Multi-dimensional evaluation and prediction of vibration comfort in electric loaders using ACO-Transformer

  • Ruxue Dai School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
  • Jian Zhao LiuGong Global R&D Center, Liuzhou Liugong Excavator Co., Ltd., Liuzhou 545027, China
  • Qingli Sui LiuGong Global R&D Center, Liuzhou Liugong Excavator Co., Ltd., Liuzhou 545027, China
  • Weidong Zhao LiuGong Global R&D Center, Liuzhou Liugong Excavator Co., Ltd., Liuzhou 545027, China
  • Weiping Ding School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
  • Haibo Huang School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
Article ID: 3523
Keywords: ACO-Transformer; operator comfort; vibration prediction

Abstract

Engineering machinery plays a vital role in supporting modern economic development. The electric loader represents a key innovation driven by environmental protection and the pursuit of sustainable development. However, the absence of engine masking effects in electric machinery makes structural vibration and impact noise more pronounced. To address this issue, this study proposes an ant colony optimization-Transformer (ACO-Transformer) model that integrates the ant colony algorithm with the Transformer framework to accurately and efficiently evaluate the vibration comfort of electric engineering machinery. An improved objective evaluation method for vibration was employed to extract objective data from four measurement points, while 34 subjective scores were obtained through a structured subjective evaluation protocol. The combined analysis of subjective and objective data demonstrated the validity of incorporating additional vibration measurement points. Using these datasets, the ACO-Transformer model was developed to establish a mapping between multi-dimensional objective vibration parameters and subjective comfort ratings. Results indicate that the proposed model achieved high prediction accuracy (MAPE = 6.22%) and strong generalization performance (RMSE = 6.11). This study offers a novel approach for evaluating and predicting the vibration comfort of engineering machinery cabins.

Published
2025-08-29
How to Cite
Dai, R., Zhao, J., Sui, Q., Zhao, W., Ding, W., & Huang, H. (2025). Multi-dimensional evaluation and prediction of vibration comfort in electric loaders using ACO-Transformer. Sound & Vibration, 59(4), 3523. https://doi.org/10.59400/sv3523
Section
Article

References

[1]Soresini F, Barri D, Ballo F, et al. Noise, vibration, and harshness countermeasures of permanent magnet synchronous motor with viscoelastic layer material. SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH. 2025; 9(4). doi: 10.4271/10-09-04-0031

[2]Huang HB, Huang XR, Wu JH, et al. Novel method for identifying and diagnosing electric vehicle shock absorber squeak noise based on a DNN. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. 2019; 124: 439-458. doi: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2019.01.053

[3]Tempone GP, de Carvalho Pinheiro H, Imberti G, et al. Control system for regenerative braking efficiency in electric vehicles with electro-actuated brakes. SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH. 2024; 8(2). doi: 10.4271/10-08-02-0015

[4]Brozovsky J, Labonnote N, Vigren O. Digital technologies in architecture, engineering, and construction. Automation in Construction. 2024; 158: 105212. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2023.105212

[5]Gao D, Zhou Z, Li P, et al. IncorporationNet: A novel bimodal EEG-EOG vigilance estimation method via time-frequency-space feature fusion network. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering. 2025; 1-18. doi: 10.1080/10255842.2025.2515517

[6]Gaspar J, Tefft B, Carney C, et al. The impact of self-initiated breaks during drowsy driving. SLEEP. 2025. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsaf150

[7]Wen Y, Wang B, Song Y, et al. Evaluation of vibration comfort and annoyance rate of an aircraft. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2025; 2977(1): 012036. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2977/1/012036

[8]Huang HB, Wu JH, Huang XR, et al. A generalized inverse cascade method to identify and optimize vehicle interior noise sources. Journal of Sound and Vibration. 2020; 467: 115062. doi: 10.1016/j.jsv.2019.115062

[9]Dai R, Zhao J, Zhao W, et al. Exploratory study on sound quality evaluation and prediction for engineering machinery cabins. Measurement. 2025; 253: 117684. doi: 10.1016/j.measurement.2025.117684

[10]Kat CJ, Skrickij V, Shyrokau B, et al. Vibration-induced discomfort in vehicles: A comparative evaluation approach for enhancing comfort and ride quality. SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH. 2024; 8(2). doi: 10.4271/10-08-02-0009

[11]Yang J, Chen Y, Xing S, et al. A comfort evaluation method based on an intelligent car cockpit. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries. 2022; 33(1): 104-117. doi: 10.1002/hfm.20973

[12]Peng C, Cheng S, Sun M, et al. Prediction of sound transmission loss of vehicle floor system based on 1D-Convolutional Neural Networks. Sound & Vibration. 2024; 58(1): 25-46. doi: 10.32604/sv.2024.046940

