Electric Machine Sound Generation for Vehicle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid and electric drive devices in vehicles often lack audible cues for the driver and surroundings regarding operational state and speed due to minimized noise emissions, making it difficult to perceive the vehicle's status.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the electric machine as a sound generator to produce sound emissions by adjusting its drive frequency and input signals based on operational and state variables, eliminating the need for external sound generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the electric machine operates at high drive frequency to minimize noise emission, then noise emission is reduced, but audible feedback to the driver about operational state and speed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the electric machine's operational characteristics from a source of harmful noise into a beneficial sound generation mechanism. By deliberately controlling the drive frequency and input signals to produce audible sound emissions that provide driver feedback about operational state and speed, the system transforms what was previously considered a harmful effect (noise) into a useful function (audible feedback), thereby resolving the contradiction between minimizing noise and providing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is made multi-functional by simultaneously serving as both a drive device for power transmission and a sound generator for providing audible feedback. Instead of requiring separate systems for propulsion and acoustic signaling, the patent enables the electric machine to perform both functions, eliminating the need for additional components while addressing the information feedback requirement.
2Loss of information
If an external sound generator is added to provide audible feedback, then driver feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sound generation function with the existing electric machine structure. By utilizing the electric machine's inherent electromagnetic fields and operational characteristics to produce audible sound, the system combines multiple functions (drive and acoustic signaling) into a single component, thereby improving driver feedback without increasing device complexity or requiring additional external sound generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine serves itself by generating its own audible feedback signals during operation. Instead of requiring an external sound generator to provide acoustic information, the electric machine uses its own operational parameters (drive frequency, input signals) to create sound emissions that inform the driver about its state, thereby eliminating the need for separate feedback systems.
3Loss of information
If the drive frequency is lowered to generate audible sound, then audible feedback is provided, but noise emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the drive frequency, allowing it to vary based on operational requirements. The system can adjust the frequency within a broad range (e.g., 1 Hz to 20 kHz) to simultaneously achieve audible feedback and acceptable noise levels. By dynamically modulating the frequency and input signals, the system optimizes the balance between providing driver information and minimizing harmful noise emission.
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
Enhances the driver's emotional connection with the vehicle by providing audible feedback on its operational state and speed without increasing noise pollution, using the electric machine to generate specific sounds in response to operational parameters.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine (30) configured to operate as a sound generator to output the sound signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of operating a drive device, a sound signal is generated as a function of at least one operational and/or state variable. An electric machine of the drive device is hereby as a sound generator to output the sound signal. The sound signal can be determined from a time gradient of the operational and/or state variable.