US20200114818A1 - Alert method and assembly using sounds emitted from an electrified vehicle powertrain - Google Patents
Alert method and assembly using sounds emitted from an electrified vehicle powertrain Download PDFInfo
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- US20200114818A1 US20200114818A1 US16/157,244 US201816157244A US2020114818A1 US 20200114818 A1 US20200114818 A1 US 20200114818A1 US 201816157244 A US201816157244 A US 201816157244A US 2020114818 A1 US2020114818 A1 US 2020114818A1
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- alert
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- power
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- powertrain
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
- B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
- B60W50/14—Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L3/00—Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
- B60L3/0023—Detecting, eliminating, remedying or compensating for drive train abnormalities, e.g. failures within the drive train
- B60L3/0061—Detecting, eliminating, remedying or compensating for drive train abnormalities, e.g. failures within the drive train relating to electrical machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
- B60Q5/005—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices automatically actuated
- B60Q5/008—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices automatically actuated for signaling silent vehicles, e.g. for warning that a hybrid or electric vehicle is approaching
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B3/00—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
- G08B3/10—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/166—Anti-collision systems for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2250/00—Driver interactions
- B60L2250/10—Driver interactions by alarm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
- B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
- B60W50/14—Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
- B60W2050/143—Alarm means
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/72—Electric energy management in electromobility
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to providing alerts by adjusting sound emitted from an electrified vehicle powertrain.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electrified vehicles are selectively driven using one or more electric machines powered by a traction battery.
- the electric machines can drive the electrified vehicles instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine.
- Example electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- HEVs hybrid electric vehicles
- PHEVs plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- FCVs fuel cell vehicles
- BEVs battery electric vehicles
- Electrified vehicles can include an electric drivetrain that includes, among other things, the one or more electric machines and power converters.
- the electric drivetrain can emit sounds when operating.
- the sounds can be audible such that an individual can hear the sounds.
- the individual could instead, or additionally, perceive the sounds as vibrations transmitted through structures of the electrified vehicle.
- a vehicle alert method includes, among other things, in response to an alert event, altering at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide an alert.
- the altering comprises changing a switching pattern of the power when pulse width modulating the power.
- a power output from the electrified vehicle powertrain is maintained during the altering.
- the alert event is a detected change in an internal vehicle condition.
- the alert event is a detected change in a condition external to the vehicle.
- the alert event is sensed by at least one sensor of the vehicle.
- the alert event is a communication to the vehicle from a communication source external to the vehicle.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes continuing to provide the alert until the alert event is removed.
- the alert is provided by at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain emitting a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes selecting the plurality of different acoustic tones, the predetermined sequence, or both based on the alert event.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes altering the plurality of different acoustic tones, the predetermined sequence, or both based on a duration of the alert event.
- the predetermined sequence includes at least two different acoustic tones.
- the predetermined sequence includes at least one first acoustic tone emitted for a first duration, and at least one different, second acoustic tone emitted for a different, second duration.
- the different acoustic tones comprise different inaudible sounds.
- a vehicle alert assembly includes, among other things, a power characteristic control system that, in response to an alert event, alters at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide an alert.
- altering the at least one characteristic of the power in response to the alert event causes at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes an electric machine as the at least one component.
- the power characteristic control system is configured to alter the at least one characteristic of power delivered to the electric machine.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes a traction battery that powers the electric machine.
- the acoustic tones comprise audible sounds and inaudible sounds.
- the power characteristic control system alters the at least one characteristic of the power by changing a switching frequency of the power when pulse width modulating the power.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a partially schematic side view of an electrified vehicle incorporating an electrified vehicle powertrain according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of selected portions of the vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a predetermined sequence of acoustic tones.
- FIGS. 4-6 illustrate plots of switching frequencies for different acoustic tones at various combinations of torque and speed for an electric machine.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of an exemplary sound control method.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle alert selection method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain of FIG. 1 according to yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
- the sounds can include audible sounds that a user can hear.
- the emitted sounds can instead, or additionally, include inaudible sounds that are perceived by the user as vibrations transmitted through physical structures of the electrified vehicle.
- the sounds can be varied such that the sounds are emitted as acoustic tones following a predetermined sequence. The user may then perceive the acoustic tones as a melody or song.
- Characteristics of power delivered to the powertrain components can be altered by varying characteristics of the power to change sounds emitted from the powertrain components.
- the altering of the characteristics of the power can include adjusting a switching pattern of the power when pulse width modulating the power. Altering the switching pattern can include altering the switching frequency.
- the changed sounds emitted from the powertrain components can be used as alerts. Net power delivered to the powertrain components can remain the same before adjusting the switching frequency and after adjusting the switching frequency.
- Other characteristics of power can include current, voltage, etc.
