Electric vehicle emulation system and method

Abstract

An electric vehicle emulation system and method is provided that uses at least one force generating device (FG) to induce vibrations that emulate the feel of an internal combustion engine in an all electric, hybrid electric, or alternative fuel vehicle. The FG may be a circular FG (CFG), a linear FG (LFG), or a combination of both CFG and LFG.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,654, filed June 24, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to vibration controls and methods for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine while operating an all electric, hybrid electric, or alternative fuel vehicle, also referred to as an ICE. [Background technology]

[0003] With the growing interest in all-electric, hybrid-electric, or alternative fuel vehicles, some vehicle brands may lose some of the cache that comes from internal combustion engines. Much of the cache comes from the vibrations felt by passengers inside the passenger compartment. In some internal combustion engine vehicles, passengers want to feel the feel of one or more of the vibrations tied to the engine and engine revolutions per minute (RPM), gear shifting, and / or exhaust system. These feel may be part of the brand identity or a desired option for a particular type or style of vehicle. Nevertheless, vehicle owners are also interested in being conscientious about the environment and have chosen all-electric, hybrid-electric, or alternative fuel vehicles. Thus, the desire to have a vehicle that nevertheless feels traditional is less at odds with the desire to be environmentally conscious. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] What is needed is a vibration induction system that creates a feel that emulates an internal combustion engine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the disclosure describes a system for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during operation of an electric vehicle, the emulation system including an electric vehicle having a chassis, an electric motor supported by the chassis, an acceleration device controlling operation of the electric motor, at least one data source capable of providing data representative of changes in operation of the electric vehicle, at least one force generator controller in data communication with the at least one data source, the force generator controller programmed to generate a demand signal in response to data received from the at least one data source and configured to communicate the demand signal to the force generator, and a force generator configured to generate a vibration upon receiving the demand signal from the force generator controller.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during operation of an electric vehicle, the method comprising: an electric vehicle comprising: a chassis; an electric motor supported by the chassis; an acceleration device configured to control operation of the electric motor; at least one data source capable of providing data representative of changes in operation of the electric vehicle; at least one force generator controller programmed to receive data from the at least one data source; the force generator controller programmed to generate a demand signal suitable for controlling operation of the force generator and configured to communicate the demand signal to the force generator; and a force generator configured to generate a vibration upon receiving the demand signal from the force generator controller. monitoring changes in operation of the electric vehicle using a data source to produce data representative of the changes in operation of the electric vehicle; communicating data representative of a change in operation of the electric vehicle to a force generator controller, the force generator controller receiving the data representative of the change in operation of the electric vehicle and generating a demand signal; communicating a demand signal from the force-generating device controller to the force-generating device; using a force generating device to produce vibrations that emulate changes in operation of an internal combustion engine corresponding to data representative of operation of the electric vehicle; The present invention provides a method comprising: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle; [Diagram 2] A force generator is shown producing a force at 35 Hz, which is modulated to emulate an idling internal combustion engine. [Figure 3A] Illustrates an emulation of a V8 internal combustion engine vehicle on the passenger side of the vehicle frame when the vehicle is moving and shifting gears. [Figure 3B] Illustrates an emulation of a V8 internal combustion engine vehicle on the passenger side of the vehicle frame when the vehicle is moving and shifting gears. [Figure 4A] Illustrates an emulation of a V8 internal combustion engine vehicle on the driver's side of the vehicle frame when the vehicle is moving and shifting gears. [Figure 4B] Illustrates an emulation of a V8 internal combustion engine vehicle on the driver's side of the vehicle frame when the vehicle is moving and shifting gears. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates the emulation of transient vibrations of a gear shift in a V8 internal combustion engine vehicle. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an electrical schematic for an example linear force generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an example linear force generator. [Figure 8] Draw the electrical schematic for the circular force generator example DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about," "approximately," and various variations thereof are used to indicate that values ​​include inherent variation or error for the device, system, or measurement method employed, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0010] With reference to Figures 1-5, a system for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine vehicle is disclosed. Figure 1 illustrates an electric vehicle 10 having a chassis 12, a passenger compartment 14, an electric motor 16, a CAN BUS network 18, an accelerator 20, at least one force generator (FG) 22, and at least one FG controller 24. Any suitable control mechanism may serve as the accelerator 20, however, Figure 1 depicts a generic foot pedal. As part of the original equipment of the electric vehicle 10, there are also additional sensors, such as a vehicle speed sensor 15 and an accelerator position sensor 21. Such sensors may be located in any convenient location suitable to achieve their purpose. Additionally, the electric motor 16 generally includes an electric motor controller 17. These components and sensors provide data to the CAN BUS network 18 as do the electric motor controller 17 and the FG controller 24. As used herein, the terms electric vehicle 10 and electric motor 16 are not meant to be limiting to all electric vehicles. Rather, electric vehicle 10 and electric motor 16 are meant to include all electric vehicles that operate with an electric motor, hybrid electric vehicles that operate with a hybrid electric motor-internal combustion engine, and alternative fuel vehicles that operate with fuel cells and other alternative fuels.

