Aerophone Vehicle Sound Control for EV Driver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric motor vehicles lack clear sound feedback to drivers regarding their operating conditions, as they produce minimal audible noise, making it difficult for drivers to have greater control and awareness during operation.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with a sound emitting instrument comprising an aerophone instrument that utilizes aerodynamic flow to produce sound passively, and an active device to control sound properties, with a control apparatus that maps vehicle speed to desired sound properties to actively adjust sound frequency and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric propulsors are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but sound feedback to driver is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerophone instrument as an intermediary device that converts aerodynamic flow into audible sound. This mediator translates the silent operation of electric propulsors into meaningful sound feedback for the driver, resolving the information loss without compromising energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sound generation (engine noise) with an aerodynamic-based sound generation system. The aerophone instrument uses aerodynamic flow from the moving vehicle to produce sound, substituting the mechanical combustion engine sound source with a fluid-dynamic approach that works specifically for electric vehicles
2Loss of information
If aerophone instrument is added, then sound feedback is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The aerophone instrument serves multiple functions: it generates sound feedback for the driver, utilizes existing aerodynamic flow from vehicle motion, and can be integrated into the vehicle's existing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aerophone instrument is designed to be constantly invested by aerodynamic flow corresponding to forward motion, meaning it automatically generates sound using the vehicle's own motion without requiring external power sources or additional energy input. The system serves itself by converting kinetic energy already present in the aerodynamic flow
3Manufacturing precision
If active control device is added, then sound quality is improved, but manufacturing cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus selectively adjusts sound properties based on actual driving conditions using a mapping between vehicle speed and desired sound characteristics. Rather than continuously controlling all parameters, the system applies control only when and where needed to maintain pleasant sound quality, reducing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus determines vehicle speed, applies a mapping to determine desired sound properties, and controls the active device to reduce deviation between actual and desired values. This feedback loop ensures high sound quality while using efficient control strategies that minimize computational and hardware requirements
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
The system generates a pleasant, natural sound that varies with speed, enhancing driver control and awareness, while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture, by using aerophone instruments and active control to adjust sound properties in response to vehicle speed.
Implementation Method 1
an aerophone instrument arranged so as to be constantly invested by an aerodynamic flow corresponding to a forward motion of the motor vehicle, wherein the aerophone instrument is configured to emit at least part of said sound passively through the aerodynamic flow
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle comprising a sound emitting instrument for emitting sound comprising an aerophone instrument is disclosed. The aerophone instrument is arranged so as to be constantly invested by an aerodynamic flow corresponding to a forward motion of the motor vehicle, whereby the aerophone instrument is configured to emit at least part of said sound passively through the aerodynamic flow, and an active device configured to actively control at least one property of the sound, characterized by comprising a control apparatus, in turn comprising a mapping to associate a speed of the motor vehicle with a desired value of a variable corresponding to the property, the control apparatus being configured to determine the speed of the motor vehicle, and control the active device as a function of the desired value according to a control law to reduce a deviation between an actual value of the variable and the desired value.