Virtual Prototyping of an Automobile Steering System using Haptic Feedback

Conventional approach to the virtual prototyping of the steering system provides analysis and simulation tools which generate numerical results in the form of plots, charts tables or animation. The interpretation of the numerical results is not done naturally, no clear conclusion can be drawn considering the steering comfort and the task needs a skillful engineer. This paper proposes a novel approach to the virtual prototyping of the steering system, using a dedicated haptic interface, bringing the end product closer to the customer needs. Using the developed haptic system, different setups and designs of the steering system can be naturally tested on the haptic system, and therefore the transmissibility of the system can be easily estimated. The paper demonstrates with a user experiment, how numerical results of computer simulations, which may be difficult to interpret, can be presented using a one degree of freedom haptic device, aiding natural interpretation of the results. Key-Words: haptic device, virtual prototyping, steering system, hydraulic power steering, boost curve, haptic