[0011] As known to those skilled in the art, the chassis, or frame, forms the base for the rest of the vehicle. Everything else is built on top of the chassis. The chassis may also include other components such as suspension, brakes, driveline, and steering linkages. Modern vehicles typically have one of two different styles of chassis: unibody or body-on-frame. With the exception of pickup trucks or large SUVs, most vehicles have a unibody chassis. This means that the body, which gives the car its exterior shape, and the chassis are all part of the same assembly. As used herein, the term chassis refers to both body-on-frame and unibody configurations.

[0012] The configuration and use of FGs 22 are well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the structure and operation of linear and circular force generators will not be discussed in detail. As known to those skilled in the art, FGs 22 are commonly used to control vehicle vibrations, however, in the emulation system, at least one FG 22 provides the ability to generate vibrations in the electric vehicle 10 such that the feel of the operation emulates existing and past internal combustion engine vehicles. In this manner, the disclosed emulation system creates an experience that corresponds to the operation of an internal combustion engine vehicle while enjoying the benefits of the electric vehicle 10. The at least one FG 22 may be a circular FG (CFG), a linear FG (LFG), or a combination of both CFG and LFG. FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary electrical schematic of a linear force generator, and FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary electrical schematic of a circular force generator. As known to those skilled in the art, the linear force generator 30 includes a mass 32 as depicted in FIG. 7. In this example, the mass 32 corresponds to a magnet 34 movably supported on a shaft 36. At least one spring 37 provides a centering force to the magnet 34. Finally, the linear force generator 30 includes a coil 38. Activation of the coil 38 in response to a demand signal from the FG controller 24 provides movement of the magnet 34, resulting in vibration.

[0013] The schematic provided in Figure 8 corresponds to a circular force generator with two rotating unbalanced masses that rotate in the same direction (co-rotation) and at the same frequency when the rotational force vector is controlled. Both eccentrics (mA and mB) generate a rotational force vector due to the corresponding centrifugal forces of the eccentrics that can be vectorially summed to generate a controllable rotational force vector that also rotates at the same frequency. However, other circular force generators would work satisfactorily in the emulation system.

[0014] In one embodiment, the emulation system includes at least one FG 22 attached to or integral with the chassis 12 and / or passenger compartment 14. The emulation system also includes at least one FG controller 24 in electrical communication with the at least one FG 22 and the CAN BUS network 18. The FG controller 24 receives data over the CAN BUS network 18 from various data sources selected for their ability to convey data representative of changes in vehicle operation. In particular, the data sources should provide data that may be interpreted and applied for purposes of generating signals to emulate the operation of the vehicle powered by the ICE. Such data sources may include the vehicle speed sensor 15, the accelerator position sensor 21, and the electric motor controller 17. The data received from the electric motor controller 17 typically corresponds to a current torque or power demand to be delivered to the electric motor 16. The FG controller 24 includes programming suitable for interpreting and using data received from these data sources to generate demand signals. The FG controller 24 is also programmed to communicate a demand signal to the FG 22. The demand signal controls the FG 22 and instructs the FG 22 to generate vibrations that correspond to the then current operating conditions of the vehicle 10.

