Vehicle Door Haptic Simulator Using Motor-Brake Torque Split
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic simulators for vehicle doors lack the capability to realistically simulate large physical forces and operating ranges, posing safety risks and limiting the accuracy of tactile feedback due to motor-driven torque changes and lack of torque/force sensors.
Innovation Solution
A haptic simulation system incorporating a motor and brake to provide active and passive torques, a torque sensor, and a controller to distribute and convert these torques into electric signals, ensuring safe and realistic simulation of vehicle door opening and closing sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor with high output torque is used to simulate vehicle door opening and closing, then the haptic feedback capability is improved, but the safety risk to users increases due to potential injury from the high-torque motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torque generation function into two separate components: a motor that generates active torque and a brake that generates passive torque. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high haptic feedback capability while the brake component provides inherent safety by passively limiting maximum torque and preventing uncontrolled movements that could injure users.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the high-torque motor and the user. It mediates the torque transmission by passively limiting the maximum torque that can be applied to the door, thereby maintaining safety while allowing the motor to provide sufficient haptic feedback for realistic simulation.
2Measurement precision
If the rotation direction of the motor changes drastically to simulate different torque profiles, then the simulation accuracy is improved, but the control reliability deteriorates due to increased error risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the motor to generate both positive and negative torque by changing rotation direction, the patent inverts the approach by using the brake to generate passive torque that opposes the motor's active torque. This allows the motor to maintain a constant rotation direction while the brake provides the necessary torque variation, thereby improving control reliability while maintaining simulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake automatically adjusts the passive torque based on the door's position and movement state without requiring complex control signals. This self-adjusting capability reduces control complexity and error risk while maintaining accurate torque profile simulation throughout the door's opening and closing cycle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a limited control method is used to minimize safety risks, then the safety risk is reduced, but the haptic simulation realism deteriorates due to restricted user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a friction-based brake that provides passive torque through simple mechanical friction rather than complex active control systems. This approach prioritizes safety through inherent mechanical limitations while allowing full user interaction freedom, as the brake automatically limits torque without restricting the user's ability to manipulate the door realistically.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides safe and realistic haptic feedback by distributing physical forces into active and passive torques, allowing users to experience the sense of opening and closing without prototype production, enhancing design accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to rotate the shaft. The motor may provide an active torque to the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a brake configured to brake the shaft. The motor may provide an active torque to the shaft and the brake may provide a passive torque to the shaft
Implementation Method 3
The haptic simulator may further include a torque sensor configured to measure a torque of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic simulation system for a vehicle door includes a haptic simulator having a simulator frame, a simulator door rotatably connected to the simulator frame through a shaft, a motor configured to rotate the shaft, and a brake configured to brake the shaft. The motor provides an active torque to the shaft and the brake provides a passive torque to the shaft.