Aero Part Virtual Engine Sound via Reed Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Virtual Engine Sound Systems (VESS) for environmentally friendly vehicles are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to failures due to complex electronic and spatial limitations, leading to safety concerns for pedestrians who cannot recognize the presence of silent electric or hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An aero part with a reed vibration sound generator integrated into existing aerodynamic components like spoilers and air dams, utilizing both vehicle-induced air streams and external air feeders to produce virtual engine sounds without the need for electronic circuits or speakers, with a controller managing airflow based on vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional VESS uses electronic circuits and speakers to generate virtual engine sound, then the sound generation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic-speaker-based sound generation system with a mechanical reed vibration system. Air flow directly causes the reed to vibrate and produce sound, eliminating the need for electronic circuits, control units, and speakers. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces device complexity and improves reliability by removing multiple potential failure points in the electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reed vibration sound generator is a passive system that automatically generates sound when air flow passes through it. The reed vibrates naturally in response to air pressure changes without requiring external control signals, power supply, or electronic control logic. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control units and improves system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional VESS mounts speakers and electronic circuit parts, then the sound generation function is achieved, but spatial limitations occur due to mounting position requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sound generation function with the existing air dam component. The reed vibration sound generator is integrated into the air dam's structure, allowing it to serve both aerodynamic and acoustic functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate speaker mounting spaces and electronic component compartments, greatly improving adaptability and reducing spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air dam is transformed into a multi-functional component that performs both its original aerodynamic function and serves as the housing for the sound generation system. The air dam's existing structure provides the mounting space and air flow path for the reed vibration generator, eliminating the need for dedicated speaker mounting positions and reducing overall spatial requirements.
3Power
If a conventional VESS uses electronic circuits and control units, then noise generation is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy electronic system (control units, power supplies, speakers) with a lightweight mechanical reed vibration system. The sound generation relies on natural reed vibration caused by air flow, eliminating the need for heavy electronic components while maintaining adequate sound output capability for pedestrian alerting.
Solution Approach 2:
The reed vibration sound generator uses simple, lightweight materials such as plastic or thin metal for the reed and housing, replacing heavy electronic components. The system prioritizes adequate sound output with minimal weight, using inexpensive materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed.
4Power
If a conventional VESS uses electronic circuits and control units, then noise generation is achieved, but the price increases due to part costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive materials such as plastic for the reed and housing, replacing expensive electronic components like speakers, control units, and electronic circuits. The simple mechanical design allows for low-cost manufacturing through injection molding or other conventional plastic forming processes, significantly reducing part costs while maintaining adequate sound output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of expensive electronic components with a simple mechanical reed vibration system eliminates the need for costly electronic parts, control units, and associated electronics. The mechanical system can be manufactured using conventional low-cost processes, dramatically reducing the overall system price while maintaining the essential sound generation function.
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
This solution simplifies the system, reduces costs, enhances durability, and eliminates spatial constraints, providing effective virtual engine sound generation without the drawbacks of conventional VESS, thereby improving pedestrian safety and vehicle recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a reed vibration sound generator disposed in an inner space of the aero part to generate sound as a reed vibrates by an air stream introduced into the inner space of the aero part through a vent hole during vehicle traveling
Implementation Method 2
a resonant cylinder disposed inside the case and configured to reinforce vibration of the reed to implement external sound output by resonance
Data Source
AI summary
An aero part for vehicles, which is mounted in a vehicle and has a virtual engine sound output function may include a reed vibration sound generator disposed in an inner space of the aero part to generate sound as a reed vibrates by an air stream introduced into the inner space of the aero part through a vent hole during vehicle traveling.