[0015] In another embodiment, the FG 22 may be mounted or integrated with a location other than the chassis 12. For example, the FG 22 may be incorporated into the passenger compartment 14, with the only constraint on the location of the FG 22 relating to its ability to induce at least one vibration pattern or resonance based on the vehicle speed and / or the location of the accelerator 20. As noted above, in some instances, the chassis 12 may be of unibody construction. Since a unibody vehicle lacks a traditional frame, the location of the FG 22 may be any convenient location suitable for transmitting the desired vibrations to occupants of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Similarly, in a vehicle having a separate frame such as the chassis 12, the FG 22 may be incorporated into the frame or as part of the vehicle body 11, so long as the location transmits vibrations to occupants within the passenger compartment 14. Thus, one or more FGs 22 may be secured under the seats, in contact with the steering control mechanism, behind the door panels, and positioned to operate the hood and trunk lid of the vehicle 10. The use of the FG22 enhances the overall emulation of internal combustion engines.

[0016] As described above, each FG 22 receives a demand signal from the FG controller 24 that directs operation of the FG 22 to create vibrations sufficient to emulate the feel of an internal combustion engine vehicle to at least one passenger inside the passenger compartment 14. The generated vibrations travel through the body 11 of the vehicle 10 to the passenger compartment 14, or through the chassis 12 to the body 11 and the passenger compartment 14.

[0017] In another embodiment, the emulation system further includes an acoustic emulator subsystem. The acoustic emulator subsystem includes an acoustic emulator 26 and an acoustic emulator controller 27. As depicted in FIG. 1, the at least one FG controller 24, the CAN BUS network 18, and the optional acoustic emulator controller 27 are all in direct or indirect electrical communication with each other. As illustrated, the at least one FG controller 24 is in electrical communication with both the CAN BUS network 18 and the optional acoustic emulator controller 27. The acoustic emulator 26 may be any one or more conventional acoustic speakers configured to produce sounds corresponding to a frequency range of engine noise and / or engine exhaust noise. When the emulation system includes the optional acoustic emulator subsystem, the two systems must work together to produce the desired emulation of the ICE. The system interaction is discussed below in the description of the method for emulating an ICE.

[0018] The emulated "feel" of the passenger of the internal combustion engine vehicle is controlled by at least one FG controller 24 and the CAN BUS network 18. The emulation of the internal combustion engine vehicle is both the physical feel and the auditory feel of the at least one passenger. Thus, to further enhance the emulation of the internal combustion engine vehicle, the sound emulator controller 27 receives the same data as the FG controller 24 from the CAN BUS network 18, namely, vehicle speed data, accelerator position data, and torque or power request of the electric motor 16. The sound emulator controller 27 includes programming to interpret the received data and generate a sound request signal. The sound emulator controller is also programmed to communicate the sound request signal to the sound emulator 26. Upon receiving the sound request signal, the sound emulator 26 generates a sound output corresponding to the current operating state of the vehicle. For example, during acceleration, the sound emulator may emit a sound output corresponding to any desired internal combustion engine with increasing RPM, while also emulating the sound of the engine exhaust at such conditions. Similarly, during deceleration, the acoustic emulator 26 receives appropriate acoustic demand signals directing it to produce an acoustic output that corresponds to changes in engine speed.