- an example electrified vehicle 10 includes a traction battery 14 , a power characteristic control system 18 , an electric machine 22 , and vehicle drive wheels 26 .
- the electrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in this example.
- BEV battery electric vehicle
- the traction battery 14 powers the electric machine 22 .
- the electric machine 22 When powered, the electric machine 22 generates torque to drive the wheels 26 that propel the electrified vehicle 10 .
- the power characteristic control system 18 can adjust power provided to the electric machine 22 .
- the electric machine 22 is a permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motor in this example.
- the electric machine 22 operates in response to commands from the power characteristic control system 18 .
- the commands can include a voltage command, torque command, speed command, etc.
- the electrified vehicle 10 is depicted as a BEV, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and could extend to other types of electrified vehicles, including, but not limited to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electrified vehicles (HEVs), etc.
- the scope of this disclosure can include any vehicle having an electric machine. That is, the electric machine 22 can be utilized in connection with the electrified vehicle 10 , or within the powertrain of another type of electrified vehicle that uses a PM synchronous motor. In another type of electrified vehicle, the electric machine 22 could be utilized as the generator, or as a combined motor-generator.
- the electric machine 22 and the power characteristic control system 18 provide an electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 can emit sounds 34 .
- the sounds can include audible sounds, inaudible sounds, or both.
- a user in a passenger compartment of the electrified vehicle 10 , or proximate the electrified vehicle 10 outside the passenger compartment, can perceive the sounds. The user can hear the audible sounds, and perceive the inaudible sounds as vibrations.
- the electric machine 22 can generate the sounds 34 during operation.
- the power characteristic control system 18 can instead, or additionally, generate the sounds 34 during operation.
- Altering characteristics of power delivered within the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 can change the sounds 34 .
- the power characteristic control system 18 can pulse width modulate power sent to the traction battery 14 from the electric machine 22 . Pulse width modulation can control and shape the flow of electrical power to and from various components of the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 . Pulse width modulation can change the sounds 34 without having a significant negative impact on the controllability, efficiency, and torque production accuracy of the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the pulse width modulation can vary switching frequencies to adjust the power. Typically, in the prior art, switching frequencies are selected to reduce emissions of sound.
- This disclosure in contrast to the prior art, describes an exemplary embodiment that varies characteristics of the power delivered within the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to change the sounds 34 such that the sounds follow a predetermined sequence.
- the predetermined sequence can correspond to a melody or song, for example.
- the power characteristic control system 18 includes a memory portion 42 , a processor portion 46 , and a switching portion 50 .
- the power characteristic control system 18 can be a standalone controller, or incorporated into a controller system of the electrified vehicle 10 , such as an engine control unit (ECU) or motor generator control unit.
- ECU engine control unit
- motor generator control unit motor generator
- the power characteristic control system 18 can include multiple separate controller systems in the form of multiple hardware devices, or multiple software controllers within one or more hardware devices. At least some portions of the power characteristic control system 18 could, in some examples, be located remotely from the electrified vehicle 10 , such as when portions of the memory portion 42 are cloud-based.
- the memory portion 42 can be partially cloud-based, or fully cloud-based. In other examples, the memory portion 42 resides entirely within the power characteristic control system 18 .
- the memory portion 42 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements.
- the processor portion 46 of the power characteristic control system 18 can be programmed to execute a program stored in the memory portion 42 .
- the processor can be custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller system, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset) or generally any device for executing software-based instructions.
- the switching portion 50 can include one or more switches that are opened and closed to control a switching frequency.
- the switches could be semiconductor switches, such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), which are often used for pulse width modulation.
- IGBTs insulated-gate bipolar transistors
- the program executed by the processor portion 46 could, for example, be stored in the memory portion 42 as software code.
- the program could include one or more additional or separate programs each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the power characteristic control system 18 .
- the logical functions can include controlling the switching portion 50 according to a table stored within the memory portion 42 .
- the processor portion 46 can command the switching portion 50 to open and close as desired.
- the switching frequencies can be controlled through the power characteristic control system 18 so that the sound from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 follows a predetermined sequence of acoustic tones.
- the predetermined sequence includes a specified acoustic tone and a specified duration for emitting the specified acoustic tone.
- pulse width modulation both the switching frequency and the duration are adjusted by the power characteristic control system 18 .
- the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones can be stored within the memory portion 42 and accessed as required.
- the acoustic tones of the predetermined sequence correspond to musical notes.
- the switching frequency is 5,250 Hz
- the user perceives the sounds as an A note.
- the switching frequency is 4,750 Hz
- the user perceives the sounds as a G note.
- the switching frequency is 4,250 Hz
- the user perceives the sounds as an F note.
- the switching frequency is 6,250 Hz
- the user perceives the sounds as an A note.
