Hybrid Vehicle Audio Frequency Allocation for Engine and Motor Sound Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle audio systems fail to replicate the expected sounds in hybrid electric vehicles, leading to a diminished user experience due to the distinct sound profiles of internal combustion engines and electric motors, which can be perceived as abnormal by consumers.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that dynamically allocates output frequencies to simulate the sounds of internal combustion engines and electric motors by determining specific harmonic frequencies based on vehicle operating parameters, allowing for real-time adjustment of sound output to match expected sound profiles, enhancing or masking actual engine and motor sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the vehicle uses a hybrid electric powertrain with distinct sound profiles for internal combustion engine and electric motor, then energy efficiency and power output are improved, but the sound produced is different from conventional vehicles leading to diminished user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses audio output devices to generate synthetic sounds that copy the characteristic sound profiles of internal combustion engines and electric motors. The system synthesizes engine sounds based on operating parameters (RPM, load, gear) and motor sounds based on motor parameters (RPM, torque), allowing the vehicle to replicate familiar conventional vehicle sounds even when the powertrain operates differently, thus maintaining user expectation and experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle outputs sounds for both internal combustion engine and electric motor operation simultaneously, then complete sound coverage is achieved, but frequency allocation conflict occurs reducing sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio frequency spectrum by allocating specific frequency ranges to different sound sources. The audio output controller divides available frequencies between engine sounds and motor sounds, assigning lower frequencies primarily to engine sounds and higher frequencies to motor sounds. This segmentation prevents frequency conflicts and allows both sound types to coexist with high quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts frequency allocation based on real-time operating conditions. When the internal combustion engine is operating, more frequency resources are allocated to engine sounds; when the electric motor is operating, frequency allocation shifts to prioritize motor sounds. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal sound quality across different driving scenarios.
3Device complexity
If the vehicle uses a fixed number of output frequencies for sound synthesis, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to replicate different sound profiles accurately is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency allocation system where the total number of output frequencies and their distribution between engine and motor sounds varies based on operating parameters. The audio output controller continuously adjusts the number of frequencies allocated to each sound source according to engine RPM, motor RPM, vehicle speed, and acceleration demands, enabling accurate sound replication across diverse operating conditions without requiring a fixed, overly complex frequency structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system of a vehicle includes a total frequencies module that selectively varies a total number of output frequencies based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle. An allocation module, based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle, determines an allocation indicative of: (i) a first portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting first predetermined sounds for internal combustion engine operation; and (ii) a second portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting second predetermined sounds for electric motor operation. Based on the total number and the first and second portions, an audio driver module applies power to speakers of a passenger cabin of the vehicle to: (i) output first predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the internal combustion engine; and (ii) output second predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the electric motor.