[0019] The emulation system disclosed herein provides at least four modes of interest. The first mode is an idle mode where the electric vehicle 10 is in a stopped / not moving position. In this mode, the emulation system provides the sensation of an internal combustion system operating while idling between 600 RPM (revolutions per minute) and 5000 RPM as the position of the acceleration device 20 is changed. At least one FG 22 operates with increasing or decreasing RPM demands on the engine to generate vibrations that emulate the RPM of an idling internal combustion engine. In one embodiment for the idle mode, the electric vehicle 10 is in a stopped position and not moving as the acceleration device 20 is changed. In one embodiment for the idle mode, the electric vehicle 10 can emulate changes similar to the RPM changes of an internal combustion engine as the acceleration device 20 is changed. In a non-limiting example, a sports car is an electric vehicle 10 and the operator wants to have the feel of an engine "revving" and "producing engine power" as the operator depresses and releases the accelerator 20 while the electric vehicle is not moving, for example when the transmission is in neutral.

[0020] In a second mode, the emulation system provides an acceleration / deceleration feel that emulates an operating internal combustion engine vehicle. The emulation creates a feel for the demands on the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, cruising, and / or undergoing a change in load (e.g., going up or down a steep hill). In this mode, the FG controller 24 generates a demand signal corresponding to the position of the accelerator 20 in response to data received from at least the accelerator position sensor 21. More typically, the FG controller 24 receives data from the accelerator position sensor 21, from the vehicle speed sensor 15, and from the electric motor controller 17, information related to torque / power demands on the electric motor 16, via the CAN BUS network 18. The programming of the FG controller 24 calibrates the received data to determine a similar RPM of an operating internal combustion engine vehicle. The FG controller 24 then communicates signals directing operation of one or more FGs 22 to generate vibrations that emulate a sensation corresponding to the speed of the electric vehicle, including whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, or running at economy speed. In a non-limiting example, an operator of the electric vehicle 10 may wish to have feedback of the engine running while in operation, and at least one FG 22 induces vibrations in response to a demand signal that emulates a demand on the engine for a given speed and / or load. In this manner, the emulation system controls and directs one or more FGs 22 to emulate and track what are acceleration / deceleration events in terms of changes in RPM of the internal combustion engine in response to accelerator position and / or other data received.

[0021] The third mode is a gear shift mode that emulates an internal combustion engine vehicle having a transmission going through various gear shifts as the internal combustion engine vehicle accelerates or decelerates. The electric vehicle experiences a change in vibration felt from at least one FG 22 during the gear shift mode emulation and as the electric vehicle 10 accelerates or decelerates. Based on the speed, acceleration / deceleration, and demands from the accelerator, the emulated feel changes for at least one passenger. In a non-limiting example, a sports car is the electric vehicle 10 and the operator wants to accelerate quickly but still have that gear shift feel. In this example, the operator feels a change in vibration that emulates the change in vibration of an internal combustion engine sports car changing gears. There may be any number of emulated gear shift changes for the electric vehicle 10.

[0022] The fourth mode is a safety enhancement mode in which at least one FG 22 provides additional feedback based on unsafe conditions. For example, an owner of an electric vehicle 10 may wish to create a speed governor that allows an operator of the electric vehicle 10 to exceed a set speed, but introduces unpleasant vibrations that all occupants feel through the passenger compartment 14. Similarly, the same owner may wish to enhance existing safety warning equipment, such as a lane departure warning, such that when the electric vehicle inadvertently departs from a set lane, all occupants of the passenger compartment 14 feel one or more vibrations. In a non-limiting example, at least one FG 22 is driven on / off (disabled) at a frequency in the range of 0.5 Hz to 2 Hz to generate an enhanced safety warning.

[0023] All four modes can be seamlessly integrated together or individually implemented by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Depending on the desires of the OEM, one or more of the modes can be user / owner selectable, emulation specific (i.e., tied to a particular internal combustion engine), and / or operator / owner controlled / configurable. These adjustable options related to vibration from at least one FG22 are based on choosing pre-configured options, such as the example immediately above.

