WO2020233767A1

WO2020233767A1 - Resonator sound box for wheel design

Info

Publication number: WO2020233767A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/062772
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaime Andres NORIEGA JESSUP
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Europe
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2019-05-17
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

This application relates to a resonator device for a wheel device may comprise a body that may have a hollow interior channel. The resonator device may be configured to be removably attached to the wheel device. The resonator device may further include a movable piece within the interior channel that may be slidable relative to the body.

Description

RESONATOR SOUND BOX FOR WHEEL DESIGN

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure is related to a resonator sound box for wheel design for mounting to a wheel device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The presence of sound enables people to have a deeper awareness of their surroundings, which promotes safety. The proliferation of all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), which are significantly quieter than internal combustion vehicles, can negatively affect pedestrian safety. In particular, the safety problem arises when HEVs are driven at slow speeds because HEVs typically switch to a quiet electric motor system. The safety problem is exacerbated if other environmental sounds overpower the sound of the HEV.

[0003] The sound of traffic is often the best or the primary source of information at locations where pedestrians have limited view and in complex intersections where there are vehicles moving in various directions. Additionally, pedestrians who are blind are at a high safety risk because they rely heavily on auditory cues to recognize and detect vehicles.

[0004] One approach to solving this problem is disclosed, for instance, by providing a resonator sound box that is mountable on a wheel device.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present inventors have recognized that out of public safety concerns, it is desirable to provide a resonator sound box that can be mounted on a wheel device, and in particular, on a wheel device of a HEV.

[0006] In aspects, a resonator device for a wheel device may comprise a body that may have a hollow interior channel. The resonator device may be configured to be removably attached to the wheel device. The resonator device may further include a movable piece within the interior channel that may be slidable relative to the body.

[0007] With this configuration, the resonator device may be selectively attached to a wheel of a vehicle and optionally attached to the wheel of an HEV so that the HEV can emit a sound when in motion.

[0008] In aspects, the interior channel may be curved about an axial direction.

[0009] The curved channel can influence the frequency of the sound emitted from the resonator device and also at which rotational speed the resonator device emits a sound.

[0010] In aspects, at least a portion of the interior channel may form a C-shape.

[0011] The C-shape influences the frequency of the emitted sound and also at which rotational speed the resonator device emits a sound.

[0012] In aspects, at least a portion of the interior channel may form an S-shape.

[0013] The S-shape influences the frequency of the emitted sound and also at which rotational speed the resonator device emits a sound.

[0014] In aspects, the resonator device may be configured to attach to a window of the wheel device.

[0015] Adapting the resonator device to attach to a window of the wheel device allows a car user to determine whether they prefer to have the resonator device attached to the wheel and which wheel the resonator device should attach to.

[0016] In aspects, the resonator device may be configured to connect with a recess in a hub of the wheel device.

[0017] In this configuration, the resonator device can be secured into the window of the wheel device using, in part, the recess in the hub of the wheel device.

[0018] In other aspects, a resonator system for a wheel device may comprise a plurality of resonator devices, each resonator device may have at least one movable piece slidable therein, where each resonator device may be configured to be attached to the wheel device.

[0019] In this configuration, a vehicle user, and in particular, a HEV vehicle user, may attach more than one resonator to the wheel device which can allow for a custom and unique sound signature. [0020] In aspects, the movable piece of a first resonator device may be a different size than the movable piece of a second resonator device.

[0021] Providing different sized movable pieces allows for the different resonator devices to emit different frequency sounds thus allowing the user of a vehicle to customize the sound that is emitted from the resonator system.

[0022] In aspects, each resonator device may include an interior channel. The interior channel of a first resonator device may be a different than the interior channel of a second resonator device.

[0023] Providing different sized interior channels allows for the different resonator devices to emit sounds at different times or at different rotational speeds of the wheel device, therefore allowing the user of a vehicle to customize the sound that is emitted from the resonator system.

[0024] In aspects, each resonator device may be configured to attach to a window of the wheel device.

[0025] Adapting the resonator device to attach to a window of the wheel device allows a car user to determine whether they prefer to have the resonator device attached to the wheel, which wheel the resonator device should attach to, or the possibility of customization by using a unique combination of resonator devices.

[0026] In aspects, at least one interior channel may be curved about an axial direction.

[0027] The curved channel can influence the frequency of the emitted sound and also at which rotational speed the resonator device emits a sound.

[0028] In other aspects, a wheel assembly may comprise a wheel device; and the aforementioned resonator device.