- the user perceives the sounds emitted from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 as the melody “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
- the range of switching frequencies is from 4000 Hz to 6500 Hz in FIG. 3 . In other examples, the range could be from 1 kHz to 10 kHz.
- the exemplary predetermined sequence of acoustic tones and associated switching frequencies in FIG. 3 are representative of an operating condition for the electric machine 22 where the electric machine is operating at a relatively constant speed and providing a relatively constant torque.
- the switching frequencies resulting in a particular tone from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 can vary in response to a rotational speed of the electric machine 22 , a torque generated by the electric machine 22 , or both. Accordingly, to hold a particular acoustic tone, the switching frequency may need to vary as the speed of the electric machine 22 changes, torque applied by the electric machine changes, or both. The switching frequency may need to increase, for example, to continue to hold an A note as the rotational speed of the electric machine 22 increases.
- the switching frequencies necessary to emit specific tones for various combinations of torque and speed of the electric machine 22 can be stored in a look-up table within the memory portion 42 of the power characteristic control system 18 .
- the processor portion 46 can command the switching portion 50 to provide a switching frequency corresponding to a specified tone within the predetermined sequence.
- the commanded switching frequency to produce the specified tone can change depending on the speed and torque of the electric machine 22 .
- the switching frequency can be adjusted as the speed of the electric machine 22 increases to ensure that the specified tone continues to be emitted.
- FIGS. 4-6 show exemplary maps of three specific tones.
- the calibration process to generate the maps that populate the look-up table could include operating the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 throughout various combinations of electric machine speeds, electric machine torques, and switching frequencies.
- the sounds emitted through calibration process are measured, associated with a particular acoustic tone, and mapped.
- an exemplary sound control method executed by the power characteristic control system 18 can start at a step 110 .
- the method next adjusts a switching frequency at a step 120 so that the sound emitted from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 corresponds to a specific acoustic tone.
- the adjustments may include changing the switching frequency so that the specific acoustic tone continues to be emitted as a speed or torque of the electric machine 22 changes.
- the method assesses whether changing the specific acoustic tone is required.
- This method may reference a predetermined sequence stored in the memory portion 42 when making this assessment.
- the predetermined sequence indicates which acoustic tone should be emitted and how long that acoustic tone should be emitted.
- the method moves back to the step 120 . If the time to change the acoustic tone has not expired, the method moves to the step 140 , which adjusts the switching frequency to change the specified acoustic tone to a different specified acoustic tone. The method then returns to the step 120 .
- Adjusting sound emitted from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 can provide alerts to a user of the electrified vehicle 10 , such as a driver, or an individual near the electrified vehicle 10 .
- vehicles included alert systems that produce audible sounds broadcast through speakers of the electrified vehicle 10 . These audible sounds did not originate from an electrified vehicle powertrain.
- An alert from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 can be provided in response to an alert event.
- the alert event could be a detected change in an internal vehicle condition, a detected change in an external vehicle condition, or a receipt of an external communications.
- Internal vehicle conditions are generally conditions of, and within, the electrified vehicle 10 that are monitored for alert events.
- Exemplary internal vehicle conditions can include a fuel level or a battery state of charge. With such internal vehicle conditions, the alert event could be the fuel level or battery state of charge falling below a threshold level.
- Other exemplary internal vehicle conditions that could provide an alert event could include a vehicle fault, a navigation alert, or a smart device alert.
- the internal vehicle condition is a safety alert.
- Exemplary alert events provided by safety alerts could include a detected decrease in alertness or health of a driver of the vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle requiring a driver action/takeover.
- External vehicle conditions are generally conditions outside the electrified vehicle 10 that are monitored by the electrified vehicle 10 for alert events.
- Exemplary external vehicle conditions can include monitoring a location of the electrified vehicle 10 relative to a traffic lane. The alert event associated with such a condition would be detecting that the electrified vehicle 10 has moved from the traffic lane.
- Other exemplary external vehicle conditions could include monitoring for upcoming intersections or obstacles, changes to a speed limit, or poor driving conditions, such as rain or snow.
- the external vehicle conditions can be monitored by the electrified vehicle 10 via sensor devices such as a camera, Lidar sensor, etc.
- External communications are generally communications that originate from outside the electrified vehicle 10 and are communicated to the electrified vehicle 10 .
- Alert events provided by external communications could include a message sent to the electrified vehicle 10 from a toll stations, an emergency vehicle, or a weather station.
- the external communications can be sent wirelessly to the electrified vehicle 10 as understood.
- an exemplary vehicle alert method 200 adjusts sound emitted from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to provide alerts in response to an alert event.
- the method 200 begins at steps 210 a , 210 b , and 210 c where the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications are monitored.
