Vibration isolator mechanism with adjustable force application mechanism

A method, in a vibration isolator, for limiting transfer of vibration forces from a first element to a second element coupled to the first element, the vibration isolator including at least one conical disc spring member structured to provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response to a force applied to the vibration isolator when the applied force is within a predetermined range and a first spacer coupled to the at least one conical disc spring member, the first spacer being structured to enable inversion of the at least one conical disc spring member during loading of the at least one conical disc spring member, the method comprising steps of:

• applying, by a force application mechanism, a force to the vibration isolator;
• adjusting, by a force adjustment mechanism, the force applied to the vibration isolator by the force application mechanism so that the applied force is within the predetermined range;
• and
• controlling, during application of vibration forces to the first element and by the force adjustment mechanism, the force applied to the vibration isolator by the force application mechanism so as to maintain the force applied to the vibration isolator to a value within the predetermined range.