TABLE OF CONTENTS R. Lyon
We often think of the sound of products in general, and of motors in particular, as noise unpleasant and unwanted. People want to buy motors that are quiet, and designers and manufacturers seek to provide them. However, the goals for the sound of the motor, or the complete product can be elusive. Sounds identify products and inform us about how they are working. The sound of an automobile can conjure up an image of a sportscar of the 1950 s and 1960 s, motorcycle sounds are used to advertise and even represent a particular brand, and the soft sound of a room ceiling fan is said to establish a safe and comfortable home environment. The sound of a new car door closure reinforces our satisfaction with owning a quality product. Sound is so much more than noise.
Of course, unwanted noise is indeed a feature of product sound, and electric motors are often a major ingredient of that sound. The sound of a vacuum cleaner has a large component due to motor noise, a sound that is annoying and at the same time conveys a perception of greater cleaning power. The motor and fan in a room air cleaner or computer are doing a useful job, but over a long period of time, they can lead to annoyance and dissatisfaction with the product.
We also use product sounds to detect problems. A motor with squeaking brushes will quickly convey a message of poor...
