Volume 16 No 6 (2018)
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Integrated Approach to Improving Ride Comfort in Tractors Using Advanced Suspension and Seat Technologies
Harbhinder Singh, Tejbir Kaur
Abstract
Agricultural tractor operators are frequently exposed to intense vibrations, especially during tillage operations, which can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and long-term health issues. This research presents an integrated approach to improve operator ride comfort through a combination of advanced suspension and seat technologies. By developing and validating a dynamic model of a tractor-implement system, and by employing intelligent controllers—namely, PID and fuzzy logic-based strategies—this study evaluates their effectiveness in reducing vibrations. The passive suspension system is replaced with a semi-active MR (magnetorheological) damper, tuned via real-time control algorithms. Both simulation and experimental results show that the fuzzy-controlled MR seat significantly reduces root mean square (RMS) acceleration values, offering up to 78% improvement in comfort over traditional systems. The outcomes suggest that this integrated control and hardware modification strategy can serve as a foundation for next-generation agricultural vehicles prioritizing ergonomics and operator well-being.
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