Virtual Engine Sound Housing Using Bumper Foam Side Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual engine sound output devices for hybrid and electric vehicles suffer from acoustic shorting, where sound pressure from side or rear surfaces cancels out, limiting the output efficiency of the virtual engine sound.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a bumper beam connected to the rear surface of the output device and a bumper foam surrounding the side surfaces, with holes that allow the virtual engine sound to be radiated in both left and right directions, utilizing the bumper foam and beam as an output passage to enhance sound radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an enclosure structure is used to prevent acoustic shorting, then sound pressure radiated toward the front surface is improved, but sound pressure radiated from side and rear surfaces cannot be utilized, lowering output efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure structure is segmented into different functional zones: a front surface enclosure to prevent acoustic shorting and improve sound radiation, and open side/rear surfaces to allow sound pressure utilization. The side surfaces include multiple holes for additional sound output, creating segmented sound radiation paths that resolve the contradiction between preventing acoustic shorting and maximizing output efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the output device uses a closed enclosure structure, then acoustic shorting is prevented, but the sound pressure from side and rear surfaces is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the enclosure have different qualities: the front surface maintains a closed structure to prevent acoustic shorting, while the side and rear surfaces are opened with holes to allow sound pressure radiation. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, preventing acoustic shorting where needed while utilizing sound pressure where beneficial.
3Productivity
If multiple holes are added to side surfaces for sound output, then sound radiation in multiple directions is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side surfaces of the enclosure serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the output device, enable multi-directional sound radiation through holes, and maintain the overall enclosure integrity. The bumper beam and bumper foam also serve dual purposes of structural protection and sound radiation guidance, reducing the need for additional complex components.
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 configuration improves the virtual engine sound output efficiency by preventing acoustic shorting and allowing sound to be radiated in multiple directions, effectively transmitting the vehicle's travel state to pedestrians while maintaining structural integrity and impact absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the bumper foam may include an apparatus for absorbing an impact applied from the outside of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of holes may be defined in each of the left and right side surfaces of the output device, and the plurality of holes may output the virtual engine sound in a left and right direction of the output device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for outputting a virtual engine sound includes: an output device that outputs the virtual engine sound; a bumper beam connected to a rear surface of the output device; and a bumper foam connected to the output device and the bumper beam while opening left and right side surfaces of the output device. The apparatus for outputting a virtual engine sound may improve a virtual engine sound output efficiency by utilizing a sound pressure radiated from a side surface of the virtual engine sound output device.