Working principle of automotive horn

The automotive horn is an electromechanical device that produces a loud, warning sound to alert other drivers or pedestrians of a vehicle's presence. The horn works on the principle of electromagnetism, and its basic components include a horn button or switch, a relay, a fuse, a horn assembly, and a power source, typically the vehicle's battery.

When the horn button or switch is pressed, a low current flows through the horn circuit, activating the relay. The relay acts as an electrical switch, closing the circuit and allowing a higher current to flow through the horn assembly. The higher current energizes an electromagnet in the horn assembly, which in turn pulls a metal diaphragm or plunger inward. As the diaphragm moves inward, it compresses the air inside the horn, creating a high-pressure sound wave that is amplified by the horn's acoustics and emitted as a loud warning sound.

The pitch and volume of the horn can be adjusted by changing the design of the horn assembly, such as the shape and length of the horn's tubing. Most automotive horns produce a single tone, but some vehicles may be equipped with dual-tone horns that produce a combination of two different tones.

Overall, the working principle of an automotive horn is based on the generation of a loud sound wave through the use of an electromagnet and a diaphragm that compresses air to create a loud, warning sound. The horn is an important safety feature that can alert other drivers and pedestrians of a vehicle's presence and help prevent accidents.