Vehicle Sound Generation Assembly for EV Acoustic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric motor vehicles with electric drive devices emit weak sounds associated with mechanical vibrations, leading to reduced driver awareness and enjoyment of the vehicle's performance.

Innovation Solution

The motor vehicle incorporates sensors to detect vibrational and electromagnetic responses, processing these signals to enhance acoustic feedback through pitch-shifting, allowing for the emission of sounds that emphasize the operating state of the electric motor, thereby increasing driver awareness and pleasure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electric motor vehicles use electric drive devices, then energy efficiency is improved, but driver awareness and enjoyment of vehicle performance deteriorate due to weak emission sounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddriver awareness of operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of weak and unpleasant motor sounds into a beneficial feature by processing these sounds through pitch-shifting technology. The originally undesirable low-frequency vibrations and noises are transformed into pleasant, high-frequency acoustic emissions that enhance driver awareness and enjoyment while maintaining the energy efficiency of electric drive devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frequency characteristics of motor sounds through pitch-shifting. The sound frequency is transformed from low-frequency ranges (undesirable) to high-frequency ranges (pleasant), thereby changing the perceptual quality of the sounds without altering the fundamental operation of the electric motor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If electric motor vehicles use electric drive devices, then energy efficiency is improved, but driver pleasure and enjoyment of driving deteriorate due to lack of acoustic feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddriver pleasure of driving
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the harmful lack of acoustic feedback in electric vehicles into a beneficial feature by generating pleasant high-frequency sounds from the processed motor vibrations. This creates an enhanced auditory experience that increases driver pleasure and enjoyment while preserving the energy efficiency advantages of electric drive devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic feedback by capturing motor vibrations and emissions, processing them through pitch-shifting, and re-emitting them as pleasant sounds. This feedback loop provides the driver with audible information about motor operation, enhancing the driving experience and connection between driver and vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If sensors and processing systems are added to enhance acoustic feedback, then driver awareness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver awarenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a system where the same acoustic processing components serve multiple functions: capturing motor vibrations, processing signals through pitch-shifting, and emitting enhanced sounds. This multi-functional approach improves driver awareness while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding redundant components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively enhances driver engagement by transforming undesirable noise frequencies into pleasant acoustic sensations, improving the driver's perception of the vehicle's performance and overall driving experience.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer configured to detect a magnetic field variation associated with an operation of the electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an emitting device configured to emit an electric current signal as a function of the magnetic field variation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a loudspeaker configured to emit a sound as a function of the electric current signal emitted by the emitting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4451265A1Motor vehicle with a sound generation assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 FERRARI SPA
  • EP4451265A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451265A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4451265A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor vehicle (1) comprises a body (5) defining a passenger compartment (6) of the motor vehicle (1), an axle with a motor (3) and/or at least one movable component, transduction means configured to detect one or more quantities associated with an operation of the motor (3) or of the movable component and to generate a first signal related to said quantities, and sound emitting means (17) configured to emit sound as a function of the first signal.