Strategy for minimizing noise perception in a vehicle
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsDouglas Zhu, Jacob Mathews, Jeffrey Boismier, James Castellano
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for masking noise in a motor vehicle that has a component that produces noise when operated. The method of the invention comprises monitoring the speed of the vehicle, and increasing the movement of the moveable part when the vehicle is at a predetermined speed. It is well known that vehicles naturally produce more noise as the speed of the vehicle is increased. The invention also provides a noise masking system that exploits the method of the invention.
Claims22
A method for masking noise in a motor vehicle having a first automobile component having a moveable part that produces noise and an engine, the method comprising:
- measuring the speed of the engine speed and the engine status as being turned on;
- if the speed of the engine is greater than a predetermined engine speed or if the engine is turned on measuring the speed of the vehicle;
- and
- increasing the movement of the moveable part when the vehicle is at a predetermined speed, wherein the step of increasing the movement of the moveable part when the vehicle is at a predetermined speed comprises:
- setting the amount of movement of the moveable part to a first value when the speed of the vehicle is zero;
- and
- increasing the amount of movement as the vehicle speed increases.
A method for masking noise in a hybrid electric vehicle having a fan to cool a battery, the method comprising:
- measuring the speed of the engine speed and the engine status as being turned on;
- if the speed of the engine is greater than 600 rpm or if the engine is turned on measuring the speed of the vehicle;
- and
- increasing the movement of the fan when the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed.
A system for masking noise in a hybrid electric vehicle, the system comprising:
- a battery;
- a fan to cool the battery;
- a control unit which senses the engine status and the vehicle speed;
- a fan controller that receives a control signal from the vehicle speed monitor wherein the fan controller increases the duty cycle of the fan when the vehicle is at a predetermined speed and when the engine status is such that the engine is turned on.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.