[0029] With this configuration, the sound resonator box may be selectively attached to a wheel of a vehicle and optionally attached to the wheel of an HEV so that the HEV can emit a sound when in motion.

[0030] In aspects, at least one resonator device may be attached to a window of the wheel device.

[0031] Adapting the resonator device to attach to a window of the wheel device allows a car user to determine whether they prefer to have the resonator device attached to the wheel, which wheel the resonator device should attach to, or the possibility of customization by using a unique combination of resonator devices.

[0032] In other aspects, a vehicle may comprise the aforementioned wheel assembly.

[0033] With this configuration, the resonator device may be selectively attached to a wheel of a vehicle and optionally attached to the wheel of an HEV so that the HEV can emit a sound when in motion.

[0034] In aspects, at least one resonator device may be configured to emit a sound when the vehicle is travelling at a speed equal to or less than 18 MPH.

[0035] In this configuration, the vehicle is configured to emit a sound when the vehicle is travelling at a low speed, for example, through a school zone, when approaching a stop signal, in a residential area, or covered parking lot.

[0036] It is intended that combinations of the above-described elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, and serve to explain the principles thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Fig. 1A shows an exemplary resonator sound box;

[0039] Fig. IB shows a cross-section along plane B-B of the exemplary resonator sound box of Fig. 1A;

[0040] Fig. 1C shows the exemplary resonator sound box of Fig. 1A without a faceplate;

[0041] Fig. 2A shows a representation of an exemplary wheel device having a plurality of exemplary resonator sound boxes attached thereto;

[0042] Fig. 2B shows an exploded view of the exemplary wheel device with the plurality of the exemplary resonator sound boxes; [0043] Fig. 3A shows an exemplary wheel assembly including a wheel device having two resonator sound boxes, where the wheel assembly is in a first rotational state; and

[0044] Fig. 3B shows an exemplary wheel assembly including a wheel device having two resonator sound boxes, where the wheel assembly is in a second rotational state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0046] Fig. 1A shows an assembled exemplary resonator sound box 20A having a faceplate 30A that is adapted to attach to a body portion 22A. The faceplate 30A and body portion 22A may be attached by any suitable means, including, for example, clips, adhesives, fasteners, etc. Fig. IB shows a cross-section of the assembled exemplary resonator sound box along plane B-B.

[0047] Fig. 1C shows the exemplary resonator sound box 20A with the faceplate 30A removed from the body portion 22k. The body portion 22k of the resonator sound box 20A may include at least one channel 24A therein. The channel 24A of the resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to extend radially away from, and substantially orthogonal, to a center axis W of the wheel device. The channel 24A may have ends 24A1 and 24A2 that define the termination points of the channel 24A.

[0048] The channel 24A may be formed in any suitable shape, for example, a line, a S-shape, a C-shape, etc. The channel 24A may be slanted in the radial direction. The channel 24A may be slanted toward or away from a vehicle side of the wheel device 10. As shown in section B-B of Fig. IB. Further, the resonator sound box 20A may have a plurality of channels 24A. Each of the channels 24A may have the same shape or may have different shapes. The shape and dimensions of the channel 24A depend on a predetermined frequency or range of frequencies.

[0049] The resonator sound box 20A may further include at least one movable piece 40A adapted to slide within the channel 24A. The movable piece 40A may be made of any suitable material, for example, metal, rubber, plastic, etc. The movable piece 40A may be any suitable shape, for example, a sphere or a cylinder, and may be solid or hollow. The movable piece 40A may be formed similar to a boading ball in that the movable piece 40A may be adapted to emanate at least one sound when moved. The overall dimensions and form of the movable piece 40A depend on a predetermined frequency or range of frequencies.

[0050] The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to emanate at least one sound when the movable member 40A contacts an end 24A1, 24A2 or slides within the channel 24A. The resonator sound box 20A may have a plurality of movable pieces 40A. The plurality of movable pieces 40A may be within a single channel 24A, or may be in different channels.

[0051] The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to resonate at least one predetermined frequency, similar to a Helmholtz resonator, though difference of volume of air passing through a neck, with volume escaping as, for example, a whistle or booming sound.

[0052] The resonator sound box 20A may be dimensioned such that only a predetermined range of frequencies are emitted therefrom. The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to emit sounds within a predetermined frequency range, for example between 20hz to lOOhz. The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to emit sound louder than average environmental noise levels. For example, determining the average environmental noise may be done by using a sound level meter having A- weighted filter in order to simulate subjectively the human hearing response. The European Environmental Agency has published statistics detailing that road traffic noise levels are on average 55-60 db(A). Whereas, in countryside it is significantly lower. 18.5db is generally considered as the appropriate sound level in order for a bystander to recognize an approaching vehicle and allows for a 2.5 second reaction time if EV is travelling at 30 km/h. The frequency or range of frequencies that may be emitted from the resonator sound box 20A may be determined by a target audience, for example, the resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to emit frequencies that are best heard by the hearing impaired, elderly, or/and children.

