Enhanced actuator for distributed mode loudspeakers.

Abstract

To provide a distributed mode speaker that reduces the possibility of damaging component parts due to the impact of dropping.SOLUTION: A panel audio speaker includes a surface-extending panel and an actuator 400 mounted to the panel. The actuator 400 includes a frame 420, flexures 410a to 410d, tabs 412a to 412h extending from the edges of the flexures, and a damping material (shown in shading) provided on an outer magnet 444 to accommodate the tabs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background This specification refers to a distributed mode actuator (DMA), Magnetic (EM) actuators, as well as DMA and EM actuators The present invention relates to a distributed mode speaker characterized by a

[0002] While most conventional loudspeakers generate sound by inducing piston-like movement in a diaphragm, panel audio speakers, such as distributed mode loudspeakers (DML), work by using electroacoustic actuators to induce uniformly distributed vibration modes in the panel. Typically, the actuators are piezoelectric or electromagnetic. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The DML can be implemented in a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. However, mobile devices are typically more susceptible to environmental hazards than other devices. For example, a mobile device user may drop the device, causing it to impact a surface. The forces generated by this impact may damage components of the mobile device, including components of the DML.

[0004] overview The disclosed DMA and EM actuators feature improvements that help reduce the risk of actuator damage from undesired vibrations. Specifically, one or more moving parts of the actuator include a tab (or tabs) that extend from an edge of the component and engage a vibration-damping material when any undesired vibration modes are excited. Other vibrations, particularly those excited during use of the actuator, result in little or no engagement with the vibration-damping material. In this way, the undesired modes are significantly damped while normal operation of the actuator is unaffected. In some embodiments, the tabs and damping material are positioned to reduce vibrations associated with forces applied to the actuator by the impact of a drop. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In general, in a first aspect, the invention provides a panel audio device having a panel extending over a surface. The panel audio speaker is mounted on a panel and vibrates. an actuator configured to couple to the panel to cause the panel to emit sound waves. The actuator includes a rigid frame that is attached to the surface of the panel and has a rigid The flexible frame includes a portion extending perpendicular to the surface of the panel. The casing is an elongated flexible member with one end attached to a portion of the frame that extends perpendicular to the surface of the panel. The actuator further comprises an elongated portion, the bend extending parallel to the plane. The bend includes one or more tabs extending from an edge of the bend parallel to the surface. The actuator is an electromechanical module mounted on the part of the flexure that is not attached to the frame. The electromechanical module includes a vertically movable plate that moves vertically relative to the surface of the panel during actuation of the actuator. The actuator is configured to displace the end of the bend away from the frame in a perpendicular direction. The tutor further selects each of the one or more tabs and Accept For, frame The vibration damping material is positioned between the corresponding feature of the arm or electromechanical module. Specific vibrations of electromechanical modules (and / or vibrations of slender flexures and / or a One or more of the tabs acts to dampen the vibration of the entire actuator. Either the rigid frame or the electromechanical module is supported by sufficient vibration damping material. Engage with or.

[0006] Implementations of the panel audio speaker may include one or more of the following features and / or other aspects. For example, vibrations of the electromechanical module (and / or vibrations of the elongated flexures and / or vibrations of the entire actuator) that are damped by engagement of the tab with either the rigid frame or the electromechanical module include unactuated vibration modes of the actuator. Unactuated modes of the actuator include modes caused by forces on the actuator that have a component parallel to the plane. Unactuated modes of the actuator include modes caused by dropping the panel audio speaker.

[0007] In some implementations, one vibration damping material is attached to each tab. In other embodiments, the vibration damping material is attached to the frame or the electromechanical module. In some implementations, the vibration damping material is a foam material.

[0008] In some implementations, the one or more tabs are integral with the elongate bend. In some implementations, the elongated flexure is formed from a metal or metal alloy.

[0009] In some implementations, the actuator further includes a beam including an elongated flexure and an electromechanical module, and the frame includes a stub to which the beam is secured at one end, the stub including a slot for receiving an end of the elongated flexure to secure the beam.

[0010] In some implementations, the electromechanical module includes one or more layers of piezoelectric material supported by an elongated flexure that extends from a stub in a first direction parallel to the plane and at least one of the tabs extends from an edge of the elongated flexure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the plane.

