Ford develops active noise control
Boffins at the blue oval have been busy working away on noise cancelling technology set to feature on its latest flagship model, the Ford Mondeo Vignale.
The technology works similar to noise cancelling headphones, which can be used for minimising background noise on a business flight, or silencing the babble of commuters on a train. Noise-cancelling headphones have made journeys more serene and enjoyable for millions and now, Ford has applied the same thinking to its cars.
Ford’s Active Noise Control uses three microphones, strategically placed in the cabin, to detect undesirable noises from the engine and transmission. The system counteracts those noises with opposing sound waves from the audio system – without affecting volume levels of music and conversation. Driver and vehicle behaviour is recorded and anticipated, for example when a driver is accelerating in a lower gear.
‘Whether listening to a favourite playlist, tuning into a much-loved station, or simply enjoying a respite from the demands of modern life, the experience of sound – and just as importantly silence – can be a fundamental part of an enjoyable car journey,’ said Dr Ralf Heinrichs, supervisor, Noise Vibration Harshness, Ford of Europe, ‘Our new Mondeo Vignale with Active Noise Control offers drivers enhanced levels of comfort, and fewer distractions.’
Active Noise Control is part of a range of innovations for the flagship Ford Mondeo Vignale that enhance sound quality. Another example is acoustic glass that can improve the sound-proofing qualities of the windscreen and front windows. Containing a layer of acoustic film thinner than a human hair, acoustic glass reduces the intrusion of wind noise caused by air flow around the window pillars.
‘Noise is intrusive and reduces the driver’s mental processing power, and can lead to distraction and stress,’ said Dr John Cartwright, chief medical officer, Ford of Britain. ‘By removing unwanted powertrain noise, Ford is helping customers to complete their journey calmly and in comfort.’
Every Ford vehicle undergoes extensive testing to help minimise noise, vibration and harshness. This includes driving on some of the world’s most challenging surfaces, both in the real world and at Ford test facilities (including Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex) where conditions include gravel roads and some of the worst potholes found worldwide. From the ground up, the Mondeo Vignale’s cabin has been designed to offer the optimum sound experience.
For example, by using foam rather than fibreglass for engine bay insulation, the Mondeo Vignale achieves a reduction in powertrain noise transferred to the cabin of up to 2 dB. Sound‑proofing within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors block tyre noise, and the new integral link rear suspension also contributes to a reduction in road noise experienced of up to 3 dB.
The Mondeo Vignale also is one of the first European Ford vehicles to benefit from the newly established global Vehicle Harmony team. Testing includes ensuring all sounds in the cabin, interior illumination, and the feel of surfaces are appropriate and complementary – from the sound made by the indicators, to that which is made when the heated rear window switch is depressed.
‘Vehicle interiors are a precious yet complex space with hundreds of carefully positioned individual functional elements, just like instruments in an orchestra. To bring harmony to the customer experience, these instruments must be in tune with one another. That’s where the Vehicle Harmony team comes in,’ said Erika Tsubaki, design supervisor, Ford of Europe.