[0053] The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to direct the emitted sound in a predetermined direction, for example, the sounds emitted from the resonator sound box 20A may be capable of sound emission up to 20 or 30 feet in a conceptual spherical space around the wheel, including a similar distance in a forward vehicle movement. The resonator sound box 20A may be adapted to direct sound only in the direction of travel of the vehicle. This sound may be a high pitched frequency. For example, a sound is emitted in front of the vehicle when the vehicle is moving in a forward direction. However, a sound may be emitted behind the vehicle when the vehicle is moving away from a bystander. As sound emission will be same, backward movement is not inhibited.

[0054] The body portion 22A of the resonator sound box 20A may also include at least one fin 28A to increase the rigidity of the resonator sound box 20A as well as improve the acoustics of resonator itself, for example, by supporting the deflection of sound waves from the channel. The fin 28A may extend within the resonator sound box 20A between the faceplate 30A and body portion 22A.

[0055] The resonator sound box 20A may also form a receiving portion 26A that is adapted to fit within a corresponding through hole 16A of a hub 16 of a wheel device 10. The receiving portion 26A may be formed in a cup shape, for example, such that it is adapted to receive a head of a lug nut (not shown). The receiving portion 26A may be formed on the faceplate 30A or on the body portion 22A of the resonator sound box 20A. The resonator sound box 20A may be formed of any suitable material, for example, polymers, metals, or composites.

[0056] Figs. 2A and 2B show a representation of an exemplary wheel device 10 having a plurality of exemplary resonator sound boxes 20A-20E, each of the resonator sound boxes 20A-20E being fixed on the wheel device 10.

[0057] The wheel device 10 includes a rim 12, a plurality of spokes 14A-14E, and a hub 16. The wheel device 10 is continuous about a wheel center axis "W" and defines a substantially circular shape. The rim 12 defines the outermost portion of the wheel 10, and among the other components of the wheel 10, the rim 12 has the largest radial distance from the wheel center axis W.

[0058] The hub 16 of the wheel 10 includes a plurality of through holes 16A-16E that are adapted to coincide with a plurality of attachment holes on an axle of a vehicle (not shown). The through holes 16A-16E extend through the entire wheel 10 and may be dimensioned such that a fixing means (for example, a lug nut) can be used to attach the wheel 10 to a car axle (not shown). The hub 16 may include a center hole that is coincident with the wheel center axis W.

[0059] The hub 16 is disposed such that it is concentric with the rim 12 and is dimensioned such that the maximum radial distance of the hub 16 from the wheel center axis W is less than or equal to the minimum radial distance of the rim 12 from the wheel center axis W.

[0060] The wheel 10 may further include a plurality of spokes 14, each of which extend radially relative to the wheel center axis W and is adapted to connect the rim 12 to the hub 16. The plurality of spokes 14 can be of any size and shape. Additionally, each spoke may have the same size and shape or the spokes can have different sizes and shapes. Of which the shape can be designed to accommodate the resonator box.

[0061] As can be seen in Figs. 2A and 2B, each of the components of the wheel 10 (rim 12, spokes 14A-14E, and hub 16), may define at least one wheel window 18A-18E. In other words, wheel window 18A-18E is a space where the perimeter is defined by the rim 12, adjoining spokes 14A- 14E, and hub 16.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 2A, the plurality of resonator sound boxes 20A-20E are fitted within respective windows 18A-18E of the wheel 10 and positioned such that each of the resonator sound boxes 20A-20E is disposed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the respective window 18A-18E. Additionally, each of the receiving portions 26A-26E of the resonator sound boxes 20A-20E may be disposed within a respective though hole 16A-16E of the hub 16. In this configuration, each of the resonator sound boxes 20A-20E are adapted to be axially positioned by the rim 12 and a respective spoke 14A-14E, and fit within a respective through hole 16A-16E of the hub 16.

[0063] The resonator sound boxes 20A-20E may be removable attached to the wheel device 10 for ease of maintenance or customization, for example, color customization or sound customization. The resonator sound boxes 20A-20E may be fixed to the wheel device 10 using any suitable means, for example, fasteners, clips, adhesives, or any combination thereof. [0064] Each of the sound boxes 20A-20E may be adapted to emit the same sound. Alternatively, at least two of the sound boxes 20A-20E may be adapted to emit different sounds.

