The present application is a Patent-of-Addition to the Indian Patent Application numbered “201811004836” titled “Multi-tone electronic horn” filed on 08/02/2018.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to an automotive horn and, more particularly, to a wireless multi-tone electronic horn for multiple applications, such as reverse buzzer, theft alarm, door lock-unlock audio notification, and the like.

BACKGROUND
Horn is an acoustic emission device that is equipped to motor vehicles, such as bikes, cars, trucks, bus, and the like. The horn is used by a driver of a vehicle to alert others of the vehicle’s approach or presence, or to call attention to some hazard. The horns are broadly categorized into disc horns and trumpet horns.
Figure 1 illustrates a conventional disc horn 100. The conventional disc horn 100 is generally based on the same principle as that of electric bell used in homes. The disc horn 100 includes a housing assembly 102 and a diaphragm assembly 104. The housing assembly 102 consists of a sheet metal housing 106 which encases a fixed iron core 108 rigidly held at its bottom and aligned to its central axis. Around the fixed iron core 108, a single coil 110 is wounded. One end of the coil 110 is connected with a first terminal/connector 112A through a rivet and/or washer, and another end of the coil 110 is connected with a second terminal/connector 112B through the circuit breaker (CB) assembly 114 which is held offset from the central axis of the housing assembly 102. The CB assembly 114 consists of two metallic strips 114A and 114B carrying contacts 114D. One of the strips 114A is of thin steel sheet and also called a spring and another strip 114B is comparatively thicker steel sheet and also called as support. Both the strips 114A and 114B are insulated from each other by an insulating tab 114C except at the contacts 114D on their ends. At the contacts 114D, the strips 114A and 114B are in touch with each other. The diaphragm assembly 104 consists of a moving iron core 116 fixed to a sheet metal diaphragm 118. Periphery of the sheet metal diaphragm 118 is rigidly held in the housing assembly 102 by crimping or bolting (not shown in Figure 1).
In operation, when supply from direct current (DC) source is switched-on, the current flows through the coil 110 and generates an electromagnetic field in the fixed iron core 108. The electromagnetic field in the fixed iron core 108 causes the moving iron core 116 to be pulled towards the fixed iron core 108. During its motion towards the fixed iron core 108, the moving iron core 116 pushes the spring 114A and moves away the contacts 114D of the strips 114A and 114B from each other, thereby breaking an electric circuit. Such circuit break stops the further current flow in the coil 110 and causes the magnetic flux in the fixed iron core 108 to decrease. Due to elasticity of material of the sheet metal diaphragm 118 and due to the decrease in the magnetic flux, the sheet metal diaphragm 118 pulls back the moving iron core 116 to its neutral position. As the moving iron core 116 moves back, the spring 114A also returns to its original position and thus contacts 114D of the strips 114A and 114B are again in touch with each other. With such contact of the strips 114A and 114B, the electric circuit is again closed and the current resumes its flow through the coil 110. This process of circuit breaking and/or closing is generally repeated at around 500 cycles per second for high pitch horns and around 420 cycles per second for low pitch horns.
In addition to the above mentioned parts, the diaphragm assembly 104 carries a round sheet metal part called resonator 120. The resonator 120 is designed to receive vibration which is resulted when the moving core 116 hits the fixed core 108. After receiving resonance, the resonator 120 comes in resonance and amplifies an acoustic emission through air columns existing between resonator 120 and the diaphragm 118.
The other type of horns in use is the trumpet horn. The trumpet horn includes all elements of the disc horn except for the resonator 120. The resonator 120 is replaced by a plastic trumpet with addition of metallic platine. The working of the trumpet horn is such that the moving iron core 116 does not collide with the fixed iron core 108 during its movement and maintain a gap. Due to the movement of the diaphragm 118 along with the moving iron core 116, the air between the diaphragm 118 and the platine is compressed and decompressed. The compressed air is allowed to pass, through a hole in the platine, towards the plastic trumpet where the acoustic emission is appropriately amplified and emitted.
Nowadays, electronic horns are becoming popular due to their compact and less complex configuration. For instance, the electronic horn includes all the elements of the conventional disc or the trumpet horn, while replacing the complex CB (circuit breaker) assembly with a compact printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The PCB assembly is generally preconfigured at the manufacturer level to generate and control the switching of the current input through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
However, it is well known that, at present, the electronic horns are designed with only one type of acoustic emission having only one duration, only one frequency, and only one sound level. The electronic horns are mounted on the vehicles during their construction and a one-tone acoustic signal the vehicles emit is indistinctly utilized for several types of signals, such as the signal associated with the opening/closing of doors, the activation/deactivation of anti-theft alarm systems, and the like.
It is evident from above that the one-tone signal emitted by said acoustic emission devices, though being effective for the first primary function of signaling irregular conditions, may be misinterpreted by users in two ways. First, in establishing what specific type of signal the intervention refers to among those that are submitted to the control circuit, and second, in establishing what vehicle said signals come from. Accordingly, there lies a need to have a multi-tone electronic horn which is capable of generating various types of acoustic emissions.
