DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to automobile horns. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an automotive horn capable of producing high tone and low tone frequency sounds.

BACKGROUND

The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

Generally, horns in vehicles produce a high tone frequency sound and a low tone frequency sound depending on different purposes. When the horn is used to alert pedestrians and other vehicles of an approaching vehicle, the high tone frequency sound is preferred for quickly alerting people to a situation. However, the low tone frequency sounds are often used for warnings or serious alerts such as reverse gear alerts, low fuel warning alerts, or seat belt reminders.

Existing mechanical horns usually include a diaphragm. Each diaphragm is designed to achieve a desired frequency for generating the low tone frequency sound or the high tone frequency sound. In other words, one horn with one diaphragm is used for generating the high tone frequency sound, and the other horn with other diaphragm is used for generating the low tone frequency sound. Further, in the existing electronic horns also, a single diaphragm is operated using separate Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for either the low tone frequency sound or the high tone frequency sound, which generates a need of separate horns for separate sound level which makes the horn assembly bulkier, and complex.

Additionally, in the existing mechanical horns, a hump height of the diaphragm is a parameter which affects the way the diaphragm vibrates and accordingly The hump height affects the way the diaphragm vibrates and, consequently, the sound produced by the horn. By adjusting the frequency, manufacturers can tune the horn to produce a specific tone. However, once the horn is manufactured and the frequency is set, it is typically not designed to be easily adjustable or changeable by the user. In other words, once the tone is fixed during manufacturing, it cannot be easily changed by the end user. If a different tone is desired, a different horn with a different frequency setting would need to be used which demands an additional cost.

Therefore, there is a requirement of an improved horn that can address the above-mentioned challenges of the existing horn.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to an automotive horn. The automotive horn includes a diaphragm and a control unit. The diaphragm is adapted to generate both, a low tone frequency sound and a high tone frequency sound. The control unit is in communication with the diaphragm. The control unit is configured to determine a voltage value of an input voltage signal. The control unit is further configured to actuate the diaphragm to generate either the low tone frequency sound or the high tone frequency sound. The low tone frequency sound is generated when the determined voltage value is between a first range of predefined voltage values. The high tone frequency sound is generated when the determined voltage value is between a second range of the predefined voltage values.

The present disclosure further discloses a method of generating a low tone frequency sound and a high tone frequency sound from a diaphragm of an automotive horn. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, an input voltage signal 102 from a user. The method includes determining, by the control unit, a voltage value of the input voltage signal. The method also includes actuating the diaphragm, by the control unit, to generate one of the low tone frequency sound when the determined voltage value is between a first range of predefined voltage values and the high tone frequency sound when the determined voltage value is between a second range of the predefined voltage values.

The automotive horn can be used for producing both types of tones, i.e., the high tone and the low tone with a single diaphragm. The diaphragm has the capability to work on both the high tone frequency and the low tone frequency. The automotive horn is adapted to be set to a particular frequency even after installation in a vehicle. Tuning of the automotive horn is simple, as the same may be done simply by adjusting an input voltage.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an automotive horn, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a detailed schematic of a control unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a diaphragm in the automotive horn, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for setting a low tone frequency sound and a high tone frequency sound through the automotive horn, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and do not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to an automotive horn 100, as depicted in Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the automotive horn 100. The automotive horn 100 may offer users the ability to change a tone after manufacturing. A design of the diaphragm 106 and a type of control unit 104 provided in the automotive horn may determine a type of tone generated from the diaphragm 106. In the present disclosure, the automotive horn 100 may be capable of producing both a high tone frequency sound 110 and a low tone frequency sound 108.

The automotive horn 100 includes the control unit 104, and the diaphragm 106. The control unit 104 may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) and may be in communication with the diaphragm 106. The automotive horn 100 may receive an input voltage signal 102. Based on the received input voltage signal 102, the control unit 104 may actuate the diaphragm 106 to generate either the low tone frequency sound 108 or the high tone frequency sound 110. The automotive horn 100 may further have a user interface unit (not shown) for adjusting the input voltage signal 102 manually. The control unit 104 may be communicatively coupled to the user interface unit. The control unit 104 may receive the input voltage signal 102 from the user interface unit to actuate the diaphragm 106 in accordance with the input voltage signal 102.