- the method 200 assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. If yes, the method 200 moves to a step 218 where the power characteristic control system 18 alters power delivered within the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to cause at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- the step 218 thus adjusts sound emitted from the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the adjusted sound provides an alert in response to an alert event. That is, the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence that are emitted in response to the alert events can alert the driver. In an example, a driver perceives the alert and, in response, looks at a fuel gage to understand that the electrified vehicle 10 has a low level of fuel.
- the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones continues until the method 200 , at a step 222 , assesses that the predetermined sequence has ended.
- the method 200 then, at a step 226 , resumes a default power delivery to the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert in this example.
- a vehicle alert method 300 begins at steps 310 a , 310 b , and 310 C where the method 300 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications.
- the method 300 assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. If yes, the method 300 moves to a step 318 where the power characteristic control system 18 alters at least one characteristic of power delivered within the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to cause at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- the method 300 then continues the predetermined sequence until the alert event (i.e., alert event) is removed.
- the alert event is monitored to see if the alert event has been removed. If not, the method 300 moves to the step 326 where the power characteristic control system 18 continues to alter characteristics of power to the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to cause the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to continue to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- the step 330 where the default method power delivery to the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 is continued.
- the method 300 then moves to the step 330 where the method 300 resumes a default power delivery to the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert.
- the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones will begin to play at the step 318 . If a user of the vehicle corrects a position of the electrified vehicle 10 such that the electrified vehicle 10 returns to the lane, the alert event is removed. The method 300 then moves to the step 330 , which effectively stops the alert provided by the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence. If, however, the electrified vehicle 10 continues to drift from the lane, the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence will continue to play. If the acoustic sequence has not ended, the user of the electrified vehicle 10 will continue to perceive the alert provided by the acoustic sequence until the electrified vehicle 10 returns to the lane.
- the method 300 of FIG. 9 is particularly useful in connection with alert events that are transient in nature and relatively less predictable. Lane departure, as mentioned above, is one such alert. Another is alert event corresponding to receipt of an external communication indicated that an emergency vehicle is nearby.
- an alert selection method 400 can respond to different triggering conditions by playing different predetermined sequences of a plurality of different acoustic tones. Basically, a specific alert sequence can be selected based on the alert event.
- the method 400 begins at steps 410 a , 410 b , and 410 c where the method 400 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications. The method 400 also assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. The detection steps are omitted here for clarity.
- the method 400 moves to a step 414 where the method 400 selects an alert by selecting an appropriate plurality of different acoustic tones that follow an appropriate predetermined sequence.
- the acoustic tones, the sequence, or both can be selected based on the alert event.
- the step 414 may, for example, select a first predetermined sequence of acoustic tones if a fuel level of the electrified vehicle 10 falls behold a threshold value.
- the step 414 may, for example, select a second predetermined sequence of acoustic tones if the electrified vehicle 10 receives an external communication indicating an emergency vehicle is nearby.
- the method 400 then moves to the step 418 where the sequence of acoustic tones selected in the step 414 begins.
- the method 400 can then continue in the matter of the method 200 of FIG. 8 , or the method 300 of FIG. 9 .
- a method 500 adjusts, over time, the predetermined sequence of different acoustic tones that are played in response to an alert event.
- the method 500 begins at steps 510 a , 510 b , and 510 c where the method 300 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications.
- the method 500 also assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. The detection steps are omitted here for clarity. If an alert event is detected, the method 500 moves to the step 520 .
- the method 500 determines if the detected alert event requires urgent action. If yes, the method 500 moves to a step 530 that executes the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones.
- the step 520 could be omitted in some examples.
- the method 500 moves to a step 540 which continues begins to alter characteristics of the power delivered within the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to cause the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 to emit the plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- the predetermined sequence continues at a step 540 , which assesses whether or not the alert event has been removed. If the alert event is not removed, the method 500 moves to a step 550 were the method 500 can change in frequency, sound, level, pattern, or some combination of these at the step 550 .
- the acoustic tones and predetermined sequence may, for example, be adjusted to become increasingly more perceivable to the user of the electrified vehicle 10 by increasing their frequency and harshness. This can be particularly advantageous if the user is not responding by removing the alert event.
- the method 500 moves to a step 560 where the method 500 resumes a default power delivery to the electrified vehicle powertrain 30 .
- the default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert.
- Features of the disclosed examples include, in response to an alert event, altering at least one characteristic of power delivered to an electrified vehicle powertrain to cause the powertrain to emit acoustic tones that provide an alert to a user of the vehicle.
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to providing alerts by adjusting sound emitted from an electrified vehicle powertrain.
- Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electrified vehicles are selectively driven using one or more electric machines powered by a traction battery. The electric machines can drive the electrified vehicles instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine. Example electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- Electrified vehicles can include an electric drivetrain that includes, among other things, the one or more electric machines and power converters. The electric drivetrain can emit sounds when operating. The sounds can be audible such that an individual can hear the sounds. The individual could instead, or additionally, perceive the sounds as vibrations transmitted through structures of the electrified vehicle.