Further, usually, various components of an electronic horn are connected to each other through wires. Considering the high temperature conditions of an engine of the vehicle, existence of wired connections may pose a threat to the safety of operation of the vehicle. Also, the wires may cause inconvenience with regard to handling and maintenance as well.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT SUBJECT MATTER
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below. A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a horn with multi-tone along with basic alarm function. It will be fit for reverse buzzer, theft alarm and door lock-unlock audio notification application in single horn for both high pitch and low pitch horn with multi-tone sound feature. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a microcontroller configured to generate varying frequencies at fixed duty cycles for generation of multiple acoustic emissions from a single horn assembly. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unique connector assembly which allows a manufacturer to reconfigure the microcontroller to obtain different tone/sound. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless horn for generating one of multiple acoustic emissions.

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 and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wireless multi-tone horn is disclosed. The wireless multi-tone horn includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit in communication with the transmitting unit, and a controller in communication with the receiving unit. The transmitting unit receives an instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn to generate one of multiple acoustic emissions. The instruction is received either from a user or based on a predefined condition of blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn to generate an acoustic emission. The transmitting unit then transmits, through a wireless channel, a signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn. The wireless channel at least includes Radio Frequency (RF). The receiving unit receives the signal over the wireless channel. The controller controls the blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn to generate the acoustic emission, based on the signal.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of wireless operation of a horn is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a transmitting unit, an instruction for blowing of the wireless horn to generate one of multiple acoustic emissions. The instruction is received either from a user or based on a predefined condition of blowing of the wireless horn. The method includes transmitting, by the transmitting unit, through a wireless channel, a signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn to generate an acoustic emission. The wireless channel at least includes Radio Frequency (RF). The method then includes receiving, by a receiving unit, the signal over the wireless channel, and controlling, by a controller, the blowing of the wireless horn to generate the acoustic emission, based on the signal.
To further clarify 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 an exploded view of conventional disc horn assembly;
Subsequent figures illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, of which-
Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of an electronic-trumpet horn;
Figure 2B illustrates different perspective views of an electronic-trumpet horn;
Figure 3 illustrates a sound tube of a trumpet;
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of connector pins mechanism;
Figure 5A illustrates a perspective view of the PCB module;
Figure 5B illustrates a top view of the PCB module;
Figure 5C illustrates a bottom view of the PCB module;
Figure 5D illustrates a block diagram of the schematic diagram of the PCB module;
Figure 5E illustrates a schematic diagram of the PCB module;
Figure 6 illustrates a pulse width modulation (PWM);
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of the wireless horn;
Figure 8 illustrates different views of the wireless horn;
Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the wireless horn as a disc-type horn;
Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of the wireless horn as the disc-type horn;
Figure 11 illustrates a block diagram depicting transmission of an encoded signal to operate the wireless horn;
Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram depicting receipt of the encoded signal to operate the wireless horn 200;
Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of the wireless horn; and
Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method of operating the wireless horn.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, 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 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. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiments explained herein pertain to electronic horn for multiple applications such as reverse buzzer, theft alarm, door lock-unlock audio notification, and the like. In an embodiment, the present subject matter refers to a multi-tone horn. In an example, the multi-tone horn is having a diameter of 80 mm, and can be one of a trumpet horn or a disc horn. The multi-tone horn includes a horn assembly and a connector assembly coupled to the horn assembly. The connector assembly including a printed circuit broad (PCB) module has a microcontroller. The microcontroller is operable to generate varying frequencies at fixed duty cycles for generation of multiple, say, six, acoustic emissions from the horn assembly.
In an aspect, the microcontroller can be configured to generate a plurality of acoustic emissions.
In an aspect, the connector assembly includes four configurable pins for the configuration of the microcontroller. The four configurable pins includes a first pin (A) for 12 V power input, a second pin (B) for function selection signal, a third pin (C) for configuration of the microcontroller, and a fourth pin (D) electric ground.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present subject matter, a more particular description of the present subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The present subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of a horn 200, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the horn 200 can be 12 V electronic-trumpet horn with 80 mm diameter. The horn 200 may include, among other parts, a diaphragm-cum-trumpet assembly 202, a housing assembly 204, a connector assembly 206, a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 208, and a bracket assembly 210. In an example, the diaphragm-cum-trumpet assembly 202 and the housing assembly 204 can be collectively referred to as a horn assembly.