The control unit 104 may determine a voltage value of the input voltage signal 102. If the determined voltage value of the input voltage signal 102 falls between a first range of predefined voltage values, the control unit 104 may actuate the diaphragm 106 to produce the low tone frequency sound 108. Similarly, if the determined voltage value of the input voltage signal 102 falls between a second range of predefined voltage values, the control unit 104 may actuate the diaphragm 106 to produce the high tone frequency sound 110. Further, the first range of the predefined voltage values and the second range of predefined voltage values may be user defined. The first range of the predefined voltage values may be between 12 Volts (V) and 14 V, preferably 13 V. The second range of the predefined voltage values may be between 14 V and 16 V, preferably 16 V.

Figure 2 illustrates a detailed schematic of the control unit 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The control unit 104 may include, but is not limited to, a memory 202, module(s) 204, and a database 206. The control unit 104 may be a single processing unit or several units, all of which may include multiple computing units. The control unit 104 may be implemented as one or more microprocessing units, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processing units, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the control unit 104 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 202.

The memory 202 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes, but is not limited to the same.

The module(s) 204, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types, but is not limited to the same. The module(s) 204 may also be implemented as, signal processing unit(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operational instructions.

Further, the module(s) 204 may be implemented in hardware, instructions may be executed by the control unit 104. The control unit 104 may comprise a computer, a state machine, a logic array and/or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The control unit 104 may be a general-purpose processing unit which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processing unit to perform operations or, may be dedicated to performing the required functions. In some example embodiments, the module(s) 204 may be machine-readable instructions (software, such as web-application, mobile application, program, etc.) which, when executed by the control unit 104 perform any of the described functionalities.

In an implementation, the module(s) 204 may include a determining module 208 and an actuating module 210. The determining module 208 and the actuating module 210 may be in communication with each other. In an embodiment, the determining module 208 may enable the control unit 104 to determine the voltage value of the input voltage signal 102. Further, the actuating module 210 may enable the control unit 104 to actuate the diaphragm 106 to produce either the low tone frequency sound 108 or the high tone frequency sound 110 based on the determined voltage value. Further, the database 206 may serve, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the module(s) 204.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 204 may be implemented as part of the control unit 104. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 204 may be external to the control unit 104. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 204 may be a part of the memory 202. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the module(s) 204 may be part of hardware, separate from the control unit 104.

In one embodiment, the control unit 104 may be adapted for controlling an output frequency generated by the diaphragm 106. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a diagram of the diaphragm 106 in the automotive horn 100. Specifically, Figure 3a illustrates a top view 300 of the diaphragm 106, and Figure 3b illustrates a cross sectional view 302 of the diaphragm 106 taken at section AA from Figure 3a. On receiving an out frequency signal which is also known as Pulse Width Modulation signal or Pulse Duration Modulation Signal from the control unit 104, the diaphragm 106 may be adapted to reciprocate and generate the high tone frequency sound 110 or the low tone frequency sound 108. The diaphragm 106 may be adapted to produce the high tone frequency sound 110 or the low tone frequency sound 108 based on the input voltage signal 102 provided by the user. In other words, a desired tone may be set by changing the input voltage signal 102 to the automotive horn 100 through the interface unit. In one embodiment, the input voltage signal 102 may be in a range of 9V-16V. Further, the output frequency of the diaphragm 106 may range between 340± 25 Hertz (Hz) and 440± 25 Hz.

In an embodiment, a tolerance value of a thickness of the diaphragm 106 may vary depending on a diameter of the horn 100. The diaphragm 106 may produce the output frequency i.e. desired tone, depending on a predetermined hump height and a thickness of the diaphragm 106. In an embodiment, the output frequency of the diaphragm (106) is adjusted based on a predetermined hump height and a thickness of the diaphragm (106). In one embodiment, the predetermined hump height of the diaphragm 106 may be in a range between 1.76 millimetre (mm) and 1.80 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the diaphragm 106 may be in a range of 0.275 mm to 0.325 mm. Development of characteristics of both the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108 happens with help of a single diaphragm 106 having the hump height between 1.76 mm and 1.80 mm and the thickness of the diaphragm 106 between 0.275 mm to 0.325 mm, without a requirement for separate diaphragms for generating the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the horn 100 is 82 mm.

Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 400 for setting the low tone frequency sound 108 and the high tone frequency sound 110 through the automotive horn 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, the control unit 104 may receive the input voltage signal 102 provided by the user. In an illustrated embodiment, at step 406, the control unit 104 may determine if the voltage value of the received input voltage signal 102 may be between 12V and 14V. At step 410, the control unit 104 may generate the out frequency signal to achieve a tone corresponding to the input voltage signal 102. At step 412, the control unit 104 may actuate the diaphragm 106 to produce the low tone frequency sound 108. In case the voltage value may be between 12V and 14V, the control unit 104 may set the output frequency to 340 ± 25 Hz.