- A vehicle alert method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, in response to an alert event, altering at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide an alert.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the altering comprises changing a switching pattern of the power when pulse width modulating the power.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, a power output from the electrified vehicle powertrain is maintained during the altering.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the alert event is a detected change in an internal vehicle condition.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the alert event is a detected change in a condition external to the vehicle.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the alert event is sensed by at least one sensor of the vehicle.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the alert event is a communication to the vehicle from a communication source external to the vehicle.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes continuing to provide the alert until the alert event is removed.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the alert is provided by at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain emitting a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes selecting the plurality of different acoustic tones, the predetermined sequence, or both based on the alert event.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods includes altering the plurality of different acoustic tones, the predetermined sequence, or both based on a duration of the alert event.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the predetermined sequence includes at least two different acoustic tones.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the predetermined sequence includes at least one first acoustic tone emitted for a first duration, and at least one different, second acoustic tone emitted for a different, second duration.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the different acoustic tones comprise different inaudible sounds.
- A vehicle alert assembly according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a power characteristic control system that, in response to an alert event, alters at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide an alert.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing assembly, altering the at least one characteristic of the power in response to the alert event causes at least one component of the electrified vehicle powertrain to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes an electric machine as the at least one component. The power characteristic control system is configured to alter the at least one characteristic of power delivered to the electric machine.
- Another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies includes a traction battery that powers the electric machine.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the acoustic tones comprise audible sounds and inaudible sounds.
- In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the power characteristic control system alters the at least one characteristic of the power by changing a switching frequency of the power when pulse width modulating the power.
- The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
- The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a partially schematic side view of an electrified vehicle incorporating an electrified vehicle powertrain according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of selected portions of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a predetermined sequence of acoustic tones. -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate plots of switching frequencies for different acoustic tones at various combinations of torque and speed for an electric machine. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of an exemplary sound control method. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain ofFIG. 1 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain ofFIG. 1 according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle alert selection method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a vehicle alert method utilizing the electrified vehicle powertrain ofFIG. 1 according to yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. - This disclosure relates generally to intentionally changing sounds emitted from powertrain components of an electrified vehicle. The sounds can include audible sounds that a user can hear. The emitted sounds can instead, or additionally, include inaudible sounds that are perceived by the user as vibrations transmitted through physical structures of the electrified vehicle.
- The sounds can be varied such that the sounds are emitted as acoustic tones following a predetermined sequence. The user may then perceive the acoustic tones as a melody or song.
- Characteristics of power delivered to the powertrain components can be altered by varying characteristics of the power to change sounds emitted from the powertrain components. The altering of the characteristics of the power can include adjusting a switching pattern of the power when pulse width modulating the power. Altering the switching pattern can include altering the switching frequency. The changed sounds emitted from the powertrain components can be used as alerts. Net power delivered to the powertrain components can remain the same before adjusting the switching frequency and after adjusting the switching frequency. Other characteristics of power can include current, voltage, etc.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , an example electrifiedvehicle 10 includes atraction battery 14, a powercharacteristic control system 18, anelectric machine 22, andvehicle drive wheels 26. Theelectrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in this example. - The
traction battery 14 powers theelectric machine 22. When powered, theelectric machine 22 generates torque to drive thewheels 26 that propel theelectrified vehicle 10. The powercharacteristic control system 18 can adjust power provided to theelectric machine 22. - The
electric machine 22 is a permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motor in this example. In general, theelectric machine 22 operates in response to commands from the powercharacteristic control system 18. The commands can include a voltage command, torque command, speed command, etc. - Although the electrified
vehicle 10 is depicted as a BEV, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and could extend to other types of electrified vehicles, including, but not limited to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electrified vehicles (HEVs), etc. The scope of this disclosure can include any vehicle having an electric machine. That is, theelectric machine 22 can be utilized in connection with the electrifiedvehicle 10, or within the powertrain of another type of electrified vehicle that uses a PM synchronous motor. In another type of electrified vehicle, theelectric machine 22 could be utilized as the generator, or as a combined motor-generator. - With reference now to