[0065] Figs. 3A and 3B show a wheel assembly 100 having a wheel device 10 with two resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C attached therein. The resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C are shown without face plates 30A, 30C to demonstrate how the resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C work while the vehicle is in operation. The following examples are discussed with resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C having respective channels 24A, 24C disposed in a radial direction from, and substantially orthogonal to, the center axis W of the wheel device 10. This embodiment should not be construed as limiting, but rather a general example of the operation of the resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C when used on a moving wheel device 10.

[0066] The wheel assembly 100 is in a first rotational state when the wheel assembly 100 is rotating at an angular speed that is associated with a vehicle travelling at a predetermined velocity, for example, the first rotational state of the wheel assembly 100 corresponds to a vehicle travelling at a speed of 0 < v < 18 mph or 28.9 km/h . As the wheel assembly 100 rotates, gravitational force G urges the movable pieces 40A, 40C to slide within their respective channels 24A, 24C. When the movable members 40A, 40C slide within their respective channels 24A, 24C, a sound may be emitted.

[0067] Additionally, as the movable members 40A, 40C collide with at least one of the ends 24A1, 24A2, 24C1, 24C2 of the respective channels 24A, 24C, the collision between a movable member 40A, 40C with an end 24A1, 24A2, 24C1, 24C2 of a channel 24A, 24C may emit a sound. These sounds are generated by the movement of the movable member 40A, 40C within the respective channels 24A, 24C. The moveable members 40A, 40C are adapted to slide within the channels 24A, 24C by the influence of the rotational movement of the wheel assembly 100 and gravity G.

[0068] However, as shown in Fig. 3B, when the wheel assembly 100 is in a second rotational state, for example, the wheel assembly 100 is rotating at a speed that corresponds to a vehicle travelling at a speed of 18 MPH < v , the centrifugal force C acting on the movable members 40A, 40C is greater than the gravitational force G. In this second rotational state, the moveable members 40A, 40C are held into place due to the centrifugal force C and are prevented from sliding within the channels 24A, 24C; thus, diminishing or preventing sound emanating from the resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C. Therefore, the resonator sound box 20A, 20C is adapted to produce sounds when a wheel assembly 100 is rotating in a range of speeds that correspond to a range of vehicle speeds, for example, speeds equal to or lower than 18 MPH.

[0069] The above example described the operation of resonator sound boxes 20A, 20C having channels 24A, 24C extending in a radial direction relative to the wheel center axis W. However, any shaped channel 24A, 24C may be used with the resonator sound box 20A, 20C and achieve the same result. A combination of different shaped channels 24A, 24C and movable pieces 40A, 40C may be used to delay or otherwise alter the timing of the movable pieces 40A, 40C sliding within a respective channel 24A, 24C. Any combination of the disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into the resonator sound box.

[0070] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0071] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0072] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A resonator device for a wheel device, comprising:

a body having a hollow interior channel and configured to be removably attached to the wheel device; and

a movable piece within the interior channel and slidable relative to the body.

2. The resonator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior channel is curved about an axial direction.

3. The resonator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the interior channel forms a C-shape.

4. The resonator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the interior channel forms an S-shape.

5. The resonator device of any one of the preceding claims further configured to attach to a window of the wheel device.

6. The resonator device of any one of the preceding claims further configured to connect with a recess in a hub of the wheel device.

7. A resonator system for a wheel device, comprising:

a plurality of resonator devices, each resonator device having at least one movable piece slidable therein, wherein each resonator device is configured to be removably attached to the wheel device.

8. The resonator system of claim 7, wherein the movable piece of a first resonator device is a different size than the movable piece of a second resonator device.

9. The resonator system of claims 7-8, wherein each resonator device includes an interior channel and the interior channel of a first resonator device is a different size than the interior channel of a second resonator device.

10. The resonator system of claims 7-9, wherein each resonator device is configured to be attached to a window of the wheel device.

11. The resonator system of claims 9-10, wherein at least one interior channel is curved about an axial direction.

12. A wheel assembly, comprising: a wheel device; and

the resonator device of claims 1-6 or the resonator system of claims 7-11.

13. The wheel assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one resonator device is attached to a window of the wheel device.

14. A vehicle comprising the wheel assembly of claim 12 or 13.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein at least one resonator device is configured to emit a sound when the vehicle is travelling at a speed equal to or less than 18 MPH.