researchers are paving the way for more efficient, comfortable, and safe machinery, ultimately driving progress in these vital industries.