[0011] In some implementations, at least one of the tabs extends from an end of the elongated bend portion opposite the end that is secured to the stub.

[0012] In some implementations, the actuator includes a magnet and a voice coil that form a magnetic circuit. In some implementations, the electromagnetic module includes the magnet and the voice coil is fixedly attached to the frame. In other implementations, the electromagnetic module includes the voice coil and the magnet is fixedly attached to the frame.

[0013] In some implementations, the rigid frame includes a panel extending parallel to the surface and at least one post extending perpendicular to the surface, with the elongated flexure attached to the post.

[0014] In some implementations, the elongated flexure includes a first portion extending parallel to the plane and a second portion extending perpendicular to the plane, with the second portion being joined to the post to attach the elongated flexure to the frame. The elongated flexure includes a sheet of material that is bent to form a first portion and a second portion, with each of the first portion and the second portion including a tab extending from an edge of the elongated flexure toward the electromagnetic module. In some implementations, the elongated flexure is attached to the electromagnetic module at an end opposite the end of the elongated flexure attached to the post.

[0015] In some implementations, the panel includes a display panel. Yet another aspect provides a mobile device comprising the panel audio speaker described herein. Another aspect provides a wearable device comprising the panel audio speaker described herein. The panel audio speaker described herein may be included in a device other than a mobile or wearable device.

[0016] Among other advantages, in comparison to conventional actuators, embodiments include actuators that are less susceptible to failure due to undesirable vibrations, such as those caused by dropping the actuator.

[0017] Other advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mobile device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the DMA. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top view of the DMA of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the EM actuator. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view of the EM actuator of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a quarter cutaway of the EM actuator shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a bent portion of the EM actuator of FIGS. 4A and 4B. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a quarter cutaway of the actuator of FIGS. 4A-B, showing features for receiving the flexure tab of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is a side view of the tab of the flexure of FIG. 5A, showing the tab separated from the feature for receiving it. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a side view of the tab of FIG. 5C, showing the tab engaging with a feature for receiving the tab. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic control module for a mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements. Detailed Description The present disclosure features an actuator for a panel audio speaker, such as a distributed mode speaker (DML). Such a speaker can be incorporated into a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, a mobile device 100 includes a device chassis 102 and a touch panel display 104 including a flat panel display (e.g., an OLED or LCD display panel) incorporating a panel audio speaker. The mobile device 100 interfaces with a user in a variety of ways, including displaying images and receiving touch input via the touch panel display 104. Typically, a mobile device is approximately 10 mm or less in depth, 60 mm to 80 mm (e.g., 68 mm to 72 mm) in width, and 100 mm to 160 mm (e.g., 138 mm to 144 mm) in height.

[0020] The mobile device 100 also generates audio output. The audio output is generated using a panel audio speaker that creates sound by vibrating a flat panel display. The display panel is coupled to an actuator, such as a DMA or EM actuator. The actuator is a moving part arranged to apply a force to the panel, such as the touch panel display 104, causing the panel to vibrate. The vibrating panel generates sound waves in the range of human hearing, for example in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

[0021] In addition to generating audio output, the mobile device 100 can also generate haptic output using actuators, for example corresponding to vibrations in the range of 180Hz to 300Hz.

[0022] FIG. 1 also shows dotted lines corresponding to the cross-sectional directions shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-section of the mobile device 100 shows the device chassis 102 and the touch panel display 104. FIG. 2 also includes a Cartesian coordinate system having x, y, and z axes for ease of reference. The device chassis 102 has a depth measured along the z direction and a width measured along the x direction. The device chassis 102 also has a back panel formed of a portion of the device chassis 102 that extends primarily in the xy plane. The mobile device 100 includes an actuator 210 housed within the chassis 102 behind the display 104 and secured to the back surface of the display 104. In general, the actuator 210 is sized to fit within a volume limited by other components housed in the chassis, including the electronic control module 220 and the battery 230.

[0023] Generally, the actuator 210 includes a frame that connects the actuator to the display panel 104 via the plate 106. The frame acts as a platform for supporting other components of the actuator 210. The actuator 210 may include an electromechanical module, which is typically a transducer that converts an electrical signal into a mechanical displacement. Typically, at least a portion of the electromechanical module is fixedly coupled to the flexure such that the electromechanical module vibrates the flexure when energized.

