Global Vehicle Vibration Enhancement Using Circular Force Technology

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">In addition to providing safety advantages, sound and vibration are being utilized to enhance the driver experience in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). There's growing interest and investment in using both interior and exterior sounds for pedestrian safety, driver awareness, and unique brand recognition. Several automakers are also using audio to simulate virtual gear shifting of automatic and manual transmissions in BEVs. According to several automotive industry articles and market research, the audio enhancements alone, without the vibration that drivers are accustomed to when operating combustion engine vehicles, are not sufficient to meet the engagement, excitement, and emotion that driving enthusiasts expect. In this paper, we introduce the use of new automotive, high-force, compact, light-weight circular force generators for providing the vibration element that is lacking in BEVs. The technology was developed originally for vibration reduction/control in aerospace applications, has been recently tested in various vehicles, and demonstrates the effectiveness for providing a real haptic feel across the entire vehicle. Shaking the vehicle globally provides a unique capability for BEVs, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles and for helping to create a smooth transition between Gas and Electric power, for example. The technology can be used to generate and emulate high-performance, high power, combustion engine feel, including idle, engine run-up/acceleration, simulated gear shifts, and Advanced Driving Assistance and Systems (ADAS) haptic indicators. The optional and customizable vibration can also mask road vibration which becomes very noticeable in otherwise smooth BEVs and can provide the perfect supplement to existing audio enhancements and gear shifting features. Additionally, the paper describes how the force generating device can be packaged in a light weight, compact, low-power manner. The technology will be compared to other force generating methods, and discuss its pros and cons.</div></div>