[0024] In each mode, the FG controller communicates a demand signal that directs the operation of one or more FGs 22 to generate a desired vibration corresponding to the activity being simulated. To generate the demand signal, the FG controller 24 receives data over the CAN BUS network 18 from the accelerator position sensor 21, from the vehicle speed sensor 15, and from the electric motor controller 17, information related to torque / power demands on the electric motor 16. The programming of the FG controller 24 calibrates the received data to determine the vibration required for the desired emulation mode. The FG controller 24 then communicates a signal that directs the operation of one or more FGs 22 to generate the vibration corresponding to one or more operating modes. In this manner, the resulting demand signal controls and directs the one or more FGs 22 to create the vibration that is passed to the passenger compartment 14 to create the operational "feel" of an internal combustion powered vehicle experiencing the same operating conditions.

[0025] When the optional acoustic emulator controller 27 is paired with at least one FG controller 24, the combination can synchronize and emulate both the feel and sound of an internal combustion engine vehicle. In this embodiment, either the emulator controller 27 or the FG controller 24 may be programmed to manage the overall operation of the emulation system. Either controller coordinates and manages the operation of the other controller to ensure simultaneous operation of one or more FGs 22 and one or more acoustic emulators 26, thereby providing seamless emulation of the ICE operating under the specific conditions at the time.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, a non-limiting example of using the emulation system described above is shown. The graph in FIG. 2 represents operating the emulation system in a manner that emulates an idling eight cylinder internal combustion engine. Typically, an eight cylinder ICE idles at approximately 600 RPM or 10 Hz with an exhaust pulse frequency of 40 Hz and a full firing order frequency of 5 Hz. To emulate this operation, the vibration frequency of the FG 22 is typically approximately 40 Hz since frequencies of approximately 40 Hz easily transmit through and into the vehicle structure 11. In the example of FIG. 2, the FG 22 generates a vibration force at a frequency of 35 Hz, which is assumed to be an electric vehicle body mode / resonance in this example. The vibration force resulting from at least one FG 22 is modulated at 5 Hz to match the reference full firing order frequency. For example, with a nominal duty cycle pulse width modulation of 50%, at least one FG 22 transitions from a set force to zero force with a random deviation in period. Finally, random jitter may be applied to the FG22 vibration modulation to simulate random variations in idle RPM.

[0027] One or more FGs 22 suitable for use in the emulation system may produce forces between 0.5 Newtons and about 60 Newtons. Typically, one or more FGs 22 are selected based on the size of the electric vehicle 10 and the desired internal combustion engine to be emulated, e.g., a V8 engine, a V6 engine, an I4 engine, and / or a turbo engine. The one or more FGs 22 produce the force necessary to shake the passenger compartment 14 and generate the emulated feel. One or more larger FGs 22 with greater force capabilities may be used, if desired. Also, a combination of two or more FGs 22 may be used to emulate the feel of an internal combustion engine vehicle.

[0028] 3A-4B, non-limiting examples of gear shift modes on the passenger side (FIGS. 3A and 3B) and driver side (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the passenger compartment 14 are shown. In these examples, at least one FG 22 generates vibration forces at frequencies between 0 Hz and 200 Hz based on the measured acceleration of an internal combustion engine vehicle in operation. Depending on the frequency, the simulated internal combustion engine is operating between 2400 RPM and 4600 RPM. As the example vehicle shifts gears, the frequency and vibration felt on the passenger side and driver side of the passenger compartment 14 decreases with the change in RPM. The example data shows that frame and seat vibrations change through the RPM due to the electric vehicle 10 and the passenger compartment 14 resonates at different frequencies.

[0029] 5, another non-limiting example illustrates transient hot spots 40 during acceleration of an internal combustion engine vehicle. The hot spots 40 show the vibration inputs required for a typical V8 internal combustion engine and the associated RPM changes as the vehicle accelerates and changes gears for approximately 7.5 seconds. These hot spots 40 illustrate the timing and manner in which at least one FG 22 induces vibrations at the same frequency based on the RPM of the emulated internal combustion engine.