[0024] Generally, the actuator 210 is sized to fit within a volume limited by other components housed in the mobile device 100, including the electronic control module 220 and the battery 230. The actuator 210 can be one of a variety of different actuator types, such as an electromagnetic actuator or a piezoelectric actuator.

[0025] Turning now to specific embodiments, in some implementations, the actuator is a distributed mode actuator (DMA). For example, Figures 3A and 3B show different views of a DMA 300, including a beam 310 mounted on a frame 320. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the DMA 300, and Figure 3B is a top view of the DMA 300.

[0026] 3A, in DMA 300, beam 310 includes vane 312 and piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b. Vane 312 is an elongated member attached at one end to frame 320, which is a stub that attaches the vane to plate 106. Beam 310 is attached to frame 320 in a slot 322 into which vane 312 is inserted. The height of slot 322, measured in the z-direction, is approximately equal to the height of vane 312 and may be approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, such as 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, such as 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0027] Beam 310 extends from frame 320 and terminates in an unmounted end that is free to move in the z-direction. In the example of Figures 3A and 3B, piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b are disposed above and below vane 312, respectively. Each stack 314a and 314b may include one or more piezoelectric layers.

[0028] DMA 300 also includes tabs 330a, 330b, and 330c, which are formed from vane 312 and are shown as having a mesh pattern. Tabs 330a and 330c are formed from the surfaces of vane 312 that extend perpendicular to frame 320. 320 and tab 330 b is connected to the face of vane 312 opposite frame 320 .

[0029] DMA 300 also includes upper frame 340a and lower frame 340b. As shown, upper frame 340a and lower frame 340b are symmetrically arranged about vane 312, although other arrangements are possible (e.g., asymmetric arrangements). Damping members 350a, 350b, and 350c are mounted to upper frame 340a at three locations. Each damping member 350a-350c is located above a tab. Similarly, lower frame 340b supports three damping members, each located below a tab. FIG. 3A shows two damping members 350d and 350e mounted to lower frame 340b. Tab 330a is located between damping members 350a and 350d, and tab 330b is located between damping members 350b and 350e. Damping member 350c is located above tab 330c. Although not shown in FIG. 3A or 3B, damping member 350f is disposed below tab 330c and is symmetrical to damping member 350c about vane 312. As shown in FIG.

[0030] Typically, the damping member is a viscoelastic material designed to increase energy loss upon impact with the tab. For example, the damping material may be a foam material, such as a low stiffness foam material, such as a 7900 series foam material.

[0031] When DMA 300 is stationary, beam 310, and thus vane 312 and piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b, remain parallel to the xy plane. During operation of DMA 300, piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b, when energized, cause beam 310 to vibrate about the z-axis. The vibration of beam 310 transfers a force to panel 104, causing the panel to vibrate and generate sound waves.

[0032] Generally, the displacement of the beam 310 caused by operation of the DMA 300 is not large enough to cause the tabs 330a-330c to engage the damping members 350a-350f. Rather, only certain vibrations cause the tabs 330a-330c to engage the damping members 350a-350f. For example, if the DMA 300 is implemented within a mobile device such as the mobile device 100, undesirable vibrations caused by dropping the mobile device may cause a displacement of the beam 310 sufficient to cause the tabs 330a-330c to engage the damping members 350a-350f. The engagement of the tabs allows the force of the undesirable vibrations to be dissipated by the damping members 350a-350f, thereby preventing the beam 310 from being damaged by the undesirable vibrations.

[0033] The placement of tabs 330a-330c and damping members 350a-350f is selected to optimize (e.g., maximize) dissipation of unwanted vibrations based on the size and shape of DMA 310. In other implementations, the dimensions of the DMA may warrant different locations of tabs 330a-330c and damping members 350a-350f. For example, in some implementations, the DMA may include tabs and damping members on a side of the DMA closer to either the free end of the DMA or the frame 320.

[0034] Other implementations may feature different locations of tabs and damping members than those of DMA 300, while the number of tabs may be selected to optimize dissipation of unwanted vibrations. For example, DMA 300 includes three tabs and six damping members, while in other implementations the DMA may include more than four or less than two tabs and more than seven or less than five damping members.

[0035] Other implementations of the DMA may include tabs with different shapes than those of the DMA 300. 3A and 3B show tabs having a rectangular profile, in other implementations the tabs may be any shape that can effectively dissipate undesired vibrations. Thus, in other implementations the shape of the damping member may be selected such that the tabs engage the damping member in a manner that optimally dissipates undesired vibrations.