[13]Suzuki K, Dang PT, Homma H, et al. Improved numerical estimation method for surface wave attenuation on metasurfaces. Advanced Theory and Simulations. 2024; 7(6). doi: 10.1002/adts.202301173

[14]Iijima Y, Okumura Y, Yamasaki S, et al. Assessing the hierarchy of personal values among adolescents: A comparison of rating scale and paired comparison methods. Journal of Adolescence. 2020; 80(1): 53-59. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.02.003

[15]Huang H, Huang X, Ding W, et al. Uncertainty optimization of pure electric vehicle interior tire/road noise comfort based on data-driven. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. 2022; 165: 108300. doi: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2021.108300

[16]Bouzir TAK, Berkouk D, Eisenman TS, et al. Soundscapes in Arab cities: A systematic review and research agenda. Sound & Vibration. 2024; 58(1): 1-24. doi: 10.32604/sv.2024.046723

[17]Rainio O, Teuho J, Klén R. Evaluation metrics and statistical tests for machine learning. Scientific Reports. 2024; 14(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-56706-x

[18]Xiong JQ. Research on subjective rating attenuation analysis of automobile NVH characteristics. Procedia Computer Science. 2019; 154: 383-388. doi: 10.1016/j.procs.2019.06.055

[19]Ao D, Wong PK, Huang W, et al. Analysis of co-relation between objective measurement and subjective assessment for dynamic comfort of vehicles. International Journal of Automotive Technology. 2020; 21(6): 1553-1567. doi: 10.1007/s12239-020-0146-0

[20]Wu J, Zhang L, Meng D, et al. Evaluation of vibration comfort for vehicle seats with extensive backrest angles based on road tests. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology. 2025; 39(5): 2587-2598. doi: 10.1007/s12206-025-0417-9

[21]Hu Z. Construction and experimental study on subjective evaluation system of braking performance of new energy vehicle ABS system. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2019; 677(5): 052102. doi: 10.1088/1757-899x/677/5/052102

[22]Zhan J, Zhu H, Duan C, et al. Modeling and subjective evaluation method of driveability for fuel cell vehicles. Energies. 2024; 17(7): 1620. doi: 10.3390/en17071620

[23]Zhu B, Guo H, Zheng L, et al. A novel subjective evaluation method for the sound quality of high-speed train compartments. Journal of Vibration and Control. 2023; 30(11-12): 2325-2337. doi: 10.1177/10775463231184107

[24]Tran T, Järvinen J. Understanding the concept of subjectivity in performance evaluation and its effects on perceived procedural justice across contexts. Accounting & Finance. 2022; 62(3): 4079-4108. doi: 10.1111/acfi.12916

[25]Yang M, Dai P, Yin Y, et al. Predicting and optimizing pure electric vehicle road noise via a locality-sensitive hashing transformer and interval analysis. ISA Transactions. 2025; 157: 556-572. doi: 10.1016/j.isatra.2024.11.059

[26]Huang H, Lim TC, Wu J, et al. Multitarget prediction and optimization of pure electric vehicle tire/road airborne noise sound quality based on a knowledge- and data-driven method. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. 2023; 197: 110361. doi: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110361

[27]Steinmetz MFA, Aschersleben J, Panagiotidou A. On-road measurements and modelling of disc brake temperatures and brake wear particle number emissions on a heavy-duty tractor trailer. Atmosphere. 2025; 16(5): 561. doi: 10.3390/atmos16050561

[28]ISO, ISO. 2631-1: Mechanical vibration and shock-evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration-Part 1: General requirements. Geneva, Switzerland: ISO 42 1997: 43-4.

[29]BSI, BS. 6841: 1987 Guide to measurement and evaluation of human exposure to whole-body mechanical vibration and repeated shock. BS.6841, BSI, 1987.

[30]VDI, VDI. 2057: Human exposure to mechanical vibrations - Whole-body vibration. Düsseldorf: Verein Deutscher Ingenieure 2002.

[31]Ciloglu H, Alziadeh M, Mohany A, et al. Assessment of the whole body vibration exposure and the dynamic seat comfort in passenger aircraft. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2015; 45: 116-123. doi: 10.1016/j.ergon.2014.12.011

[32]Carletti E, Pedrielli F. Tri-axial evaluation of the vibration transmitted to the operators of crawler compact loaders. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2018; 68: 46-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ergon.2018.06.007

[33]Zhao X, Kremb M, Schindler C. Assessment of wheel loader vibration on the riding comfort according to ISO standards. Vehicle System Dynamics. 2013; 51(10): 1548-1567. doi: 10.1080/00423114.2013.814798

[34]Cheng L, Wen H, Ni X, et al. Optimization study on the comfort of human-seat coupling system in the cab of construction machinery. Machines. 2022; 11(1): 30. doi: 10.3390/machines11010030

