Identification of High-Quality Tactile Requirements for an Instrument Panel through Friction Measurement and Fingertip Surface Visualization

Kazuki Yamagishi･Ran Nishikido･Yoshitomo Takahashi (Mazda)

Tactile feel at touchpoints, such as interior materials, varies significantly among individuals, making it difficult to quantify design requirements that often rely on expert heuristics. In this study, we measured friction during touch motions in several dozen participants and visualized fingertip-surface conditions for a subset of participants. Based on these results, we elucidated the friction mechanisms and performed statistical analyses to link subjective sensations to objective physical quantities.

Pre-verification of the development of the deco bezel specification steering wheel through analysis

Dongmin Kim (KOMOS)

When manufacturing automotive steering wheels, a high defect rate occurs during the manual leather stitching process. Therefore, we developed a steering wheel with a deco bezel specification that eliminates this manual leather stitching process to reduce the defect rate and allows for the application of a high-end design to the front of the steering wheel. Accordingly, this study pre-verifies the issues encountered during the development of the deco bezel specification steering wheel through analysis.

A Study on Partition Layouts for Configuring Independent Spaces in Vehicles

Jiseob Park (Hyundai Motor)･Jaemoon Jung (SeoYon E-Hwa)

This study proposes a partition layout for creating independent spaces in autonomous vehicles. Based on aircraft full-cover partitions, the design was redefined to suit limited vehicle interiors. A console-type partition was developed and evaluated through usability testing. The optimized design integrates a variable armrest, cup holder, smartphone mount, and PDLC film. The results verify its feasibility for improving privacy, convenience, and spatial independence in autonomous vehicle interiors.

The Development of Active Air Skirt for reducing Drag Force

Jinyoung Yoon･Soobok Kim (Hyundai Motor)･Jaesup Byun･Jangho Kim (hyundai Mobis)

There are various active air flaps, active rear spoilers, and active deflectors, which are various active aerodynamic devices to improve the aerodynamic performance of electric vehicle. This technology is an active air skirt that improves the air resistance of the front wheel tire by controlling the air flow in the front lower part and improves the air flow to the rear, and is deployed/stored according to the vehicle speed. As a result of conducting a wind tunnel test by applying it to a real vehicle, the effective CD (coefficient of Drag) value was confirmed, and mass production feasibility was confirmed through robust design of the actuator and operating mechanism.