Vehicle Sound Generation Using Real-Time Synthesized Warning Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles, especially electric and hybrid vehicles, are quieter than traditional combustion engine vehicles, reducing awareness for pedestrians and cyclists, posing safety risks, and existing sound generating devices face issues with vibration-induced inefficiency and inconsistent sound emission.
Innovation Solution
A sound generating arrangement that includes a control unit, driving unit, and electroacoustic transducer, which forms sound control signals 'on the fly' based on operational parameters of the vehicle and its surroundings, using a synthesizing module to emit purposefully crafted sounds through a fastener connected to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sound generating device is press-fitted onto a vehicle bonnet to emit artificial engine sound, then awareness for pedestrians and cyclists is improved, but the device efficiency deteriorates over time due to vibrations generated during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical press-fitting mounting system with an electroacoustic transducer system that converts electrical signals directly into acoustic waves. This substitution eliminates the mechanical connection problems caused by vehicle vibrations, as the transducer is mounted within the vehicle structure rather than externally press-fitted to the bonnet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit with a synthesizing module that generates sound control signals based on vehicle operational parameters. This intermediary system mediates between the vehicle's operational state and the sound emission, allowing adaptive sound generation without requiring a complex mechanical mounting structure.
2Reliability
If sound is emitted through a press-fitted device on the vehicle exterior, then awareness for vulnerable road users is improved, but the sound emission becomes inconsistent due to vibration-induced inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sound transmission through the bonnet with direct electroacoustic transduction. The electroacoustic transducer converts electrical sound control signals directly into acoustic energy, eliminating the mechanical transmission path that is susceptible to vibration-induced inefficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic sound generation system where the control unit adjusts sound control signals in real-time based on vehicle operational parameters such as speed, acceleration, and gear position. This dynamic adaptation ensures consistent awareness provision regardless of vehicle operating conditions.
3Reliability
If traditional combustion engine sound is used for awareness, then vulnerable road users are readily aware of the vehicle, but modern electric and hybrid vehicles become quiet and decrease awareness level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of sound generation by using electroacoustic transducers that can produce artificial engine sounds with specific frequency, amplitude, and temporal characteristics. Unlike traditional combustion engine noise, these sounds are synthetically generated and can be precisely controlled to provide awareness while minimizing unnecessary noise pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit with synthesizing module acts as an intermediary that processes vehicle operational parameters and generates appropriate sound control signals. This intermediary system enables modern electric and hybrid vehicles to provide awareness sounds similar to traditional vehicles without requiring actual combustion engine noise, thus maintaining awareness while reducing noise pollution.
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
Ensures increased awareness for vulnerable road users by emitting tailored sounds in real-time, reducing latency and production costs, and enhancing safety by adapting to vehicle and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electroacoustic transducer (150), the driving unit (202) connected to the electroacoustic transducer (150)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an arrangement for use in emitting a sound externally of a moving vehicle, specifically taking into account at least one operational parameter relating to the moving vehicle when forming the sound to be emitted. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding computer implemented method and a computer program product.