[0036] In some implementations, one or more of the pairs of damping members may be replaced with a ring structure. For example, instead of providing damping members 350b and 350e above and below tab 330b, these damping members may be replaced with a ring of damping material. That is, the damping material would form a circle when viewed in the zy plane. The damping ring may be attached to upper and lower frames 340a and 340b at two points along the damping ring that form a diametric line that divides the damping ring in two. Among other advantages, a DMA featuring a damping ring instead of a pair of damping members may provide protection from a wider range of drop angles. That is, since the damping ring forms a circle in the zy plane, tab 330b would have 360 ​​degrees of damping material to engage.

[0037] The tabs 330a, 330b, and 330c may be formed from the same material as the vane 312; for example, the vane and tabs may be a continuous piece of material bent into the shape of the tab. The vane 312 may be formed from any material capable of bending in response to the forces exerted by the piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b. The material forming the vane 312 should have an elastic limit such that the vane does not exhibit plastic deformation as a result of bending exerted during operation of the actuator 300. For example, the vane 312 may be a single metal or alloy (e.g., nickel iron such as NiFe42), a hard plastic, or another suitable type of material. The materials forming the vane 312 and the piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b should have no CTE mismatch.

[0038] One or more piezoelectric layers of the piezoelectric stacks 314a and 314b may be any suitable type of piezoelectric material. For example, the material may be a ceramic or crystalline piezoelectric material. Examples of ceramic piezoelectric materials include, for example, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, bismuth ferrite, and sodium niobate. Examples of crystalline piezoelectric materials include, for example, topaz, lead titanate, barium neodymium titanate, potassium sodium niobate (KNN), lithium niobate, and lithium tantalate.

[0039] While Figures 3A and 3B show an embodiment of an actuator including a piezoelectric stack that displaces a vane, more generally, the actuator 210 includes an electromechanical module that displaces a flexure during operation of the actuator. Typically, the flexure is an elongated member that extends in the xy plane and displaces in the z direction when vibrating. Typically, the flexure is mounted on at least one end to a frame. The opposite end is remote from the frame, allowing the flexure to move in the z direction when vibrating.

[0040] 3A-3B, while in other implementations the actuator 210 is an electromagnetic (EM) actuator mounted to the panel 104. Similar to a DMA, an EM actuator transfers mechanical energy resulting from the actuator's movement to the panel on which it is mounted.

[0041] 4A and 4B show an EM actuator 400 that includes a frame 420 that acts as a platform to support the other components of the actuator, which are in turn four individual actuators each connected to a different portion of an electromechanical module. This includes the bend.

[0042] 4A is a top view of an EM actuator 400 that includes four flexures 410a-410d. Each flexure 410a-410d is connected to an electromechanical module that includes an inner magnet 442 and an outer magnet 444. The material selected to form the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444 can be a permanent magnet or a soft magnetic material such as iron or an iron alloy.

[0043] There is an air gap 448 between the outer magnet 442 and the inner magnet 444. Although not shown in Figures 4A-4C, the EM actuator 400 is mounted to the panel 104.

[0044] When viewed in the xy-plane, the frame 420 has a square outline surrounding the electromechanical module. The square outline has an inner edge facing the outer magnet 444. Four pillars, designated 422a, 422b, 422c, and 422d, are connected to the inner edge of the square portion. Each pillar 422a-422d is C-shaped and includes a portion that extends perpendicular to the xy-plane and two portions that extend parallel to the xy-plane. The portions of pillars 422a-422d that extend parallel to the xy-plane are connected to the frame 420, and the portions that extend perpendicular to the xy-plane are connected to the inner edge of the frame 420.

[0045] Flexures 410a-410d connect frame 420 to outer magnet 444. The locations where flexures 410a-410d connect to outer magnet 444 are indicated with circles. For example, the flexures can be attached to the posts using adhesive, welding, or other physical connections. In some implementations, the portion of outer magnet 444 to which each flexure 410a-410d connects is recessed so that the flexures are flush with outer magnet 444. In other implementations, the recess has sufficient depth to allow the top surface of each flexure to be lower than the top surface of the outer magnet.

