20240051561. ENGINE SOUND ENHANCEMENT DURING TOWING simplified abstract (Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.)
Contents
ENGINE SOUND ENHANCEMENT DURING TOWING
Organization Name
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Inventor(s)
Scott W. Shopoff of Ypsilanti MI (US)
Michael U. Frank of Saline MI (US)
Luis Miyar Alvarez of Farmington Hills MI (US)
ENGINE SOUND ENHANCEMENT DURING TOWING - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240051561 titled 'ENGINE SOUND ENHANCEMENT DURING TOWING
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a sound enhancement system for vehicles that includes a trailer brake control unit and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit determines if the vehicle is in tow mode based on the trailer brake status, calculates the magnitude of an audio signal that mimics or enhances engine sound, and generates the audio signal. An audio device then outputs the audio signal at the determined magnitude.
- The system consists of a trailer brake control unit and an electronic control unit.
- The electronic control unit determines if the vehicle is in tow mode based on the trailer brake status.
- It calculates the magnitude of an audio signal that mimics or enhances engine sound.
- The electronic control unit generates the audio signal.
- An audio device outputs the audio signal at the determined magnitude.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Sound enhancement systems for vehicles, particularly those used for towing purposes.
- Automotive aftermarket products that enhance the engine sound of vehicles.
- Integration into electric or hybrid vehicles to simulate engine sound for safety purposes.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Lack of engine sound in electric or hybrid vehicles, which can be a safety concern for pedestrians and other road users.
- Inadequate engine sound in vehicles used for towing, which can affect the driver's perception and control of the vehicle.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved safety by providing a simulated engine sound for electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Enhanced driving experience for vehicle owners, particularly those who enjoy the sound of a powerful engine.
- Better control and perception of the vehicle for drivers towing trailers, as the audio signal mimics or enhances the engine sound.
Original Abstract Submitted
methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a sound enhancement system. the sound enhancement system includes a trailer brake control unit placed on the vehicle and an electronic control unit coupled to the trailer brake control unit. the electronic control unit is configured to determine the vehicle is operating in a tow mode based on the trailer brake status, determine a magnitude of an audio signal that mimics or enhances engine sound based on the tow mode, and generate the audio signal. the sound enhancement system further includes an audio device configured to output the audio signal based at the determined magnitude.