The diaphragm-cum-trumpet assembly 202 may include a trumpet 212, a platine 214, and a diaphragm 216. The trumpet 212 is shown in detail in Figure 3. The trumpet 212 has a sound tube 302 with three dissimilar sections, a first uniform section 302A, a second varying section 302B, and a third exponential section 302C. The first uniform section 302A allows the traveling of sound with negligible loss in attenuation when walls of the trumpet 212 are finished properly. The second varying section 302B is linearly varying in construction. Starting from the first uniform section 302A, the second varying section 302B is tapered or linearly varying. Because of such liner and varying construction, impedance is less and a part of sound wave is reflected while another part of sound wave is transmitted to third exponential section 302C. The third exponential section 302C is formed of such dimension that it even present lower impedance, and a large part of the sound wave is transmitted to free atmosphere while another part of sound wave is reflected towards inside. Such reflected sound wave adds constructively with newly generated sound wave to provide pleasant acoustic/sound emission from the trumpet 212.
Further, the platine 214 includes an air exit hole (not shown in Figures) and is sandwiched between the trumpet 212 and the diaphragm 216. The platine 214 fits on bottom of the trumpet 212 and is generally held on to the trumpet 212 with the aid of silicon rubber, such as washer 218, or with some advanced processes such as ultrasonic welding. A person skilled in the art can appreciate that a proper fitment of the platine 214 below the trumpet 212 is important to have no loss in sound pressure inside the sound tube 302. The platine 214 is fixed to the trumpet 212 in such a manner that face of the platine 214 is opposite to the diaphragm 216, and both the platine 214 and the diaphragm 216 are held together at their periphery by locking means, such as diaphragm washer 220. In fixed position, both the platine 214 and the trumpet 212 enclose a volume which has exit at the hole in the platine 214. This hole is positioned directly below and aligned to an entrance of the sound tube 302 of the trumpet 212. The hole may be appropriately contoured to allow smooth flow of sound pressure from the enclosed volume towards the sound tube 302.
At its bottom portion, the diaphragm 216 includes a mobile nucleus or a moving iron core 222. The moving iron core 222 is fixed at the bottom portion of the diaphragm 216 in such a manner that one longitudinal end of the moving iron core 222 is fixed with the bottom portion of the diaphragm 216 while other longitudinal end of the moving iron core 222 lies in the housing assembly 204.
The diaphragm-cum-trumpet assembly 202 and the housing assembly 204 are fixed in an air tight manner using a gasket 224. The housing assembly 204 may consist of a sheet metal housing 226. The housing 226 encases a fixed nucleus or a fixed iron core 228 rigidly held to its bottom and aligned to its central axis. Around the fixed iron core 228, a coil/bobbin assembly 230 is mounted using a pair of riveting washers 232. The coil/bobbin assembly 230, comprising of spool and wire, is adapted to receive electricity from the connector assembly 206 for producing electromagnetic field in the housing assembly 204. The connector assembly 206 is formed of connector washers 232, a filter pipe 234, a filter membrane 236, rivets 238, and a connector 240. The connector assembly 206 provides an electrical supply to the horn 200.
The electrical supply being supplied to the coil/bobbin assembly 230 through the connector assembly 206 is controlled by the PCB assembly 208. The PCB assembly 208 includes a PCB module 242 fixed within the bottom portion of the connector assembly 206 and covered by a PCB cover 244 using an epoxy coating. Also, in an aspect, the PCB module 242 is connected to unique pin mechanism of the connector 240. The connector 240 with an exemplary four pin mechanism is shown in Figure 4. Pin A is for 12 V power input, Pin B is for alarm trigger signal (function selection signal), Pin C is for tuning signal (required for programming of the PCB module 242), and Pin D is for electric ground. Although four pins are shown in Figure 4, the connector 240 can be designed with less or more number of pins without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Further, for the attachment of the horn 200 to a vehicle, the horn 200 or the connector assembly 206 is connected to the bracket assembly 208. In an example, the bracket assembly 208 may include a bracket 246, a bracket washer 248, and a nut 250. In accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present matter, Figure 2B illustrates various perspective views of the horn 200.
As per an implementation of the present subject matter, various views of the PCB module 242 are show in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C. For instance, Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the PCB module 242, Figure 5B shows a top view of the PCB module 242, Figure 5C shows a bottom view of the PCB module 242, Figure 5D shows a schematic diagram of the PCB module 242, and Figure 5E shows a block diagram of the schematic diagram of the PCB module 242, in accordance with the present implementation of the present subject matter.
For the sake of brevity and in order to better explain the present subject matter, elements of the PCB module 242 that are relevant to the present subject matter are described herein. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E, the PCB module 242 includes, among the other components and not limited to, a 12 V power source (transformer) 502, a 5V voltage regulator 504 such as LDO TLV760, a microcontroller 506 such as PIC16F18313, an avalanche diode 508, a bipolar (axial/radial) capacitor 510, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode 512, a Zener diode 514, a metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) driver 516 such as NPN PMST222A, a N-channel Power MOSFET 518 such as IPD070N10S12, a couple of ceramic resistors 520, an electrolytic capacitor 522, and a coil 524.