FIG. 2 , theelectric machine 22 and the powercharacteristic control system 18 provide an electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. When the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 is operating, the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 can emit sounds 34. The sounds can include audible sounds, inaudible sounds, or both. A user in a passenger compartment of the electrifiedvehicle 10, or proximate the electrifiedvehicle 10 outside the passenger compartment, can perceive the sounds. The user can hear the audible sounds, and perceive the inaudible sounds as vibrations. - The
electric machine 22 can generate thesounds 34 during operation. The powercharacteristic control system 18 can instead, or additionally, generate thesounds 34 during operation. - Altering characteristics of power delivered within the electrified
vehicle powertrain 30 can change the sounds 34. To alter characteristics of the power, the powercharacteristic control system 18 can pulse width modulate power sent to thetraction battery 14 from theelectric machine 22. Pulse width modulation can control and shape the flow of electrical power to and from various components of the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. Pulse width modulation can change thesounds 34 without having a significant negative impact on the controllability, efficiency, and torque production accuracy of the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. - The pulse width modulation can vary switching frequencies to adjust the power. Typically, in the prior art, switching frequencies are selected to reduce emissions of sound. This disclosure, in contrast to the prior art, describes an exemplary embodiment that varies characteristics of the power delivered within the electrified
vehicle powertrain 30 to change thesounds 34 such that the sounds follow a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence can correspond to a melody or song, for example. - The power
characteristic control system 18 includes amemory portion 42, aprocessor portion 46, and a switchingportion 50. The powercharacteristic control system 18 can be a standalone controller, or incorporated into a controller system of the electrifiedvehicle 10, such as an engine control unit (ECU) or motor generator control unit. - To adjust the switching frequencies, the power
characteristic control system 18 can include multiple separate controller systems in the form of multiple hardware devices, or multiple software controllers within one or more hardware devices. At least some portions of the powercharacteristic control system 18 could, in some examples, be located remotely from the electrifiedvehicle 10, such as when portions of thememory portion 42 are cloud-based. - The
memory portion 42, as explained, can be partially cloud-based, or fully cloud-based. In other examples, thememory portion 42 resides entirely within the powercharacteristic control system 18. Thememory portion 42 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements. - The
processor portion 46 of the powercharacteristic control system 18 can be programmed to execute a program stored in thememory portion 42. The processor can be custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller system, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset) or generally any device for executing software-based instructions. - The switching
portion 50 can include one or more switches that are opened and closed to control a switching frequency. The switches could be semiconductor switches, such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), which are often used for pulse width modulation. - The program executed by the
processor portion 46 could, for example, be stored in thememory portion 42 as software code. The program could include one or more additional or separate programs each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the powercharacteristic control system 18. - The logical functions can include controlling the switching
portion 50 according to a table stored within thememory portion 42. To adjust switching frequencies of the power during pulse width modulation, theprocessor portion 46 can command the switchingportion 50 to open and close as desired. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , and continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 , the switching frequencies can be controlled through the powercharacteristic control system 18 so that the sound from the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 follows a predetermined sequence of acoustic tones. As shown, the predetermined sequence includes a specified acoustic tone and a specified duration for emitting the specified acoustic tone. Through pulse width modulation, both the switching frequency and the duration are adjusted by the powercharacteristic control system 18. The predetermined sequence of acoustic tones can be stored within thememory portion 42 and accessed as required. - In this exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the acoustic tones of the predetermined sequence correspond to musical notes. In particular, when the switching frequency is 5,250 Hz, the user perceives the sounds as an A note. When the switching frequency is 4,750 Hz, the user perceives the sounds as a G note. When the switching frequency is 4,250 Hz, the user perceives the sounds as an F note. When the switching frequency is 6,250 Hz, the user perceives the sounds as an A note.
- When the switching frequencies are adjusted according to the exemplary predetermined sequence of acoustic tones in
FIG. 3 , the user perceives the sounds emitted from the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 as the melody “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” - The range of switching frequencies is from 4000 Hz to 6500 Hz in
FIG. 3 . In other examples, the range could be from 1 kHz to 10 kHz. - The exemplary predetermined sequence of acoustic tones and associated switching frequencies in
FIG. 3 are representative of an operating condition for theelectric machine 22 where the electric machine is operating at a relatively constant speed and providing a relatively constant torque. - The switching frequencies resulting in a particular tone from the electrified
vehicle powertrain 30 can vary in response to a rotational speed of theelectric machine 22, a torque generated by theelectric machine 22, or both. Accordingly, to hold a particular acoustic tone, the switching frequency may need to vary as the speed of theelectric machine 22 changes, torque applied by the electric machine changes, or both. The switching frequency may need to increase, for example, to continue to hold an A note as the rotational speed of theelectric machine 22 increases. - Accordingly, with reference to
