Curved Electro-Active Polymer Actuator for Audio Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face challenges with electro-dynamic speakers due to cost, size constraints, and vulnerability to water and dust contamination, as well as the need for separate actuators and sound holes to achieve non-distorted audio.

Innovation Solution

An audio display device utilizing electro-active polymer elements with a curved shape that eliminates the need for separate actuators and sound holes by maximizing displacement while minimizing size, using a frame assembly and multiple polymer layers with electrode pairs to generate audio through mechanical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electro-dynamic speakers are used for audio reproduction, then audio output is achieved, but device size increases and vulnerability to water and dust contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater and dust resistanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display and speaker functions into a single integrated component. The display panel itself serves as the speaker diaphragm, eliminating the need for separate speaker chambers and sound holes. This merging of functions reduces device volume while maintaining water and dust resistance since no additional openings are required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel performs multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display surface and the acoustic radiating surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate audio components, reducing overall device size while maintaining environmental sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate up and down actuators are used to create symmetrical movement, then non-distorted acoustical signal is achieved, but device space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio signal qualityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single curved polymer actuator that bends in one direction to produce bidirectional movement of the display panel. The curved geometry allows the actuator to push the panel in one direction when activated, and spring-like recovery provides movement in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for symmetric dual actuators while maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer actuator is formed with a curved cross-section, which enables it to generate bidirectional force through unidirectional activation. The curved shape acts like a spring, bending to push the display in one direction and naturally returning to push in the opposite direction, achieving symmetrical movement with a single actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Length of moving object

If curved polymer members are used to maximize mechanical movement, then display displacement increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay displacementVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the polymer actuator by forming it with a curved cross-section instead of a straight shape. This parameter change enables the actuator to generate significantly larger mechanical displacement from the same material expansion, maximizing display movement without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides efficient audio generation without separate speakers or sound holes, enhancing durability and water resistance, while directing sound towards the user and optimizing space in size-critical devices like mobile phones.

Implementation Method 1

electro-active polymer members between the first support member and the second support. The one or more electro-active polymer members include a first end configured to be connected to the first support member, a second end configured to be connected to the second support member and a middle portion between the first end and the second end, the middle portion being a curved member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-active polymer expansion: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

With an audio display, electro-active polymer elements can be used to create mechanical vibration, which can be used to create acoustical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11272295B2Audio display with electro-active polymer bender element

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member and one or more electro-active polymer members between the first support member and the second support. The one or more electro-active polymer members include a first end configured to be coupled to the first support member, a second end configured to be coupled to the second support member and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, where the middle portion includes a curved member in a first state of the one or more electro-active polymer members. A curved shape of the one or more electro-active polymer members is configured to create linear movement in a vertical direction, by bending in a curved direction.