In an aspect, the TVS diode 512 is provided for surge voltage protection, the avalanche diode 508 is provided for reverse polarity protection, and the 5V voltage regulator 504 is provided for protection against over voltage at micro-controller 506.
The electronic circuit as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E is a standard design and is capable of working for a voltage source of 12V and as well as 24V. Since the electronic circuit is a standard design, working and connection of the circuitry is not described in the present disclosure for the sake of brevity and clarity.
In operation, when a driver of a vehicle presses a horn-activation button, for example, disposed on a vehicle steering, the horn 200 receives a 12 V power supply from a battery of that vehicle. The 12 V power supply is simultaneously supplied to the MOSFET 518 via the coil 524 (Figure 5D) and to the 5V voltage regulator 504.
The 5V voltage regular 504 can be a low dropout regulator which regulates an output voltage at 5V that is powered at a higher voltage of 12V. The regulated 5V power is then supplied to the microcontroller 506 such as PIC16F18313. The microcontroller 506 can be a microprocessor that is pre-programmed for generating varying frequencies, say six varying frequencies, and at fixed duty cycles. That is, the microcontroller 506 can be pre-programmed for the generation of programmable sequence being comprised of a signal having variable sound frequency and sound level cycles.
The programming of such varying sound frequencies is made through software directly by the vehicles’ or horns’ manufacturer, and may be modified for a single fixed personalized sound frequency for purchasing users, through the Pin C of the unique pin mechanism of the connector 240, using intelligent electronic unit or onboard computer. An example of preset sound level cycles capable of being used for the personalized programming of the acoustic signals is shown in Figure 6. After a fixed time, sound level cycles are varied to produce different acoustic emission form the horn 200. The impulses for the various cycles are square waves that change with regard to each other according to the duration of the active part, for instance, square waves of the duration of 2 msec for an active part of 200-800 µsec.
Further, according to an exemplary implementation, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to generate multiple pitches, tones, or notes simultaneously by modifying the interval at which different frequencies are generated to create different tones. For example, the microcontroller 506 may be configured to switch the MOSFET 518 to operate the horn assembly at 350 to 500 cycles every second, so as to generate varying frequencies at fixed duty cycles for generation of multiple acoustic emissions from a single horn 200. This provides an advantage over related art horns that use two separate horns to create multiple acoustic emissions.
Due to unique pre-programming in microcontroller 506, it is able to generate multiple tones using different pulse width modulated (PWM) frequencies and continuously blow all the multiple tones/sounds. In an example but not limited to, the multiple tones/sounds may be similar to reverse alarm, theft alarm, door lock-unlock audio notification, and the like. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the manufacturers can modify the microcontroller 506 to generate a single PWM frequency corresponding to a single tone, say, for alarm function. Accordingly, the horn 200 implemented in accordance with the present subject matter can be used as an alarm horn, reverse alarm horn, theft alarm, door-lock/unlock audio notification, and the like, in a single horn in both high and low pitch/tone.
Based on pre-set programming or configuration of the microcontroller 506, the microcontroller 506 generates and transmits PWM frequencies to the MOSFET driver 516. The MOSFET driver 516 further transmits a control signal to the MOSFET 518. Based on the received control signal, the MOSFET 518 energizes/de-energizes coil/bobbin assembly 230 at 12V. In case the control signal is pertaining to energization of the coil/bobbin assembly 230, the supply from the power source, say, DC source, is switched ON to supply the electric current from the coil/bobbin assembly 230 mounted on the fixed iron core 228 start increasing and with which magnetic flux through fixed iron core 228. Due to the flow and increase in the current flow through the coil/bobbin assembly 230, the fixed iron core 226 gets magnetized. This causes the moving iron core 222 fixed on the diaphragm 216 to be pulled towards the fixed iron core 228. As current supply is switched OFF through controlled switching of micro-controller 506 of the PCB module 242, the magnetic flux starts decreasing. Due to the decrease in magnetic flux and due to the elasticity of material of diaphragm 216, the diaphragm 216 pulls back the moving iron core 222 back to its neutral position. As the moving iron core 222 moves back, the microcontroller 506 again trigger the switching ON of the current supply in the coil/bobbin assembly 230. Then, the current starts flowing again causing the magnetic flux to increase. This process repeats again at around 500 cycles per second for high pitch horn and around 420 cycles per seconds for low pitch horn. This way the diaphragm 216 with the iron moving core 222 is set into periodic motion. While movement, the moving iron core 222 does not collide with the fixed iron core 228 and maintains a gap.