FIGS. 4-6 and continued reference toFIGS. 2 and 3 , the switching frequencies necessary to emit specific tones for various combinations of torque and speed of theelectric machine 22 can be stored in a look-up table within thememory portion 42 of the powercharacteristic control system 18. By referencing the look-up table, theprocessor portion 46 can command the switchingportion 50 to provide a switching frequency corresponding to a specified tone within the predetermined sequence. The commanded switching frequency to produce the specified tone can change depending on the speed and torque of theelectric machine 22. For example, the switching frequency can be adjusted as the speed of theelectric machine 22 increases to ensure that the specified tone continues to be emitted. - The switching frequencies necessary to emit specific tones for various combinations of torque and speed of the
electric machine 22 can be gathered through a calibration process.FIGS. 4-6 show exemplary maps of three specific tones. The calibration process to generate the maps that populate the look-up table could include operating the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 throughout various combinations of electric machine speeds, electric machine torques, and switching frequencies. The sounds emitted through calibration process are measured, associated with a particular acoustic tone, and mapped. - With reference now to
FIG. 7 and continued reference toFIG. 2 , an exemplary sound control method executed by the powercharacteristic control system 18 can start at astep 110. The method next adjusts a switching frequency at astep 120 so that the sound emitted from the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 corresponds to a specific acoustic tone. The adjustments may include changing the switching frequency so that the specific acoustic tone continues to be emitted as a speed or torque of theelectric machine 22 changes. - Next, at a
step 130, the method assesses whether changing the specific acoustic tone is required. This method may reference a predetermined sequence stored in thememory portion 42 when making this assessment. The predetermined sequence indicates which acoustic tone should be emitted and how long that acoustic tone should be emitted. - If the time to change the acoustic tone has not expired, the method moves back to the
step 120. If the time to change the acoustic tone has expired, the method moves to thestep 140, which adjusts the switching frequency to change the specified acoustic tone to a different specified acoustic tone. The method then returns to thestep 120. - Adjusting sound emitted from the electrified
vehicle powertrain 30 can provide alerts to a user of the electrifiedvehicle 10, such as a driver, or an individual near the electrifiedvehicle 10. In the past, vehicles included alert systems that produce audible sounds broadcast through speakers of the electrifiedvehicle 10. These audible sounds did not originate from an electrified vehicle powertrain. - An alert from the electrified
vehicle powertrain 30 can be provided in response to an alert event. The alert event could be a detected change in an internal vehicle condition, a detected change in an external vehicle condition, or a receipt of an external communications. - Internal vehicle conditions are generally conditions of, and within, the electrified
vehicle 10 that are monitored for alert events. Exemplary internal vehicle conditions can include a fuel level or a battery state of charge. With such internal vehicle conditions, the alert event could be the fuel level or battery state of charge falling below a threshold level. Other exemplary internal vehicle conditions that could provide an alert event could include a vehicle fault, a navigation alert, or a smart device alert. In yet another example, the internal vehicle condition is a safety alert. Exemplary alert events provided by safety alerts could include a detected decrease in alertness or health of a driver of the vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle requiring a driver action/takeover. - External vehicle conditions are generally conditions outside the electrified
vehicle 10 that are monitored by the electrifiedvehicle 10 for alert events. Exemplary external vehicle conditions can include monitoring a location of the electrifiedvehicle 10 relative to a traffic lane. The alert event associated with such a condition would be detecting that the electrifiedvehicle 10 has moved from the traffic lane. Other exemplary external vehicle conditions could include monitoring for upcoming intersections or obstacles, changes to a speed limit, or poor driving conditions, such as rain or snow. The external vehicle conditions can be monitored by the electrifiedvehicle 10 via sensor devices such as a camera, Lidar sensor, etc. - External communications are generally communications that originate from outside the electrified
vehicle 10 and are communicated to the electrifiedvehicle 10. Alert events provided by external communications could include a message sent to the electrifiedvehicle 10 from a toll stations, an emergency vehicle, or a weather station. The external communications can be sent wirelessly to the electrifiedvehicle 10 as understood. - With reference now to
FIG. 8 and continued reference toFIG. 2 , an exemplary vehiclealert method 200 adjusts sound emitted from the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to provide alerts in response to an alert event. Themethod 200 begins atsteps - At
steps method 200 assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. If yes, themethod 200 moves to astep 218 where the powercharacteristic control system 18 alters power delivered within the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to cause at least one component of the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence. - The
step 218 thus adjusts sound emitted from the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. The adjusted sound provides an alert in response to an alert event. That is, the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence that are emitted in response to the alert events can alert the driver. In an example, a driver perceives the alert and, in response, looks at a fuel gage to understand that the electrifiedvehicle 10 has a low level of fuel. - The predetermined sequence of acoustic tones continues until the
method 200, at astep 222, assesses that the predetermined sequence has ended. Themethod 200 then, at astep 226, resumes a default power delivery to the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. The default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert in this example. - With reference now to