[0046] Figure 4A shows a top view of EM actuator 400, and Figure 4B shows a side view of the actuator. A portion of frame 420 has been removed in Figure 4B to show certain components of EM actuator 400. The portion of frame 420 that has been removed is outlined in dotted lines.

[0047] 4A shows four flexures 410a-410d, but in addition to these flexures, EM actuator 400 also includes flexures 410e-410h. Flexures 410a-410d are attached to the upper portions of posts 422a-422d that extend parallel to the xy plane, and flexures 410e-410h are attached to the lower portions of posts that also extend parallel to the xy plane. Flexures 410e-410h have the same shape as flexures 410a-410d and are positioned to be parallel to flexures 410a-410d. In some implementations, the parallel flexures (e.g., flexures 410a and 410e, 410b and 410f, etc.) are formed from a single component.

[0048] 4B includes flexure 410f located below flexure 410b and attached to post 422b. Flexure 410f is attached to a bottom plate 460 located below and attached to the inner magnet 442 and outer magnet 444. Flexures 410a-410d are attached to the outer magnet 444, and flexures 410e-410f are attached to the bottom plate 460. Flexures 410a-410h bend to allow the inner magnet 442, outer magnet 444, and bottom plate 460 to move in the z-direction.

[0049] 4B also includes a top plate 450 that forms part of the frame 420. The top plate 450 is positioned above the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444 and is connected to the bottom plate 46. 4A so that other components of the EM actuator 400 can be shown. In other implementations, the plate 106 forms the top plate 450.

[0050] Another view of the EM actuator 400 is shown in Figure 4C, which is a quarter cut away of the EM actuator 400. Figure 4C shows flexure 410b and portions of the inner magnet 442 and outer magnet 444. As previously mentioned, there is an air gap 448 between the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444. Referring to Figures 4A-4C, a voice coil 446 is located within the air gap 448 and is attached to a top plate 450.

[0051] In this implementation, EM actuator 400 includes eight posts, each connected to two of flexures 410a-410h, although in other implementations the actuator may include more than eight or fewer flexures.

[0052] During operation of the EM actuator 400, when the voice coil 446 is energized, a magnetic field is induced in the air gap 448. Because the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444 have an axial magnetic field parallel to the z-axis and are located in the induced magnetic field, the magnets experience a force due to the interaction of their own magnetic fields with the magnetic field of the voice coil 446. The bending of the flexures 410a-410h causes the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444 to move in the z-direction in response to the force experienced by the magnets.

[0053] 4A-4C show specific embodiments of the EM actuator, but in general, an EM actuator includes an electromechanical module that includes a magnet and a voice coil that form a magnetic circuit. The EM actuator also includes one or more flexures that mount the electromechanical module to a frame. The frame includes one or more posts that extend perpendicular to the panel 104. Each of the one or more flexures is mounted to a post.

[0054] 4A, each bend has an outer edge facing the frame 420 and an outer magnet 44 4. Two tabs are provided on the inner side of each of the bends 410a-410h. An outer magnet 444 is aligned with each tab and receives each of the tabs. This feature is shown as a rectangle with diagonal stripes. are recesses into which the tabs can be fitted. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the bent portion 41 0e-410h also include a tab extending from the inner edge of each of the bends. Each of the tabs Accept The corresponding features for this are shown in Figures 5A to 5C. 5C refers to bend 410b, but the description of bend 410b is given in EM Acta The same applies to the other bends in actuator 400.

[0055] 5A is a perspective view of the bent portion 410b. As described with respect to FIGS. 4A to 4C, One end of the bent portion 410b includes a portion that is connected to the outer magnet 444. 5B, includes two tabs 412c and 412d extending from the edge of the bend. A quarter cutaway view of the EM actuator 400 shows the inner magnet 442 and The outer magnet 444 includes a tab 412c and an air gap 448. and 412d Accept The features include features 502 and 504 having a size and shape. Therefore, the dimensions of tabs 412c and 412d are smaller than the dimensions of features 502 and 504. Therefore, there is a space between each tab and the corresponding feature. Each feature 502 and 504 is represented by a diagonal line. The damping material is represented by

[0056] 5C and 5D, a side view of flexure 410d and outer magnet 444 includes feature 504 associated with tab 412d. 5C and 5D show the tab as being separated from bend 410b to better illustrate how the damping material of feature 504 engages with the tab.

