A Hybrid Haptic Device for Virtual Car Door Interactions: Design and Implementation

As cars evolve from mere modes of transportation into living spaces, the importance of haptic interaction with vehicles is increasing. Here, we introduce a hybrid haptic device for the virtual prototyping of car doors, employing both the motor and brake. Physical prototyping, which is a conventional method for product designing, is often expensive and time-consuming. As a valuable alternative, virtual prototyping with a haptic device that delivers realistic haptic feedback can be utilized. However, replicating the substantial torque of a car door requires a high torque capacity motor, which can potentially pose safety risks to the user during haptic interaction. The proposed hybrid haptic device, combining a servo motor and a magnetic powder brake, effectively renders the dynamics of car doors. We experimentally measured the door's torque profile and confirmed significant friction from the door check mechanism and hinge. The torque profile was divided into active and passive torque, and each torque was distributed to the motor and brake, respectively. Finally, the proposed device and control method demonstrate the capability to accurately render the car door's kinesthetic haptic feedback, confirming its potential as an efficient tool for virtual prototyping in automotive design.