Similarly, in an illustrated embodiment, at step 408, when the voltage value may not be between 12V and 14V then the control unit 104 may determine if the voltage value of the received input voltage signal 102 may be between 15V and 16V. At step 414, the control unit 104 may generate the out frequency signal to achieve the tone corresponding to the input voltage signal 102. At step 416, the control unit 104 may actuate the diaphragm 106 to produce the high tone frequency sound 110. In case the input voltage may be between 15V and 16V, the control unit 104 may set the output frequency to 440 ± 25 Hz.

The PCB also aids in producing the desired frequency which helps in driving the tone of the automotive horn 100. The PCB may include a conductive path, and a hardware structure which may have the capability of meeting requirements of both the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108.

In an embodiment, when the input voltage is 13V i.e. in between 9V and 16V, a sound pressure level of the automotive horn 100 may be in a range of 105~118 dB (A) minimum at 2m from a position in which the automotive horn 100 may be mounted on a vehicle with the output frequency of 340 ± 25 Hz. Further, at the input voltage of 16V i.e. in between 9V to 16V, the sound pressure level of the automotive horn 100 may be in a range of 105~118 dB (A) minimum at 2m for normal functioning of the automotive horn 100 with the output frequency of 440 ± 25 Hz.

In one embodiment, a current consumption of the automotive horn 100 may be 3 Amperes. In an embodiment, a maximum current may be consumed by the automotive horn 100 when the input voltage signal 102 may be between 9V-16V. An internal resistance of the automotive horn 100 may be greater than 3MO and may be capable of receiving the voltage value of the input voltage signal 102 up to 500V on a housing of the horn 100.

In one embodiment, the control unit 104 may be adapted to reset the automotive horn 100 to a set of default characteristics. The control unit 104 may reset the automotive horn 100 by generating a reset signal. After the completion of resetting of the automotive horn 100, the control unit 104 may be reprogrammed depending on requirements.

The automotive horn 100 may be used for generating both types of tones, i.e., the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108. Advantageously, development of characteristics of both the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108 may be generated through a single diaphragm 106, without any requirement for separate diaphragms for generating the high tone frequency sound 110 and the low tone frequency sound 108. The automotive horn 100 may be adapted to set a particular frequency even after installation of the automotive horn 100 on the vehicle. The automotive horn 100 may have only one diaphragm thereby creating a lighter and simpler assembly.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. An automotive horn (100) comprising:
a diaphragm (106) adapted to generate a low tone frequency sound (108) and a high tone frequency sound (110); and
a control unit (104) in communication with the diaphragm (106), the control unit (104) is configured to:
determine a voltage value of an input voltage signal (102); and
actuate the diaphragm (106) to generate one of:
the low tone frequency sound (108) when the determined voltage value is between a first range of predefined voltage values; and
the high tone frequency sound (110) when the determined voltage value is between a second range of the predefined voltage values.

2. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thickness of diaphragm (106) includes a tolerance value based on a diameter of the horn 100.

3. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first range of the predefined voltage values is between 12 Volts (V) and 14 V.

4. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second range of the predefined voltage values is between 15 V and 16 V.

5. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an output frequency of the diaphragm (106) ranges between 340± 25 Hertz (Hz) and 440± 25 Hz.

6. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) controls the output frequency of the diaphragm (106) based on a user input.

7. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the output frequency of the diaphragm (106) is adjusted based on a predetermined hump height and a thickness of the diaphragm (106).

8. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined hump height of the diaphragm (106) ranges between 1.76 millimetre (mm) and 1.8 mm.

9. The automotive horn (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the thickness of the diaphragm (106) is within a range from 0.275 mm to 0.325 mm.

10. A method (400) of generating a low tone frequency sound (108) and a high tone frequency sound (110) from a diaphragm (106) of an automotive horn (100) comprising:
receiving, by a control unit 104, an input voltage signal 102 from a user;
determining, by the control unit (104), a voltage value of the input voltage signal (102); and
actuating the diaphragm (106), by the control unit (104), to generate one of the low tone frequency sound (108) when the determined voltage value is between a first range of predefined voltage values and the high tone frequency sound (110) when the determined voltage value is between a second range of the predefined voltage values.