Contactless Horn With Replaceable IC Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless sound devices require metal contacts that are energy-intensive, prone to wear, and pose a fire risk, limiting their use in flammable environments and making them unsuitable for electric and hybrid vehicles, as they need multiple horns to produce different pitches, increasing weight and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A contactless sound device with a replaceable electronic IC module that eliminates metal contacts, using a sequencer, relay, and signal generator to produce multiple frequency tones efficiently, allowing for lighter, less expensive construction and easier tone modification, suitable for use in flammable environments and hybrid/electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If metal contacts are used in the horn, then the horn can generate sound, but energy consumption increases due to the extra weight of the metal contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal contact component entirely from the horn system. Instead of using a metal contact to complete the circuit and drive the electromagnet, the invention uses a contactless switching mechanism (such as a Hall effect sensor or reed switch) that detects the position of a float or magnet to control the electromagnet, thereby eliminating wear and corrosion issues associated with metal contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based circuit completion system with a magnetic or electromagnetic field-based detection and control system. The float or magnet interacts with the Hall effect sensor or reed switch through magnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical metal contact and associated wear problems
2Reliability
If metal contacts are used in the horn, then the horn can generate sound, but the risk of fire increases due to sparking around the contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal contact component that causes sparking and fire risk. By using a contactless switching mechanism (Hall effect sensor or reed switch) that operates through magnetic fields rather than physical contact, the invention eliminates the sparking hazard while allowing greater flexibility in material selection for the horn body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the electromagnet. The Hall effect sensor or reed switch detects the magnetic field generated by the float or magnet, and this magnetic field interaction controls the electromagnet without requiring direct metal contact, thereby eliminating sparking while maintaining functional control
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple horns are used to produce different pitches, then the horn can output multiple frequencies, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single horn that can produce multiple pitches by varying the electrical signal frequency applied to the electromagnet. The float mechanism can be positioned at different levels (controlled by the Hall effect sensor or reed switch) to change the magnetic circuit configuration, allowing one horn to perform the function of multiple horns and thereby reducing vehicle weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the horn's magnetic circuit dynamically adjustable by changing the electrical signal frequency and the float position. The electromagnet's magnetic field strength and configuration can be varied in real-time by changing the input signal characteristics, enabling a single horn to dynamically produce different pitches rather than requiring fixed-frequency multiple horns
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the contact and the diaphragm is varied to achieve different pitches, then the horn can output different frequencies, but the physical structure must be changed which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the horn's magnetic circuit dynamically adjustable by changing the electrical signal frequency and the float position. The electromagnet's magnetic field strength and configuration can be varied in real-time by changing the input signal characteristics, enabling a single horn to dynamically produce different pitches rather than requiring fixed-frequency multiple horns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (frequency, voltage) of the signal applied to the electromagnet to vary the pitch. By adjusting the frequency of the electrical signal and the position of the float (which affects the magnetic circuit), the horn can produce different pitches without any physical structural modifications, making pitch changes rapid and costless
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 solution provides a more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and versatile sound device capable of producing multiple pitches without the need for physical structural changes, reducing weight and energy consumption, and enabling safer use in flammable environments, particularly suitable for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet in order to cause the diaphragm of a horn to move, thus generating sound
Implementation Method 2
a Hall effect sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a strength of the magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus related to a contactless sound device, such as a horn, which may be configured to output different and/or multiple pitches using a replaceable, or interchangeable, electronic integrated circuit ("IC") module is disclosed. The electronic IC module may include one or more sequencers electrically connected via one or more relays to at least one signal generator which is electrically connected to an output driver. Each signal generator is configured to generate at least one frequency signal, and optionally multiple frequency signals. The electronic IC module may be physically attached to an IC connection interface located on the exterior of the contactless horn body. The IC connection interface electrically connects the electronic IC module to an electromagnet that drives the diaphragm of the contactless horn to create the selected preconfigured frequency sound.