[0030] A method for emulating an internal combustion engine in an electric vehicle 22 is provided. In this method, a CAN BUS network 18 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 15, an accelerator position sensor 21, an electric motor controller 17, an FG controller 24, and 2 and the optional acoustic emulator controller 27. In some embodiments, the one or more FGs 22 and the one or more optional acoustic emulators 26 may receive signals from the FG controller 24 and the optional acoustic emulator controller 27 via the CAN BUS network 18, however, in most instances the FG controller 24 has a direct link to the one or more FGs 22 and the optional acoustic emulator controller 27 has a direct link to the one or more optional acoustic emulators 26. In response to optional changes in the vehicle 10, the FG controller 24 receives data from the vehicle speed sensor 15, the accelerator position sensor 21, and the electric motor controller 17. The data reflects changes in vehicle speed, changes in the position of the accelerator 20, and current torque or power demands on the electric motor. To emulate the responses that an ICE would typically produce, programming within the FG controller 24 interprets the data, generates demand signals, and communicates the demand signals to the one or more FGs 22. The demand signals include information necessary to control and direct the operation of the one or more FGs 22. In this manner, each FG 22 produces a vibration that can be felt within the passenger compartment 14. Because the FGs 22 are fixed to the chassis 12, to selected body panels, or to locations within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 10, the resulting vibrations are passed to the passenger compartment 14 and emulate the operating conditions of an internal combustion engine such that passengers therein experience a "feel" that corresponds to the operation of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. Thus, based on a demand signal received from the at least one FG controller 24, the at least one FG 22 generates a vibration force that emulates the operating characteristics of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.

[0031] When including an acoustic emulator subsystem as part of the emulator system, the FG controller 24 and the acoustic emulator controller 27 are programmed to provide for synchronous operation of the one or more FGs 22 and the acoustic emulator 26. Additionally, to provide the desired emulation, the acoustic emulator controller 27 receives the same data as the FG controller 24. Either the acoustic emulator controller 27 or the FG controller 24 takes primary control of the emulation operation. If the FG controller 24 has primary control, the FG controller is programmed to manage the data signals when directing the operation of the acoustic emulator controller 27 such that the timing of the request signal from the FG controller 24 arrives at the one or more FGs 22 at the same time that the acoustic emulator 26 receives the acoustic request signal from the acoustic emulator controller 27. Similarly, if the acoustic emulator controller 27 has primary control, the acoustic controller 27 is programmed to manage the data signals when directing the operation of the FG controller 24 such that the timing of the request signal from the acoustic emulator controller 27 arrives at the acoustic emulator 26 at the same time that the one or more FGs 22 receive the request signal from the FG controller 24. Thus, in either configuration, the acoustic emulator 26 and one or more FGs 22 synchronously receive appropriate acoustic demand and request signals to create an emulation of an ICE-powered vehicle undergoing indicated sensor-determined changes in operation.

[0032] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Although the present subject matter has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present subject matter.

Claims

1. A system for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during the operation of an electric vehicle, comprising: An electric vehicle having a chassis; An electric motor supported by the chassis; An acceleration device for controlling the operation of the electric motor; A data source capable of providing data representing a change in the operation of the electric vehicle; A force generator controller in data communication with the data source, programmed to generate a request signal in response to data received from the data source, and configured to transmit the request signal to a first force generator fixed to the chassis of the electric vehicle at a first location, wherein the first force generator at the first location transmits vibrations inside the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle; The first force generator, which is a linear force generator or a circular force generator configured to generate vibrations upon receiving the request signal from the force generator controller; A system comprising the above.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data source is a vehicle speed sensor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data source is an electric motor controller.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data source is an acceleration device position sensor.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an acoustic emulator and an acoustic emulator controller, wherein the acoustic emulator is in data communication with the force generator controller.

