Dual-Function Loudspeaker Sound Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle proximity notification systems for low noise vehicles, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, face cost increases due to the need for separate microphones to maintain warning sound pressure, and require multiple loudspeakers to meet regulatory sound pressure values in all directions.
Innovation Solution
The system uses dual-function loudspeakers that can both output and collect sound, eliminating the need for separate microphones by adjusting their output to match reference signals, thereby maintaining sound pressure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate microphones are used to maintain warning sound pressure, then sound pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loudspeaker is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both a sound output device and a sound collection device (microphone). The same loudspeaker unit that emits warning sounds can also collect and convert sound waves into electrical signals for measurement, eliminating the need for separate microphone components and reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sound output function and sound collection function into a single loudspeaker unit. By merging these two previously separate functions into one component, the system reduces the total number of parts needed, simplifies the overall structure, and lowers costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loudspeakers are used to meet regulatory sound pressure values in all directions, then warning sound coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each loudspeaker unit is equipped with switching circuitry that allows it to alternately perform sound output and sound collection functions. This multi-functionality enables a reduced number of loudspeakers to achieve comprehensive coverage, as each unit can serve multiple purposes at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between sound output and sound collection modes for each loudspeaker. By alternating between these functions in a periodic manner, the loudspeakers can maintain comprehensive warning coverage while also performing self-diagnosis and sound pressure verification, reducing the need for additional components.
3Device complexity
If loudspeakers are used as sound collecting elements, then component quantity is reduced, but sound collection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electrical signals collected by the loudspeaker in microphone mode are processed and compared against reference values. This feedback loop enables the system to verify sound pressure levels and adjust accordingly, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained despite using loudspeakers for both output and collection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical microphone components with loudspeaker-based sound collection. By utilizing the bidirectional capabilities of loudspeakers and substituting dedicated microphone hardware, the system achieves comparable sound collection functionality while reducing component quantity and cost.
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 configuration allows for cost-effective maintenance of warning sound pressure across various environments and directions, adhering to regulatory standards without the need for additional microphones, thus reducing overall system costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first switch that switches the first loudspeaker to function as a sound outputting element converting an electric signal to sound, or to function as a sound collecting element converting sound to an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle proximity notification apparatus has first and second loudspeakers which output warning sound notifying proximity of a vehicle to an outside, and an adjusting unit. The adjusting unit adjusts the sound output from the first loudspeaker so that a sound collecting signal, which is obtained when the second loudspeaker collects the sound output from the first loudspeaker, coincides with a reference signal, in a state in which the first loudspeaker functions as a sound outputting element and the second loudspeaker functions as a sound collecting element. In addition, the adjusting unit adjusts the sound output from the second loudspeaker so that a sound collecting signal, which is obtained when the first loudspeaker collects the sound output from the second loudspeaker, coincides with a reference signal, in a state in which the second loudspeaker functions as a sound outputting element and the first loudspeaker functions as the sound collecting element.