EV Artificial Sound Control for Torque-Independent Driving States
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles using an electric motor as a drive source, the driving sound is minimal, leading to a disconnect between the vehicle's driving state and artificially generated sounds, causing driver discomfort when the required torque does not depend on the accelerator operation.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle system that generates artificial sounds in conjunction with the required torque, independent of the accelerator operation, using a control device to output simulated engine sounds based on the vehicle's driving state, ensuring the sound aligns with the actual driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial sound is generated based on accelerator operation amount, then the sound reflects the driving state in normal conditions, but the sound becomes inconsistent with the actual driving state when control functions activate and required torque becomes independent of accelerator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sound generation system adaptable to different operating modes. The processing circuitry dynamically switches between two modes: first mode where artificial sound is generated based on accelerator operation amount, and second mode where artificial sound is generated based on required torque when control functions are active. This dynamic adaptation ensures the sound always reflects the actual driving state regardless of which torque control mode is active, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electric vehicle uses an electric motor as drive source, then energy efficiency is improved, but the driving sound becomes minimal causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces artificial sound as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between the electric motor's silent operation and the driver's need for driving sound feedback. The processing circuitry generates artificial sound based on either accelerator operation amount or required torque, depending on the active control mode. This intermediary artificial sound provides the driver with appropriate auditory feedback about the vehicle's driving state, eliminating discomfort while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of electric motor operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle having an electric motor as a drive source includes processing circuitry configured to generate an artificial sound in conjunction with required torque for a drive system of the electric vehicle and to output the artificial sound from a speaker mounted on the electric vehicle. In a first mode, the processing circuitry is further configured to generate the artificial sound in conjunction with first required torque being independent of an operation amount of an accelerator operation device of the electric vehicle.