Virtual After-Burn Sound Generation in Electric Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles lack the ability to simulate the dynamic after-burn sound typically experienced in high-performance internal combustion engine vehicles, which is emotionally significant for drivers seeking a dynamic driving sensation and realism.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating a virtual after-burn sound in electric vehicles using driving variable information, such as accelerator input values and motor torque, to create an after-burn signal that simulates the sound through sound equipment, allowing for customization based on individual driver tendencies analyzed from their music preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If electric vehicles use a fixed gear ratio decelerator instead of multistage transmission, then drivability smoothness is improved, but the ability to generate dynamic after-burn sound is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrivability smoothnessVSAvoidafter-burn sound

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical exhaust system of internal combustion engines with an artificial sound generation system. Speakers mounted on the vehicle body generate synthetic after-burn sounds electronically, substituting the natural mechanical exhaust noise with controlled acoustic output. This allows EVs to replicate the desired sound characteristics without requiring combustion engine components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sound parameters including volume, frequency, and timing based on driving conditions such as acceleration rate, motor torque, and vehicle speed. By changing these acoustic parameters in response to operational variables, the system creates realistic after-burn sound effects that adapt to different driving scenarios while maintaining drivability smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If electric vehicles omit oscillation mechanisms like torque converters, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide emotionally significant engine effects is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidengine effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical oscillation mechanisms with electronic sound generation systems. Instead of using torque converters or clutches to create engine effects, the system uses speakers controlled by a controller to generate synthetic engine sounds, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining emotional driving effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sound generation system that mediates between the electric motor and the driver's sensory experience. The controller receives motor operation data and translates it into appropriate after-burn sounds through speakers, creating an intermediate layer that bridges the gap between simple electric propulsion and complex engine effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If electric vehicles use motor direct drive without multistage transmission, then energy efficiency is improved, but the dynamic driving sensation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddynamic driving sensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes sound parameters including volume, frequency, and duration based on motor torque, vehicle speed, and acceleration rate. This creates the perception of dynamic engine response while maintaining the energy-efficient direct drive motor configuration, as the sound effects are generated electronically rather than mechanically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied version of internal combustion engine sounds through electronic generation. Instead of replicating the mechanical structure of combustion engines, the system synthesizes and plays back after-burn sound characteristics that mimic the emotional driving sensation of traditional vehicles, preserving the efficiency benefits of electric motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11628767B2Method of playing virtual after-burn sound in electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A method of playing a virtual after-burn sound in an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes acquiring driver tendency information generated based on information of music played in a mobile phone and collecting driving variable information for playing a virtual sound during operation of the electric vehicle. Additionally, characteristics of a virtual after-burn sound are determined based on the collected driving variable information. The characteristics of the virtual after-burn sound are corrected according to the acquired driver tendency information. An after-burn signal is generated for playing the virtual after-burn sound based on information about the corrected characteristics of the virtual after-burn sound and operation of sound equipment is adjusted according to the created after-burn signal such that a virtual after-burn sound discriminated according to the driver tendency is played and output from the sound equipment.