Vehicle Sound Generator With Split Interior-Exterior Frequency Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sound generators for electric and hybrid vehicles lack the ability to produce deep pitch sounds characteristic of high-performance combustion engines due to their compact size and weatherproofing constraints, limiting their low-frequency response and failing to provide an engaging driving experience and adequate pedestrian awareness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sound generator system that utilizes both interior and exterior speakers, with the interior speaker producing low-frequency sounds below 300 Hz to replicate deep engine rumbles and growls, while the exterior speaker handles higher frequency sounds, optimizing frequency ranges for each location and amplifying signals to enhance audible range and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compact single-box speaker is used for VSG, then the speaker can withstand harsh environmental conditions and has low power consumption, but the low frequency response is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output system into two separate speakers: an exterior speaker for high-frequency sounds and an interior speaker for low-frequency sounds. This segmentation allows each speaker to be optimized for its specific frequency range and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between environmental resistance and low frequency response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency-based signal routing mechanism that acts as an intermediary, directing different frequency components to appropriate speakers. This mediator ensures that low-frequency signals are routed to the interior speaker while high-frequency signals go to the exterior speaker, eliminating the frequency response limitation of compact weatherproof speakers
2Ease of operation
If an exterior speaker is used under the hood, then the speaker is audible to pedestrians, but the speaker cannot produce deep pitch sounds below 300 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio frequency spectrum and assigns different ranges to different speakers. The exterior speaker handles high-frequency sounds for pedestrian awareness, while the interior speaker produces deep pitch sounds below 300 Hz. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each speaker to specialize in its optimal frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each speaker location-specific characteristics: the exterior speaker is optimized for high-frequency projection to pedestrians, while the interior speaker is optimized for low-frequency reproduction. This location-based quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between pedestrian audibility and deep sound production
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a dual-output system is used with frequency separation, then the frequency response is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interior speaker serve dual functions: it acts as both a standard interior audio speaker and a low-frequency VSG output device. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by reusing existing vehicle audio components rather than adding dedicated hardware, while still achieving improved frequency response through intelligent signal routing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides an improved frequency response, allowing for a more realistic simulation of high-performance engine sounds, enhancing both safety and the driving experience by making deep engine noises audible both inside and outside the vehicle without additional hardware, while minimizing attenuation through the vehicle chassis.
Implementation Method 1
software algorithms for multitrack mixing, pitch shifting and amplitude scaling
Implementation Method 2
software algorithms for multitrack mixing, pitch shifting and amplitude scaling
Implementation Method 3
the vehicle sound module is configured to generate an interior sound signal for outputting through the interior output and an exterior sound signal for outputting through the exterior output, and wherein the interior sound signal occupies a lower frequency band than the exterior sound signal
Implementation Method 4
an exterior speaker for mounting under a vehicle's hood and for connection to the exterior output for generating sound based thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sound generator, including a vehicle sound module for generating vehicle sound signals. The vehicle sound signals are based on, at least in part, a vehicle status input, an exterior output for controlling an exterior speaker and an interior output for controlling an interior speaker. The vehicle sound module is configured to generate an interior sound signal for outputting through the interior output and an exterior sound signal for outputting through the exterior output. The interior sound signal occupies a lower frequency band than the exterior sound signal.