ENHANCED HAPTIC FEEDBACK IN DIAL GEAR SHIFTERS VIA DESIGN OPTIMIZATION

초록

Haptic feedback is increasingly utilized in modern automotive systems to enhance both safety and user convenience by facilitating intuitive human-machine interactions. In vehicles, tactile feedback-typically delivered through vibration-serves as an important channel for conveying information to the driver. As many recent passenger vehicles have transitioned from traditional stick-type gear shifters to dial-type alternatives, concerns have emerged regarding potential maloperations and misinterpretations of gear positions associated with the new interface. This study aims to address these concerns by developing a dial gear shifter equipped with a haptic actuator designed to deliver intensified tactile feedback. To achieve this, five key design parameters of the shifter module were identified and optimized to maximize vibration force within a compact form factor (<8 x 8 cm(2)). Optimization was carried out through a series of numerical simulations, guided by a design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The resulting design achieved an increase in vibration force of over 42%, as confirmed through both simulation and empirical testing using a functional prototype. The proposed design offers a practical and effective solution for integrating haptic feedback into dial gear shifters, with the potential to significantly improve driver awareness and operational safety in passenger vehicles.

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