Due to the movement of the diaphragm 216, the air between the diaphragm 216 and the platine 214 is compressed and decompressed. As described above, the platine 214 is a component between the diaphragm 216 and the trumpet 212 of the horn 200. The platine 214 includes the hole which allows the compressed air to be communicated to the sound tube 302 of trumpet 212 where the sound/acoustic is appropriately amplified and emitted/outputted.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the horn 200 may operate to generate one of the multiple acoustic emissions in a wireless manner. Therefore, the horn 200 may interchangeably be referred to as the wireless horn 200, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of the wireless multi-tone horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless multi-tone horn 200 is interchangeably referred to as the wireless horn 200, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The wireless horn 200 may include, but is not limited to, a transmitting unit 702, a receiving unit 704 in communication with the transmitting unit 702, and a controlling unit 706 in communication with the receiving unit 704. The transmitting unit 702 may be in communication with an actuator (not shown) of the wireless horn 200. In an embodiment, the actuator may be disposed on a steering wheel of the vehicle.
The transmitting unit 702 may receive an instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate one of the multiple acoustic emissions. The instruction may be received either from a user or based on a predefined condition of blowing of the wireless horn 200. In an embodiment, the instruction may be received upon pressing of the actuator. Further, the predefined condition may include, but is not limited to, sudden braking and an impact on the vehicle.
Further, the transmitting unit 702 may transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate an acoustic emission, from among the multiple acoustic emissions. The wireless channel may include, but is not limited to, a Radio Frequency (RF).
The receiving unit 704 may receive the signal over the wireless channel. Based on the signal, the controlling unit 706 may control the blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate the acoustic emission.
In another embodiment, the wireless horn 200 may also include an encoding unit 708 in communication with the transmitting unit 702. In such an embodiment, the encoding unit 708 may receive the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200. The encoding unit 708 may then generate an encoded signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200. The transmitting unit 702 may transmit the encoded signal through the wireless channel.
Continuing with the present embodiment, the receiving unit 704 may receive the encoded signal over the wireless channel. Further, the wireless horn 200 may include a decoding unit 710 in communication with the receiving unit 704 and the controlling unit 706. The decoding unit 710 may decode the encoded signal. Based on the decoded signal, the controlling unit 706 may control the blowing of the wireless horn 200. In an embodiment, each of the transmitting unit 702 and the receiving unit 704 may include an antenna for communicating with each other through the wireless channel.
Figure 8 illustrates different perspective views of the wireless horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, in the present embodiment, the wireless horn 200 is shown to be the disc-type horn. However, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the disc-type horn and covers the trumpet-type horn as well.
The wireless horn 200 may include, but is not limited to, a housing assembly 802, a diaphragm assembly 804, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly 806, and a bracket assembly 808. Constructional and operational features of the housing assembly 802, the diaphragm assembly 804, the PCB assembly 806, and the bracket assembly 808 are explained in detail in the description of Figure 9 and Figure 10.
Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the wireless horn 200 as the disc-type horn, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of the wireless horn 200 as the disc-type horn, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sectional view is taken along an axis X-X’ of the perspective view of the wireless horn 200 as shown in Figure 8C. Referring to Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10, the housing assembly 802 of the wireless horn 200 may include a housing element 902 to enclose a fixed iron core 904. The fixed iron core 904 may be rigidly held at a bottom end of the housing element 902. In an embodiment, the fixed iron core 904 may be aligned along a central axis (not shown) of the housing element 902.
The housing assembly 802 may also include a single coil assembly 906 further including, but not limited to, a spool 908 and a single coil 910 wounded on the spool 908. The single coil assembly 906 may be positioned around the fixed iron core 904 held at the bottom end of the housing element 902. The single coil 910 may be attached to the housing assembly 802 and the PCB assembly 806 through fastening members, such as a first fastening member 912 and a second fastening member 914. In an embodiment, the spool 908 of the single coil assembly 906 may be attached to the housing assembly 802 and the PCB assembly 806 through the first fastening member 912 and the second fastening member 914. The first fastening member 912 and the second fastening member 914 may include, but are not limited to, a rivet, a bolt, and a screw. In an embodiment, the single coil assembly 906 and the fixed iron core 904 are held offset to form the central axis of the housing assembly 802. Further, the housing assembly 802 may be coupled with the diaphragm assembly 804.
The diaphragm assembly 804 may include, but is not limited to, a resonator 916, a resonator washer 918, a diaphragm 920, a diaphragm washer 922, and a ring cover 924. In an embodiment, the diaphragm 920 may be a sheet metal diaphragm, and may include a moving iron core 926. The diaphragm 920 may have a periphery (not shown) which is rigidly held in the housing assembly 802. In an embodiment, the periphery of the diaphragm 920 may be rigidly held in the housing assembly 802 by the ring cover 924, by using a crimping process or a bolting process. The diaphragm 920 and the housing assembly 802 may be coupled in an air-tight manner by using a gasket 928.
