Pseudo-tach Signal System for Electric Vehicle Acoustic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newer motor vehicles with electric, hybrid electric, or fixed gear drivetrains often lack the audible sounds associated with conventional drivetrains, leading to an uncomfortable driving experience for users who rely on these sounds for mechanical function feedback and performance perception.
Innovation Solution
A pseudo-tach signal system that generates artificial audible sounds mimicking rotating machinery, using a pseudo-tach signal modeling module to process vehicle state signals and output these sounds through a speaker, blending with existing tones to enhance the driving experience or mask objectionable sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If electric or hybrid electric drivetrains are used, then fuel efficiency and emissions are improved, but audible drivetrain sounds are lost or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates artificial copies of traditional drivetrain sounds using synthesized audio signals. The pseudo-tachometer signal generates audible tones that mimic the characteristic sounds of internal combustion engines and mechanical transmissions, allowing electric and hybrid vehicles to reproduce the acoustic feedback drivers are accustomed to without compromising the efficiency benefits of electric drivetrains.
2Loss of information
If conventional drivetrain sounds are produced, then driver feedback and performance perception are improved, but noise pollution and occupant comfort may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different acoustic characteristics to different frequency ranges and spatial locations. The pseudo-tachometer signals are designed to provide essential mechanical function feedback in specific frequency bands while attenuating or eliminating frequencies that contribute to noise pollution and occupant discomfort. The output module can direct sounds to specific locations within the vehicle cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts acoustic parameters including frequency, amplitude, and timbre of the generated sounds based on vehicle operating conditions. By modifying these parameters in real-time, the system maintains informative drivetrain feedback while reducing overall noise levels and eliminating incongruous tones that detract from driving experience.
3Loss of information
If artificial drivetrain sounds are generated, then user satisfaction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pseudo-tachometer signal system serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical function feedback, enhances performance perception, masks objectionable noises, and can communicate vehicle state to external pedestrians. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system that leverages existing vehicle sensors and control networks, the patent avoids the complexity of multiple separate sound generation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A pseudo-tach signal system includes a pseudo-tach signal modeling module, and an output module operatively connected to the pseudo-tach signal modeling module. The output module exports a pseudo-tach signal based audible sound.