Webasto has been granted a patent for a method to control an electric motor in vehicle roofs. The method involves using a motor control signal with specific frequencies to actuate the motor, enabling it to vibrate a roof region and generate sound. GlobalData’s report on Webasto gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Webasto, Hydrogen fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Webasto's grant share as of June 2024 was 47%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for controlling electric motor to generate sound
The patent US12043098B2 outlines a method for controlling an electric motor in vehicles, specifically for components related to the vehicle roof. The method involves generating a motor control signal with a specific frequency from an electronic motor control unit, which is responsible for operating the electric motor connected to the roof. A key aspect of this method is the introduction of an additional signal that is superimposed on the motor control signal. This additional signal is designed to induce vibrations in the roof region, facilitating sound generation. The additional signal can be an audio signal, which may be derived from predetermined digital audio files stored in the motor control unit's memory and converted into an analog format using a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter.
Further claims detail the functionality of the additional signal, including its potential to emit warning tones through the vibrating roof region. The method also emphasizes tuning the frequency and amplitude of the additional signal to align with the resonance behavior of the electric motor, thereby minimizing unwanted sound emissions from the motor itself. Additionally, the method allows for the selection of the additional signal to reduce functional noise from other vehicle components driven by the electric motor. The electric motor in question may be part of various vehicle systems, such as sliding roofs, windshields, or shading mechanisms for transparent sliding roofs, enhancing the overall auditory experience within the vehicle while maintaining operational efficiency.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
