Virtual Engine Sound Control for EV Gear Shift Sensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles lack the multi-shift sensation and enjoyment of driving associated with internal combustion engine vehicles, due to their absence of multi-stage transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling a virtual engine sound in electric vehicles, which collects driving state data, determines a virtual gear position and engine speed, and outputs a virtual engine sound to simulate the shifting sensation of internal combustion engine vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multi-stage transmission is installed in electric vehicle, then shifting sensation and driving enjoyment are improved, but ride smoothness is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting sensationVSAvoidride smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sound copying to recreate the engine shifting sensations of internal combustion engine vehicles through virtual engine sounds. The system captures and reproduces characteristic engine sounds during gear shifts, allowing electric vehicles to provide the same auditory feedback and driving enjoyment without actual mechanical transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system with an acoustic simulation system. Instead of using physical gears and shafts to create shifting sensations, the system uses speakers and sound processing to generate virtual engine sounds that mimic the auditory experience of mechanical shifting, thereby maintaining driving enjoyment without compromising ride smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If virtual engine sound system is added to electric vehicle, then driving enjoyment is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving enjoymentVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the virtual engine sound control function into the existing vehicle controller, allowing the controller to perform both its original functions and the new sound generation function. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding separate dedicated hardware systems, thereby improving driving enjoyment while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the sound generation, processing, and output control functions into a unified control system. By merging these functions rather than implementing them as separate independent systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while still providing the comprehensive virtual engine sound experience needed for enhanced driving enjoyment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250058710A1System and method for controlling virtual engine sound of electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A method for controlling a virtual engine sound of an electric vehicle, may include steps of, which are performed by a controller, collecting a driving state including the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle and the opening amount of an accelerator pedal, determining a virtual gear position based on the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle and the opening amount of the accelerator pedal, obtaining the virtual engine speed of the electric vehicle based on the vehicle speed and the virtual gear position, and outputting a virtual engine sound corresponding to the virtual engine speed.