EV Virtual Cockpit for ICE-Like Sound and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack sensory feedback that replicates the driving experience of internal-combustion-engine vehicles, leading to dissatisfaction among drivers who miss the sound and vibration associated with traditional ICE vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simulates the sensory experience of driving a performance ICE car by integrating sensors with electronic and mechanical enhancements, including audio and visual cues, to replicate vehicle dynamics, performance, and sound, through a virtual cockpit experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electric vehicles use silent electric motors without mechanical components, then environmental benefits and efficiency are improved, but sensory feedback and driving engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of audio speakers and vibration actuators that mediate between the silent electric motor and the driver's sensory expectations. These components generate simulated engine sounds and vibrations that replicate the sensory feedback of ICE vehicles without compromising the actual energy efficiency of the electric powertrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of the sensory experience from ICE vehicles by using audio processing to replicate engine sounds and vibration mechanisms to reproduce mechanical feedback. This allows drivers to experience familiar sensory patterns while the vehicle operates with efficient electric motors.
2Reliability
If EVs remove mechanical connection between controls and vehicle systems, then reliability and precision are improved, but tactile feedback and driver engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through vibration actuators integrated into the steering wheel and gear shift components. These actuators provide tactile feedback to the driver that corresponds to vehicle state changes and control inputs, creating a closed-loop sensory experience that enhances driver engagement while maintaining the reliability of electronic control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If EVs use standardized electronic control systems, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but customization of driving experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically adjustable parameters for audio output and vibration intensity that can be modified in real-time based on driving conditions and driver preferences. This allows the standardized hardware platform to provide customized sensory experiences across different driving scenarios and individual driver tastes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus enables modifying the electronic controls of EVs to mimic the sensory experience of driving a performance ICE car. The method and apparatus creates a sensory “virtual cockpit” with both electronic and mechanical enhancements for a sensory experience. By downloading and implementing the method and apparatus, one may mimic, for example, the vehicle dynamics, performance horsepower, torque curves, suspension settings, oversteer and understeer behavior, steering-wheel inputs, cabin sound, subtle cabin vibrations, and audio/visual cues via a graphical user interface. These simulations replicate, in an electric vehicle, the various aspects of an ICE vehicle to mimic the whole experience of driving various ICE performance vehicles.