Bird-inspired quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolator equipped with tri-stable energy harvesting absorber

The research and development of vibration reduction and vibration energy harvesting integrated devices is a hot topic nowadays. However, conventional integrated devices usually directly combine the vibration isolator and energy harvester, which leads to the problem that the vibration reduction and energy harvesting performance cannot be balanced simultaneously. Inspired by the limb-neck synergy of large birds, a bird-inspired quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) vibration isolator equipped with tri-stable energy harvesting absorber (BVI-TEHA) is proposed in this work to address this problem. Specifically, the bio-inspiration is manifested in the coordination between a limb-like QZS mechanism, which provide high-load support and low-frequency reduction, and a neck-like tri-stable absorber designed for energy harvesting. Unlike existing multi-stable harvesters that are typically coupled with linear primary systems, the BVI-TEHA integrates a tri-stable absorber directly with a nonlinear QZS isolator. Static, dynamic, and electromechanical models were developed and validated via a physical prototype. Results under harmonic and impact excitations demonstrate superior vibration reduction and efficient power output compared to standalone QZS isolators. The prototype of the BVI-TEHA is manufactured, and the vibration reduction and energy harvesting experiments are conducted; the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical ones. The proposed BVI-TEHA has potential in the fields of vibration reduction for engineering structures and power supply for low-power sensors attached to structures.