6. The data source is an acceleration device position sensor, and The system according to claim 5, wherein the acoustic emulator controller is programmed to generate an acoustic request signal in response to data received from the acceleration device position sensor and transmit the acoustic request signal to the acoustic emulator. **Claim 7**: The system according to claim 1, comprising a second force generating device fixed to a second location, wherein vibrations generated by the second force generating device cause movement of a first body panel of the electric vehicle. **Claim 8** The system according to claim 1, wherein the request signal includes data for causing the first force generating device to create vibrations that control the first force generating device to emulate a change in the number of revolutions per minute of an internal combustion engine. **Claim 9** The system according to claim 1, wherein the request signal includes data for causing the first force generating device to create vibrations that control the first force generating device to emulate a gear change of a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission. **Claim 10** The system according to claim 1, wherein the request signal includes data for causing the first force generating device to create vibrations that control the first force generating device to indicate operation of the electric vehicle at a speed exceeding a predetermined maximum speed. **Claim 11**: A second force generating device fixed to a second location, wherein vibrations generated by the second force generating device cause movement of a first body panel of the electric vehicle, and a third force generating device fixed to a third location, wherein vibrations generated by the third force generating device cause movement of a second body panel of the electric vehicle, the system according to claim 1. **Claim 12** The first body panel is a bonnet, and the second body panel is a trunk lid The system according to claim 11. **Claim 13** A system for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during operation of an electric vehicle, An electric vehicle having a chassis, An electric motor supported by the chassis, An acceleration device for controlling the operation of the electric motor, At least one data source selected from the group consisting of an acceleration device position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and an electric motor controller, A force generator controller that is in data communication with the data source and is programmed to generate a request signal in response to data received from the data source, and is configured to transmit the request signal to a first force generator fixed to the chassis of the electric vehicle at a first location, wherein the first force generator at the first location transmits vibrations inside the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle, and the force generator controller, The first force generator, which is a linear force generator or a circular force generator configured to generate vibrations as soon as the request signal is received from the force generator controller A system comprising

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the data source includes an acceleration device position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor that are in data communication with the force generator controller.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the data source includes an electric motor controller and a vehicle speed sensor that are in data communication with the force generator controller.

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the data source includes an electric motor controller and an acceleration device position sensor that are in data communication with the force generator controller.

17. The system according to claim 13, wherein the data source includes an electric motor controller, a vehicle speed sensor, and an acceleration device position sensor that are in data communication with the force generator controller.

18. An acoustic emulator controller that is in data communication with the data source and is programmed to generate an acoustic request signal in response to data received from the data source, An acoustic emulator that is in a data communication state with the acoustic emulator controller and is configured to emulate the sound of an internal combustion engine or the exhaust of the internal combustion in response to receiving the acoustic request signal from the acoustic emulator controller, and The system according to claim 13, further comprising