[0057] 5C, tab 412d is separated from feature 504. Arrow 506 indicates the range of displacement in the z-direction of tab 412d during typical operation of EM actuator 400. As indicated by arrow 506, tab 412d does not contact the damping material of feature 504 during typical operation of EM actuator 400.

[0058] 5D, tab 412d engages feature 504. A portion of tab 412d contacts and presses against the damping material of feature 504. Generally, the engagement of the tab with the damping material helps to prevent EM actuator 400 from being damaged as a result of undesired vibrations. For example, FIG. 5D may correspond to a scenario in which EM actuator 400 or a mobile device including EM actuator 400 is dropped. More generally, during undesired vibrations, at least one of tabs 412a-412h may engage with a corresponding recess in outer magnet 444 to dissipate the undesired vibrations. Although tabs 412a-412h serve to dissipate undesired vibrations, generally, the tabs are made not to contact the corresponding recess or the damping material disposed inside the recess during operation of the actuator.

[0059] In some implementations, the damping material can line at least a portion of the space defined by the recess. In other implementations, the damping material can be disposed on one or more surfaces of each tab. The damping material can be the same material that forms the damping members of FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some implementations, the material of the inner magnet 442 and the outer magnet 444 is selected based on the location of the tabs 412a-412h.

[0060] Generally, the disclosed actuators are controlled by an electronic control module, such as electronic control module 220 of FIG. 2 above. Generally, the electronic control module is comprised of one or more electronic components that receive input from one or more sensors and / or from a signal receiver of the mobile phone, process the input, and generate and send a signal waveform that causes the actuator 210 to provide an appropriate haptic response. With reference to FIG. 6, an exemplary electronic control module 600 of a mobile device, such as the mobile phone 100, includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a display driver 630, a signal generator 640, an input / output (I / O) module 650, and a network / communication module 660. These components are in electrical communication with each other (e.g., via a signal bus 602) and with the actuator 210.

[0061] The processor 610 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor 610 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices.

[0062] The memory 620 stores various instructions, computer programs, or other data. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the mobile device. For example, the instructions may be configured to control or adjust the operation of a display of the device via a display driver 630, a signal generator 640, one or more components of an input / output module 650, one or more communication channels accessible via a network / communication module 660, one or more sensors (e.g., a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a light sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.), and / or an actuator 210.

[0063] The signal generator 640 is configured to generate AC waveforms of various amplitudes, frequencies, and / or pulse profiles that are suitable for the actuator 210 and generate an audio and / or tactile response via the actuator. Although the signal generator 640 is depicted as a separate component, in some embodiments the signal generator 640 may be part of the processor 610. In some embodiments, the signal generator 640 may include an amplifier, either as an integrated part of the signal generator or as a separate part from the signal generator.

[0064] The memory 620 can store electronic data that can be used by the mobile device. For example, the memory 620 can store electronic data or content, such as audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases, etc. The memory 620 may also store instructions for regenerating various types of waveforms that the signal generator 640 can use to generate signals for the actuator 210. The memory 620 can be any type of memory, such as, for example, random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or a combination of such devices.

[0065] As briefly mentioned above, electronic control module 600 may include various input and output components, shown in FIG. 6 as I / O module 650. Although the components of I / O module 650 are represented as a single item in FIG. 6, a mobile device may include several different input components, including buttons, microphones, switches, and dials for accepting user input. In some embodiments, the components of I / O module 650 may include one or more touch sensors and / or one or more force sensors. For example, a display of a mobile device may include one or more touch sensors and / or one or more force sensors that enable a user to provide input to the mobile device.

[0066] Each of the components of the I / O module 650 may include dedicated circuitry for generating signals or data. In some cases, these components may generate or provide feedback to application-specific inputs that correspond to prompts or user interface objects shown on a display.

[0067] As previously mentioned, the network / communication module 660 includes one or more communication channels. These communication channels may include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communication between the processor 610 and external devices or other electronic devices. In general, the communication channels may be configured to transmit and receive data and / or signals that can be interpreted by instructions executed on the processor 610. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network configured to exchange data with other devices. In general, the wireless interfaces may include, but are not limited to, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and / or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate with respect to a wireless interface or protocol. Examples of wireless interfaces include a radio frequency cellular interface, an optical fiber interface, an acoustic interface, a Bluetooth interface, a short range communication interface, an infrared interface, a USB interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a TCP / IP interface, a network communication interface, or any conventional communication interface.