Further, the PCB assembly 806 of the wireless horn 200 may be coupled with the housing assembly 802 of the wireless horn 200. The PCB assembly 806 may be coupled with the housing assembly 802 through the first fastening member 912 and the second fastening member 914. In an example, the PCB assembly 806 may be detachably coupled with the wireless horn 200. In one example, the PCB assembly 806 may externally be coupled with the wireless horn 200. In another example, the PCB assembly 806 may internally be coupled with the wireless horn 200. The PCB assembly 806 may include, but is not limited to, a PCB 930 and a PCB cover assembly 932 sealed by a resin 934. In an embodiment, the resin 934 may be epoxy resin.
The wireless horn 200 may be attached to the vehicle through the bracket assembly 808. The bracket assembly 808 of the wireless horn 200 may include, but is not limited to, brackets 936, a bracket washer 938, and a nut 940.
Figure 11 illustrates a block diagram 1100 depicting transmission of the encoded signal to operate the wireless horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the actuator 1102 of the wireless horn 200 may be powered by a battery 1104 of the vehicle. Upon pressing of the actuator 1102, the encoding unit 708 may receive the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate one of the multiple acoustic emissions. In response, the encoding unit 708 may generate the encoded signal indicative of the instruction. The transmitting unit 702, in communication with the encoding unit 708, may transmit the encoded instruction through an antenna 1106.
Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram 1200 depicting receipt of the encoded signal to operate the wireless horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless horn 200 may include a power regulator 1202, a voltage regulator 1204 in communication with the power regulator 1202, a microcontroller 1206 in communication with the voltage regulator 1204, a switching circuit 1208 in communication with the microcontroller 1206 and the power regulator 1202, and the coil 910 in communication with the switching circuit 1208.
In an embodiment, the PCB 930 of the wireless horn 200 may include the power regulator 1202, the voltage regulator 1204, the microcontroller 1206, and the switching circuit 1208. The power regulator 1202 may convert the power supply of 9 Volts to 16 Volts to about 12 Volts. Further, the voltage regulator 1204 may convert the power supply of 12 Volts to the power supply of 5 volts which is provided to the microcontroller 1206. The microcontroller 506 may generate PWM signals accordingly. The switching circuit 1208 may then alternatively energize and de-energize the coil 910, based on the PWM signals. Constructional and operational details of the power regulator 1202, the voltage regulator 1204, the microcontroller 1206, and the switching circuit 1208 are explained in detail in the description of Figure 13.
In an embodiment, the receiving unit 704 may receive the encoded signal over the wireless channel through an antenna 1210. Further, the decoding unit 710 may decode the encoded signal. Based on the decoded signal, the microcontroller 1206 may control the blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate one of the multiple acoustic emissions. The microcontroller 1206 may be the controlling unit 706 of the wireless horn 200.
Figure 13 illustrates a schematic view of the PCB 930 of the wireless horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The PCB 930 may include, but is not limited to, capacitors 1302, 1304, and 1306, diodes 1308, 1310, and 1312, transistors 1314, and a pair of semiconductor resistors 1316.
In an example, the capacitors 1302, 1304, 1306 of the electronic module 102 may include, but are not limited to, a set of ceramic capacitors 1302, such as X7R, an electrolytic capacitor 1304, such as a non-polar capacitor, and a polypropylene capacitor 1306. In an example, the diodes 1308, 1310, 1312 may include, but are not limited to, an avalanche diode 1308, a pair of Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diode 1310, and a zener diode 1312. The transistor 1314 may be embodied as a Negative-Positive-Negative (NPN) transistor. Further, the PCB 930 may include a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) circuitry 1320. In an embodiment, the switching circuit 1208 may include the MOSFET circuitry 1320. The MOSFET circuitry 1320 may include a MOSFET, a MOSFET gate, and a MOSFET driver.
Referring to Figure 11, Figure 12, and Figure 13, the capacitor, such as the ceramic capacitors 1302, may be provided to reduce surge and noise in the PCB 930. The capacitor, such as the electrolytic capacitor 1304, may be provided to protect the MOSFET 1320 from spikes and noise. Further, the diode, such as the TVS diode 1310, may be provided for fast switching to pulses. The diode, such as the avalanche diode 1308, may be provided for a reverse polarity protection. The diode, such as the Zener diode 1312, may be provided for protection of the MOSFET gate, power MOSFET provide switching to the wireless horn 200. The transistor, such as the NPN transistor 1314, may amplify the PWM signals. Further, a potentiometer 1322 may adjust frequencies for the wireless horn 200. The semiconductor resistor 1316 may provide power to the MOSFET 1320, and provide a voltage to the transistor, such as the NPN transistor 1314, from the microcontroller 1206. The voltage regulator 1204 may convert the voltage of 12 Volts to 5 Volts for the microcontroller 1206. The microcontroller 1206 may generate the PWM signals.
When a user operates the wireless horn 200 through the actuator 1102, the wireless horn 200 may receive a power supply of 12 Volts or 24 Volts from a battery 1104 of the vehicle. In an example, the horn 200 may be operated by the user through the actuator 1102 disposed on the steering wheel of the vehicle. In case of the battery 1104 with 12 Volts, power (9 Volts to 16 Volts) may simultaneously be supplied to the MOSFET 1320 through the coil 910 and the voltage regulator 1204.