19. A method for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during operation of an electric vehicle, comprising The electric vehicle, A chassis, An electric motor supported by the chassis, An acceleration device that controls the operation of the electric motor, At least one data source capable of providing data representing a change in the operation of the electric vehicle, A force generator fixed to the chassis of the electric vehicle at a location, wherein the force generator at the location transmits vibrations into the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle, and the force generator is a linear force generator or a circular force generator, A force generator controller programmed to receive data from the at least one data source and to generate a request signal suitable for controlling the operation of the force generator, and configured to transmit the request signal to the force generator comprising The force generator is configured to create vibrations as soon as it receives the request signal from the force generator controller The electric vehicle, and Monitoring a change in the operation of the electric vehicle using the data source and creating data representing the change in the operation of the electric vehicle; Transmitting data representing the change in the operation of the electric vehicle to the force generator controller; The force generator controller receives data representing the change in the operation of the electric vehicle and generates a request signal; Transmitting the request signal from the force generator controller to the force generator; generating vibrations that emulate changes in the operation of an internal combustion engine corresponding to the data representing the operation of the electric vehicle using the force generator; A method comprising: **Claim 20** The electric vehicle further comprises an acoustic emulator controller in data communication with the data source and / or the force generator controller, the acoustic emulator controller is programmed to generate an acoustic request signal, and the method comprises: transmitting the acoustic request signal to an acoustic emulator; using the acoustic emulator to generate an acoustic signal sufficient to emulate the sound of an internal combustion engine; The method according to claim 19, further comprising: **Claim 21** Synchronizing the step of generating the acoustic signal sufficient to emulate the sound of the internal combustion engine using the acoustic emulator and the step of generating vibrations that emulate the operation of the internal combustion engine to create a sensation of operating a vehicle controlled by the internal combustion engine. The method according to claim 20. **Claim 22** The method according to claim 19, wherein the request signal controls the force generator to generate vibrations in the force generator that emulate an internal combustion engine with an increasing rotational speed per minute. **Claim 23** The method according to claim 19, wherein the request signal controls the force generator to generate vibrations in the force generator that emulate an internal combustion engine with a decreasing rotational speed per minute. **Claim 24** The method according to claim 19, wherein the request signal controls the force generator to generate vibrations in the force generator that emulate a gear change of a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission. **Claim 25** The method according to claim 19, wherein the demand signal causes the force generating device to generate vibrations indicating that the electric vehicle operates at a speed exceeding a predetermined maximum speed, thereby warning the force generating device of the operation of the electric vehicle exceeding the speed. **Claim 26** The method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one data source is selected from the group consisting of a vehicle speed sensor, an accelerator position sensor, and an electric motor controller. **Claim 27** A method for emulating the feel of an internal combustion engine during the operation of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle, a chassis, an electric motor supported by the chassis, an accelerator for controlling the operation of the electric motor, at least one data source selected from the group consisting of an accelerator position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and an electric motor controller, at least one force generating device fixed to the chassis of the electric vehicle at a location, wherein the force generating device at the location transmits vibrations to the interior of the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle, and the force generating device is a linear force generating device or a circular force generating device, at least one force generating device, a force generating device controller programmed to receive data from the at least one data source and to generate a demand signal suitable for controlling the operation of the force generating device using the data received from the data source, and configured to transmit the demand signal to the force generating device comprising, the force generating device is configured to generate vibrations as soon as it receives the demand signal from the force generating device controller the electric vehicle, monitoring changes in the operation of the electric vehicle using the data source and generating data representing the changes in the operation of the electric vehicle; A step of transmitting data representing the change in the operation of the electric vehicle to the power generation device controller; The step in which the power generation device controller generates a request signal using the data representing the change in the operation of the electric vehicle; A step of transmitting the request signal from the power generation device controller to the power generation device; A step of using the power generation device to create vibrations that emulate changes in the operation of an internal combustion engine corresponding to data representing changes in the speed of the electric vehicle and the data representing changes in the position of the acceleration device; A method comprising the above.

28. The electric vehicle further comprises an acoustic emulator controller in data communication with the data source and / or the power generation device controller, and the acoustic emulator controller is programmed to generate an acoustic request signal. The method includes: A step of transmitting the acoustic request signal to an acoustic emulator; A step of using the acoustic emulator to create an acoustic signal sufficient to emulate the sound of an internal combustion engine; The method according to claim 27, further comprising the above.

29. Synchronizing the step of using the acoustic emulator to create an acoustic signal sufficient to emulate the sound of an internal combustion engine and the step of generating vibrations that emulate the operation of an internal combustion engine to create the sensation of operating a vehicle controlled by an internal combustion engine. The method according to claim 28.

30. The method according to claim 27, wherein the request signal controls the power generation device to create vibrations in the power generation device that emulate an internal combustion engine with an increasing rotational speed per minute.

31. The method according to claim 27, wherein the request signal controls the power generation device to create vibrations in the power generation device that emulate an internal combustion engine with a decreasing rotational speed per minute.

32. The method according to claim 27, wherein the required signal controls the force generator to cause the force generator to create vibrations that emulate a gear change of a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission.

33. The method according to claim 27, wherein the required signal controls the force generator to create vibrations indicating that the electric vehicle operates at a speed exceeding a predetermined maximum speed, thereby warning an operator of the electric vehicle exceeding the speed by the force generator.

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