[0068] In some implementations, one or more of the communication channels of the network / communication module 660 may include a wireless communication channel between the mobile device and another device, such as another mobile phone, a tablet, a computer, etc. In some cases, the output, audio output, haptic output, or visual display element may be sent directly to the other device for output. For example, an audible alert or visual warning may be sent from the electronic device 100 to a mobile phone for output on that device, or vice versa. Similarly, the network / communication module 660 may be configured to receive input provided on another device to control the mobile device. For example, an audible alert, visual notification, or haptic alert (or instruction therefor) may be sent from an external device to the mobile device for presentation.

[0069] The actuator technology disclosed herein can be used, for example, in panel audio systems designed to provide audio and / or haptic feedback. The panel may be a display system based, for example, on OLED of LCD technology. The panel may be part of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch or a head-mounted device such as smart glasses).

[0070] Other embodiments are within the following claims.

Claims

1. An actuator, the actuator comprising: a frame, the frame comprising: a plate extending to have a surface defining a two-dimensional plane; a stub extending perpendicular to the surface, the actuator further comprising: an elongated bend having a first end attached to the stub and extending away from the stub in a first direction parallel to the surface; an electromechanical module attached to a portion of the flexure not attached to the stub, the electromechanical module configured to displace a second end of the flexure remote from the stub in a direction perpendicular to the first direction during operation of the actuator, the actuator further comprising: one or more tabs, each of the tabs extending from an edge of the elongated flexure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface, the actuator further comprising: a vibration damping material positioned between each of the one or more tabs and a corresponding feature of the frame for receiving the tab; An actuator, wherein for a particular vibration of the electromechanical module, one or more of the tabs engage with the corresponding feature of the frame through the vibration damping material.

2. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the vibration dampening material is attached to the frame.

3. The actuator of claim 2 , wherein the vibration damping material is attached to the plate of the frame.

4. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the vibration dampening material is attached to each tab.

5. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the vibration dampening material is a foam material.

6. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the electromechanical module includes one or more layers of piezoelectric material supported by the flexures.

7. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the elongated flexure is formed from a metal or metal alloy.

8. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein vibrations of the electromechanical module that are damped by engagement of the frame with the tabs include a non-actuated vibration mode of the actuator.

9. The actuator of claim 8 , wherein the non-actuated vibration modes of the actuator include modes caused by dropping the actuator.

10. An actuator, the actuator comprising: a frame, the frame comprising: a plate extending across the surface; a post extending perpendicular to the surface, the actuator further comprising: an elongated bend having a first end attached to the post and extending parallel to the surface; an electromechanical module mounted to a portion of the flexure not attached to the post, the electromechanical module configured to displace a second end of the flexure remote from the post in a direction perpendicular to the plane during operation of the actuator, the actuator further comprising: one or more tabs, each of said tabs extending from an edge of said elongated flexure parallel to said face, said actuator further comprising: a vibration damping material positioned between each tab of the one or more tabs and a corresponding feature of the electromechanical module for receiving the tab; An actuator, wherein for a particular vibration of the electromechanical module, one or more of the tabs engage with the corresponding feature of the electromechanical module through the vibration damping material.

11. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the vibration damping material is attached to the electromechanical module.

12. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the corresponding feature of the electromechanical module comprises a recess in the electromechanical module.

13. The actuator of claim 12 , wherein the vibration dampening material is disposed within the recess.

14. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the vibration dampening material is attached to each tab.

15. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the actuator includes a magnet and a voice coil that form a magnetic circuit.

16. The actuator of claim 15 , wherein the electromechanical module includes the magnet and the voice coil is fixedly mounted to the frame.

17. The actuator of claim 15 , wherein the electromechanical module includes the voice coil and the magnet is fixedly mounted to the frame.

18. The actuator of claim 17 , wherein the second end of the elongated flexure is attached to the magnet.

19. The elongated bend has a first portion extending parallel to the surface and a second portion extending perpendicular to the surface. and a directly extending second portion, said second portion being joined to said post to mount said elongated flexure to said frame.

20. The actuator of claim 19 , wherein the first portion and the second portion each include a tab extending from an edge of the elongated flexure toward the electromechanical module.

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