[35]Zhao Y, Liu J, Ma L, et al. Test and evaluation of driving comfort of rice combine harvester. PLOS ONE. 2023; 18(6): e0287138. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287138

[36]Guastadisegni G, De Pinto S, Cancelli D, et al. Ride analysis tools for passenger cars: objective and subjective evaluation techniques and correlation processes—A review. Vehicle System Dynamics. 2023; 62(7): 1876-1902. doi: 10.1080/00423114.2023.2259024

[37]Paul P, Banerjee S, Nandi A, et al. A multilayer deep neural network framework for hemodynamic assessment of cognitive load management during problem-solving tasks. Cognitive Neurodynamics. 2025; 19: 104. doi: 10.1007/s11571-025-10292-4

[38]Huang X, Huang H, Wu J, et al. Sound quality prediction and improving of vehicle interior noise based on deep convolutional neural networks. Expert Systems with Applications. 2020; 160: 113657. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2020.113657

[39]Huang HB, Li RX, Yang ML, et al. Evaluation of vehicle interior sound quality using a continuous restricted Boltzmann machine-based DBN. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. 2017; 84: 245-267. doi: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2016.07.014

[40]Marotta R, Strano S, Terzo M, et al. Multi-output physically analyzed neural network for the prediction of tire–road interaction forces. SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH. 2024; 8(2). doi: 10.4271/10-08-02-0016

[41]Huang H, Huang X, Ding W, et al. Vehicle vibro-acoustical comfort optimization using a multi-objective interval analysis method. Expert Systems with Applications. 2023; 213: 119001. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2022.119001

[42]Du X, Sun C, Zheng Y, et al. Evaluation of vehicle vibration comfort using deep learning. Measurement. 2021; 173: 108634. doi: 10.1016/j.measurement.2020.108634

[43]Li H, Chen A, Yi J, et al. Environmental sound classification based on CAR-Transformer neural network model. Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing. 2023; 42(9): 5289-5312. doi: 10.1007/s00034-023-02339-w

[44]Yang M, Song M, Guo Y, et al. Prediction of shield tunneling-induced ground settlement using LSTM architecture enhanced by multi-head self-attention mechanism. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2025; 161: 106536. doi: 10.1016/j.tust.2025.106536

[45]Blum C. Ant colony optimization: A bibliometric review. Physics of Life Reviews. 2024; 51: 87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.plrev.2024.09.014

[46]Zhu H, Zhao J, Wang Y, et al. Improving of pure electric vehicle sound and vibration comfort using a multi-task learning with task-dependent weighting method. Measurement. 2024; 233: 114752. doi: 10.1016/j.measurement.2024.114752

[47]Skackauskas J, Kalganova T, Dear I, et al. Dynamic impact for ant colony optimization algorithm. Swarm and Evolutionary Computation. 2022; 69: 100993. doi: 10.1016/j.swevo.2021.100993

[48]Zhou X, Ma H, Gu J, et al. Parameter adaptation-based ant colony optimization with dynamic hybrid mechanism. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence. 2022; 114: 105139. doi: 10.1016/j.engappai.2022.105139

[49]Pang J, Mao T, Jia W, et al. Prediction and analysis of vehicle interior road noise based on mechanism and data series modeling. Sound & Vibration. 2024; 58(1): 59-80. doi: 10.32604/sv.2024.046247

[50]Huang H, Wang Y, Wu J, et al. Prediction and optimization of pure electric vehicle tire/road structure-borne noise based on knowledge graph and multi-task ResNet. Expert Systems with Applications. 2024; 255: 124536. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124536

[51]Moore BCJ, Lowe DA, Cox G. Guidelines for diagnosing and quantifying noise-induced hearing loss. Trends in Hearing. 2022; 26. doi: 10.1177/23312165221093156

[52]Tang SJ, Zhang KF, Dong R, et al. The effect of vertical whole-body vibration with different frequencies on the dynamic biomechanics of sitting human waist. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science. 2024; 239(6): 1815-1825. doi: 10.1177/09544062241297126

[53]Gautam A, He Y, Lin X. An overview of motion-planning algorithms for autonomous ground vehicles with various applications. SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH. 2024; 8(2). doi: 10.4271/10-08-02-0011

[54]He Z, Guo H, Liu H, et al. A sound quality evaluation method for vehicle interior noise based on auditory loudness model. Sound & Vibration. 2024; 58(1): 47-58. doi: 10.32604/sv.2024.045470

[55]Ma Y, Dai R, Liu T, et al. Physics-informed GRU model for vehicle road noise prediction: Integrating transfer path analysis and hybrid data. Sound & Vibration. 2025; 59(3): 3143. doi: 10.59400/sv3143