Multifunction Acoustic Warning Device Terminal Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multifunction acoustic warning devices for vehicles are inflexible, requiring multiple connection terminals, making integration and implementation complex, and are susceptible to electromagnetic compatibility issues, limiting their application and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction acoustic warning device with only two connection terminals, featuring a control system with a pulse generator, electronic switching device, signal processor, A/D converter, and electronic circuit that adjusts frequency and pulse rate, allowing operation as both a conventional horn and alarm system across a wide range of frequencies and voltages, reducing wiring and enhancing flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection terminals are used for multifunction operation, then the device can work as both conventional horn and alarm system, but the wiring complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifunction operation capabilityVSAvoidconnection terminals quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single connection terminal that handles multiple functions. The control system detects signal characteristics (voltage levels, pulse patterns) to differentiate between horn and alarm functions, allowing one terminal to replace multiple dedicated terminals. This reduces wiring complexity while maintaining multifunction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the conventional horn function and alarm system function into a single integrated device connected through one terminal. The control system combines signal processing capabilities to interpret different signal types from the same connection point, eliminating the need for separate connection terminals for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection terminals are used for multifunction operation, then the device can work as both conventional horn and alarm system, but the installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifunction operation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing the connection terminal as a universal interface that accepts both horn and alarm functions, the patent simplifies installation procedures. Installers only need to connect one terminal rather than multiple terminals, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining full multifunction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multifunction devices are used, then alarm signals can be generated, but the device is susceptible to electromagnetic compatibility interferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealarm system functionVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic interference into a benefit by using signal characteristic analysis. The control system detects and analyzes specific signal patterns (voltage levels, pulse durations, frequency characteristics) to distinguish between legitimate alarm signals and electromagnetic noise, effectively using the signal detection capability to filter out interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the signals received at the connection terminal. By analyzing signal characteristics and comparing them against expected patterns for horn and alarm functions, the system can identify and reject electromagnetic interference that does not match legitimate signal patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables generation of diverse sounds and wider application with simplified integration and reduced costs by eliminating the need for additional terminals and improving resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

the acoustic warning device (1) has a coil (6), in a fixed position, through which an electric current is circulated, producing a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

This magnetic field displaces the moving core (3) in the direction of the axial axis shown in figure 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

This displacement causes a flow of air through a duct or tube (4), which amplifies it generating a sound pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow amplification:

Implementation Method 4

an electronic circuit which adjusts the frequency and pulse rate of the pulse generator which energises the coil (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3797879B1Multifunction acoustic warning device
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 CLARTON HORN SAU
  • EP3797879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3797879B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Multi-function acoustic warning device (1) which, in addition to functioning as a conventional acoustic warning device, such as a vehicle horn, it is also allowed to work as an alarm system, generating different sounds in different conditions or situations without the need for additional connection terminals and which mainly has a movable membrane (2), a mobile metal core (3), a fixed core (5), a coil (6) and a connector (7) which has inside it an encapsulated control system (10), where this control system (10) includes a pulse generator (11) and an electronic switching device (12) for disconnecting the coil (6) which can be located both upstream and downstream of the coil (6).