Rotary haptic knob for vehicular instrument controls

Instrument controls in motor vehicles have haptic properties (force and compliance) designed to enhance the ease of use. In conventional control knobs, these properties are obtained mechanically via springs, detents, hard stops and the like. The work reported here concerns the use of a single force-feedback knob to emulate the feel of various conventional control knobs, thus retaining their desirable haptic properties while allowing multiple functions to be controlled through one device. Compared to existing haptic knobs, this one is novel in its use of a brake to provide high torque capability in a small volume.