EV Sound Enhancement System for Aural Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles with internal combustion engines and motor generator units (MGUs) lack aural feedback during acceleration and regeneration events, which can detract from the driving experience and indicate unexpected changes in powertrain function.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that uses an acceleration state module and sound control module to output sound via speakers within the vehicle cabin based on determinations of acceleration state, torque output, gear ratio, and driver inputs, providing aural feedback corresponding to MGU usage during acceleration and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hybrid electric powertrains are used to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, then energy consumption is reduced, but aural feedback during acceleration and regeneration events is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces speakers as an intermediary device to generate artificial acceleration and regeneration sounds. These speakers act as a mediator between the electric powertrain operations and the driver's auditory perception, providing aural feedback that would otherwise be absent from electric motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring powertrain parameters (acceleration rates, torque values, gear ratios) and using this information to dynamically control sound output. The sound characteristics are adjusted in real-time based on the detected powertrain state, creating a closed-loop feedback system that informs the driver of vehicle dynamics.
2Loss of information
If conventional powertrains are used to provide natural acceleration sounds, then aural feedback is maintained, but fuel efficiency and emissions are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial copies of conventional powertrain sounds by generating synthesized acceleration and regeneration noises that mimic the auditory characteristics of internal combustion engine operation. These copied sounds are produced through speakers rather than mechanical sources, allowing the preservation of expected aural feedback while maintaining the efficiency benefits of electric powertrains.
3Loss of information
If artificial acceleration sounds are output during MGU operation, then aural feedback is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio control module serves multiple functions: it monitors powertrain parameters, determines appropriate sound characteristics, controls speaker output, and adapts sound profiles based on various operating conditions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically changing sound parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) based on detected powertrain conditions rather than using fixed sound patterns. This allows a relatively simple speaker system to provide differentiated aural feedback for various acceleration and regeneration events without requiring complex mechanical sound generation devices.
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 driving experience by providing audible feedback on MGU usage, helping drivers perceive power application and regeneration, thus addressing the absence of expected sounds in hybrid electric powertrains.
Implementation Method 1
an audio driver module that, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system of a vehicle includes: an acceleration state module that sets an acceleration state signal to a first state when a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined acceleration, where the first predetermined acceleration is positive; a sound control module that selectively sets audio characteristics for an acceleration event in response to determinations that all of: (i) the acceleration state signal is in the first state; (ii) an electric motor is outputting positive torque to a powertrain of the vehicle; and (iii) a driver is applying pressure to an accelerator pedal; and an audio driver module that, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.