Tow-Mode Engine Sound Control for Natural Towing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Engine Sound Enhancement systems do not effectively mimic the natural engine sound of a vehicle during towing or trailering scenarios, resulting in an unnatural engine sound experience for drivers.
Innovation Solution
An engine sound enhancement system that includes a trailer brake sensor, an electronic control unit, and an airflow sensor to determine the tow mode and adjust the audio signal's magnitude and timing, outputting it through a speaker to create a more natural engine sound experience by synchronizing with vehicle behavior during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current ESE systems output enhanced engine sound during towing, then the driver can hear engine mechanics growl, but the sound becomes unnatural and does not match vehicle behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the audio signal magnitude based on real-time towing conditions detected by sensors. The ECU modifies sound enhancement parameters according to actual vehicle behavior during towing, ensuring the enhanced sound remains natural and synchronized with the vehicle's mechanical response under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback from trailer brake sensors, airflow sensors, and other vehicle systems to continuously monitor towing conditions. This feedback loop allows the ECU to adjust the audio signal in real-time, matching the enhanced sound to the actual vehicle behavior and maintaining naturalness during towing operations.
2Ease of operation
If the audio signal magnitude is increased to enhance engine sound, then driver satisfaction improves, but the sound becomes unnatural during towing events
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes audio signal parameters (magnitude, timing, frequency) based on detected towing conditions. The ECU adjusts these parameters dynamically to maintain both driver satisfaction through sound enhancement and sound accuracy by matching the enhanced audio to the actual vehicle behavior under different operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple sensors to detect towing conditions, then the accuracy of tow mode determination improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors (trailer brake sensors, airflow sensors) for multiple purposes - their primary functions remain intact while they also contribute to tow mode detection. This multi-functional approach improves measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity, as the sensors serve dual roles in vehicle operation and sound enhancement control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a sound enhancement system. The sound enhancement system includes a trailer brake control unit placed on the vehicle and an electronic control unit coupled to the trailer brake control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the vehicle is operating in a tow mode based on the trailer brake status, determine a magnitude of an audio signal that mimics or enhances engine sound based on the tow mode, and generate the audio signal. The sound enhancement system further includes an audio device configured to output the audio signal based at the determined magnitude.