The voltage regulator 1204 may regulate a higher voltage, such as the power supply at 12 Volts, to an output voltage, such as a regulated power supply at 5 Volts. Subsequently, the regulated power supply, such as 5 Volts, may be supplied to the microcontroller 1206. The microcontroller 1206 may generate the PWM signals to operate the switching circuit 1208 for generating a desired magnetic flux/inductance in the single coil 910 to produce sound. In an example, the PWM signals may be generated at an adaptive duty cycle to operate the switching circuit 1208 for generating a desired magnetic flux/inductance in the single coil 910 to produce sound.
The microcontroller 1206 may transmit the PWM signals to the MOSFET driver. The MOSFET driver may transmit a control signal to the MOSFET, based on the PWM signals received from the microcontroller 1206. Based on the control signal, the MOSFET may energize or de-energize the single coil 910 of the single coil assembly 906 to produce sound. Based on the control signal, the MOSFET may energize or de-energize the single coil 910 of the single coil assembly 906 at a voltage, such as 12 Volts or 24 Volts.
Referring to Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 12, and Figure 13, the microcontroller 1206 may generate the PWM signal, and be configured to alternatively trigger switching ON and switching OFF of the power supply to the single coil assembly 1206 through the switching circuit 1208 or the MOSFET for a number of cycles per second. For the sake of brevity, one of the numbers of cycles is explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.
In a cycle of operation of the wireless horn 200, if the control signal received by the MOSFET pertains to energization of the single coil 910 of the single coil assembly 906, the power supply from the power source, such as a direct current (DC) power source, is switched ON to supply a flow of electric current to the single coil assembly 906 mounted on the fixed iron core 904. Subsequently, a flow of electric current supplied to the single coil assembly 906 may magnetize the fixed iron core 904, thereby generating a magnetic flux through the fixed iron core 904. Due to magnetization of the fixed iron core 904, the moving iron core 926 attached to the diaphragm 920 may be attracted towards the fixed iron core 904, thereby elastically moving the diaphragm 920 towards the fixed iron core 904, for example, to an actuated position.
Further, the current supply may be switched OFF by the microcontroller 1206 through the switching circuit 1208 to decrease the magnetic flux through the fixed iron core 904. Due to reduction in the magnetic flux, the diaphragm 920 may be pulled back towards the moving iron core 926, such as to an un-actuated position. Subsequently, the microcontroller 1206 may again trigger switching ON of the current supply to the single coil assembly 906, thereby increasing the magnetic flux through the fixed iron core 904.
As mentioned earlier, the microcontroller 1206 may be configured to alternatively trigger switching ON and switching OFF of the power supply to the single coil assembly 906 through the switching circuit 1208 for the number of cycles per second. In one example, the number of cycles may be 400 to 500 cycles per second for generating a high-pitch sound of the horn 200. In such an example, the microcontroller 1206 may alternatively trigger switching ON and switching OFF of the current supply to the single coil assembly 906 for 400 to 500 cycles per second. In another example, the number of cycles may be 300 to 400 cycles per second for generating a low-pitch sound of the horn 200. In such an example, the microcontroller 1206 may alternatively trigger switching ON and switching OFF of the current supply to the single coil assembly 906 for 300 to 400 cycles per second.
In each of the number of cycles, the diaphragm 920 and the moving iron core 926 are set into a periodic motion. During each of the number of cycles, the moving iron core 926 comes in contact with the fixed iron core 904. Due to the movement of the diaphragm 920 and contact between the moving iron core 926 and the fixed iron core 904, an acoustic emission is generated which is amplified by the resonator 916 of the wireless horn 200 at its natural frequency, to further generate the sound.
Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 1400 of operating the wireless horn 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, features of the wireless horn 200 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1 to Figure 13 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 14. At block 1402, the method 1400 includes receiving the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate one of multiple acoustic emissions. The instruction may be received either from the user or based on the predefined condition of blowing of the wireless horn 200. In an embodiment, the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 may be received, upon pressing of the actuator 1102 disposed on the steering wheel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the transmitting unit 702 of the wireless horn 200 may receive the instruction for blowing the wireless horn 200. At block 1404, the method 1400 includes transmitting, through the wireless channel, the signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate the acoustic emission. The wireless channel may include, but is not limited to, the RF. In an embodiment, the transmitting unit 702 may transmit the signal through the wireless channel. At block 1406, the method 1400 includes receiving the signal over the wireless channel. In an embodiment, the receiving unit 704 of the wireless horn 200 may receive the signal over the wireless channel. In an embodiment, the receiving unit 704 of the wireless horn 200 may receive the signal. At block 1408, the method 1400 includes controlling the blowing of the wireless horn 200 to generate the acoustic emission, based on the signal. In an embodiment, the controlling unit 706 of the wireless horn 200 may control the blowing of the wireless horn 200. In an embodiment, the method 1400 may include receiving, by the encoding unit 708, the instruction for blowing of the wireless horn 200. The encoded signal indicative of the instruction may be generated and transmitted through the wireless channel. Further, the encoded signal may be received by the receiving unit 704 over the wireless channel. The encoded signal may be decoded, and the blowing of the wireless horn 200 may be controlled accordingly.
ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT SUBJECT MATTER
The present disclosure provides a multi-tone horn with different types of horn sound. The present disclosure provides a horn as a multi-application acoustic device. The present disclosure provides a microcontroller configured to generate varying frequencies at fixed duty cycles for generation of multiple acoustic emissions from a single the horn assembly. The present disclosure provides a unique connector assembly which allows an end user to reconfigure the microcontroller to obtain different tone / sound. The present disclosure provides a multi-tone horn that can be used as alarm horn, a reverse alarm, a theft alarm, a door lock-unlock audio notification, and the like. The wireless horn 200 can be the disc-type horn as well as the trumpet-type horn. Also, the wireless horn 200 is adapted to generate high-pitch sound as well as low-pitch sound. In addition, the wireless horn 200 can be manufactured with a diameter ranging from 70 mm to 120 mm. Therefore, the wireless horn 200 has a wide range of application. Further, the wireless horn 200 has a surge protection feature, a reverse voltage protection feature, an over voltage protection feature, and an Electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic interference protection feature. The wireless horn 200 also has a life cycle ranging from 5 lac cycles to 20 lac cycles at the rated voltage, where one cycle may include a one-second blowing and three-seconds without blowing. The wireless horn 200 eliminates the need of wiring for facilitating the horn in a vehicle. The wireless horn 200 ensures safety of the operation of the vehicle. The encoding unit 708 and the decoding unit 710 ensure secure and specific communication between the transmitting unit 702 and the receiving unit 704.
Moreover, the wireless horn 200 of the present disclosure eliminates the need for installing buzzers or beepers. Consequently, cost associated with the installation of buzzers and installation of wires is negated as well. As a result, an overall cost of the wireless horn 200 is significantly reduced. Therefore, the wireless horn 200 of the present disclosure is simple in construction, cost-effective, secure, durable, and flexible in implementation.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, 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 in order 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:WE CLAIM:
1.A wireless multi-tone horn (200) comprising:
a transmitting unit (702) to:
receive an instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate one of multiple acoustic emissions, wherein the instruction is received either from a user or based on a predefined condition of blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200); and
transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate an acoustic emission, wherein the wireless channel at least includes Radio Frequency (RF);
a receiving unit (704), in communication with the transmitting unit (702), to receive the signal over the wireless channel; and
a controlling unit (706), in communication with the receiving unit (704), to control the blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate the acoustic emission, based on the signal.
2.The wireless multi-tone horn (200) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
an encoding unit (708) to:
receive the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200); and
generate an encoded signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200); and
the transmitting unit (702), in communication with the encoding unit (708), to transmit the encoded signal through the wireless channel.
3.The wireless multi-tone horn (200) as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:
the receiving unit (704) to receive the encoded signal over the wireless channel;
a decoding unit (710), in communication with the receiving unit (704), to decode the encoded signal; and
the controlling unit (706), in communication with the decoding unit (710), to control the blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200), based on the decoded signal.
4.The wireless multi-tone horn (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instruction is received upon pressing of an actuator disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle.
5. The wireless multi-tone horn (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the transmitting unit (702) and the receiving unit (704) includes an antenna (1106, 1210) for communicating through the wireless channel.
6.A method (1400) of wireless operation of a horn, the method (1400) comprising:
receiving, by a transmitting unit (702), an instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate one of multiple acoustic emissions, wherein the instruction is received either from a user or based on a predefined condition of blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200);
transmitting, by the transmitting unit (702), through a wireless channel, a signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate an acoustic emission, wherein the wireless channel at least includes Radio Frequency (RF);
receiving, by a receiving unit (704), the signal over the wireless channel; and
controlling, by a controlling unit (706), the blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200) to generate the acoustic emission, based on the signal.
7.The method (1400) as claimed in claim 6 further comprising:
receiving, by an encoding unit (708), the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200);
generating, by the encoding unit (708), an encoded signal indicative of the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200); and
transmitting, by the transmitting unit (702), the encoded signal through the wireless channel.
8.The method (1400) as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:
receiving, by the receiving unit (704), the encoded signal over the wireless channel;
decoding, by a decoding unit (710), the encoded signal; and
controlling, by the controlling unit (706), the blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200), based on the decoded signal.
9. The method (1400) as claimed in claim 6 further comprising receiving the instruction for blowing of the wireless multi-tone horn (200), upon pressing of an actuator disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle.