Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Model-Based Semi-Active Control for the Seat Suspension With an Electrorheological Damper

Numerous research studies have been performed to help develop advanced control algorithms for semi-active seat suspension. This paper experimentally investigates a state observer-based Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy controller for a semi-active seat suspension by equipping an electrorheological (ER) damper. A new ER damper prototype is designed, assembled, and tested. Then, a T-S fuzzy model is established to describe the ER seat suspension, which can facilitate the H∞ controller design considering the multiobjective optimization. A state observer is established and integrated into the controller to estimate the state information for the T-S fuzzy model in real-time. Additionally, the experimental validation of the control algorithm is critical in the practical application. A seat suspension test rig is built to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The presented control algorithm is evaluated by comparing the corresponding test results to those with a skyhook controller. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed T-S fuzzy control method, compared to the traditional control method, can further improve the performance of an ER seat suspension system.