FIG. 9 and continuing reference toFIG. 2 , avehicle alert method 300 according to another exemplary embodiment begins atsteps method 300 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications. Atsteps method 300 assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. If yes, themethod 300 moves to astep 318 where the powercharacteristic control system 18 alters at least one characteristic of power delivered within the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to cause at least one component of the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence. - In contrast to the
method 200, themethod 300 then continues the predetermined sequence until the alert event (i.e., alert event) is removed. At astep 322, the alert event is monitored to see if the alert event has been removed. If not, themethod 300 moves to thestep 326 where the powercharacteristic control system 18 continues to alter characteristics of power to the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to cause the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to continue to emit a plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence. - If, at the
step 322, the alert event has been removed, thestep 330 where the default method power delivery to the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 is continued. At thestep 322, if the alert event is removed, themethod 300 then moves to thestep 330 where themethod 300 resumes a default power delivery to the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. The default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert. - As an example, if the external vehicle information monitored at the
step 310 b detects an alert event at thestep 314 b where the electrifiedvehicle 10 is drifting from a lane, the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones will begin to play at thestep 318. If a user of the vehicle corrects a position of the electrifiedvehicle 10 such that the electrifiedvehicle 10 returns to the lane, the alert event is removed. Themethod 300 then moves to thestep 330, which effectively stops the alert provided by the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence. If, however, the electrifiedvehicle 10 continues to drift from the lane, the different acoustic tones following the predetermined sequence will continue to play. If the acoustic sequence has not ended, the user of the electrifiedvehicle 10 will continue to perceive the alert provided by the acoustic sequence until the electrifiedvehicle 10 returns to the lane. - The
method 300 ofFIG. 9 is particularly useful in connection with alert events that are transient in nature and relatively less predictable. Lane departure, as mentioned above, is one such alert. Another is alert event corresponding to receipt of an external communication indicated that an emergency vehicle is nearby. - With reference now to
FIG. 10 , analert selection method 400 can respond to different triggering conditions by playing different predetermined sequences of a plurality of different acoustic tones. Basically, a specific alert sequence can be selected based on the alert event. - The
method 400 begins atsteps method 400 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications. Themethod 400 also assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. The detection steps are omitted here for clarity. - If an alert event is detected, the
method 400 moves to astep 414 where themethod 400 selects an alert by selecting an appropriate plurality of different acoustic tones that follow an appropriate predetermined sequence. The acoustic tones, the sequence, or both can be selected based on the alert event. Thestep 414 may, for example, select a first predetermined sequence of acoustic tones if a fuel level of the electrifiedvehicle 10 falls behold a threshold value. Thestep 414 may, for example, select a second predetermined sequence of acoustic tones if the electrifiedvehicle 10 receives an external communication indicating an emergency vehicle is nearby. - The
method 400 then moves to thestep 418 where the sequence of acoustic tones selected in thestep 414 begins. Themethod 400 can then continue in the matter of themethod 200 ofFIG. 8 , or themethod 300 ofFIG. 9 . - With reference now to
FIG. 11 and continued reference toFIG. 1 , amethod 500 adjusts, over time, the predetermined sequence of different acoustic tones that are played in response to an alert event. Themethod 500 begins atsteps method 300 monitors the internal vehicle conditions, external vehicle conditions, and external communications. Themethod 500 also assesses if the monitoring has detected any alert event. The detection steps are omitted here for clarity. If an alert event is detected, themethod 500 moves to thestep 520. - At a
step 520, themethod 500 determines if the detected alert event requires urgent action. If yes, themethod 500 moves to astep 530 that executes the predetermined sequence of acoustic tones. Thestep 520 could be omitted in some examples. - From the
step 520, themethod 500 moves to astep 540 which continues begins to alter characteristics of the power delivered within the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to cause the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30 to emit the plurality of different acoustic tones that follow a predetermined sequence. - The predetermined sequence continues at a
step 540, which assesses whether or not the alert event has been removed. If the alert event is not removed, themethod 500 moves to astep 550 were themethod 500 can change in frequency, sound, level, pattern, or some combination of these at thestep 550. The acoustic tones and predetermined sequence may, for example, be adjusted to become increasingly more perceivable to the user of the electrifiedvehicle 10 by increasing their frequency and harshness. This can be particularly advantageous if the user is not responding by removing the alert event. - If the alert event is removed at the
step 540, themethod 500 moves to astep 560 where themethod 500 resumes a default power delivery to the electrifiedvehicle powertrain 30. The default power delivery is not intended to provide an alert. - Features of the disclosed examples include, in response to an alert event, altering at least one characteristic of power delivered to an electrified vehicle powertrain to cause the powertrain to emit acoustic tones that provide an alert to a user of the vehicle.
- The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.
Claims (22)
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US16/157,244 US10632909B1 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2018-10-11 | Alert method and assembly using sounds emitted from an electrified vehicle powertrain |
DE102019127210.6A DE102019127210A1 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2019-10-09 | Warning method and assembly that uses sound emitted from a powertrain of an electrified vehicle |
CN201910955014.1A CN111038375A (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2019-10-09 | Method and assembly for warning using sound emitted by an electric vehicle powertrain |
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DE102019127210A1 (en) | 2020-04-16 |
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