Curved Vibration Member Speaker Structure for Thin Reliable Sound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses face challenges in achieving high sound quality and sound pressure level characteristics due to the bulky nature of traditional speakers and the fragility of piezoelectric elements, which limits their reliability and suitability for flexible applications.

Innovation Solution

A vibration apparatus is designed to enhance sound quality and sound pressure level characteristics by incorporating a vibration member with flat and curved portions, coupled with a vibration apparatus that vibrates the member to generate sound, while minimizing spatial occupancy and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional speaker (actuator with magnet and coil) is applied to the apparatus, then sound reproduction function is achieved, but the thickness is thickened and spatial occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound reproduction reliabilityVSAvoidspeaker thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuator (magnet and coil) with a piezoelectric element that converts electrical energy directly to mechanical vibration. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky magnetic components and coil structures, achieving thin-profile sound reproduction while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic conversion to piezoelectric conversion, altering the physical parameters of the actuator system. This parameter change enables a transition from thick electromagnetic components to thin piezoelectric layers, resolving the thickness contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If piezoelectric elements are applied to reduce thickness, then spatial occupancy is reduced, but the elements are easily damaged due to external impact and reliability is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker thicknessVSAvoidpiezoelectric element reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a damping layer between the piezoelectric element and the vibration member to cushion against external impacts before they reach the fragile piezoelectric component. This beforehand protection prevents damage from shocks and vibrations, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the thin-profile advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping layer serves as an intermediary protective layer that absorbs and dissipates external mechanical energy before it can damage the piezoelectric element. This mediator protects the fragile component while allowing the thin-design benefit to be retained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If piezoelectric elements are applied to achieve thin thickness, then spatial occupancy is reduced, but damage occurs due to fragile characteristic in flexible apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker volumeVSAvoidpiezoelectric element strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The damping layer is positioned beforehand to protect the piezoelectric element from mechanical damage. This cushioning layer absorbs impact energy and prevents cracks or breaks in the fragile piezoelectric material, enabling use in flexible and portable applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin-film damping layer that provides protection without adding significant bulk. This flexible protective film maintains the overall thin profile while providing necessary mechanical strength and damage resistance for portable applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 proposed solution effectively enhances sound quality and sound pressure level characteristics, addresses the bulkiness and fragility issues of traditional speakers, and improves the reliability of sound reproduction in flexible applications.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration apparatus configured to vibrate the vibration member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12335686B2Apparatus and vehicular apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus includes a vibration member, a housing at a rear surface of the vibration member, a vibration apparatus configured to vibrate the vibration member, and a curvature variable layer between the vibration member and the vibration apparatus, wherein the vibration member includes at least one flat portion and at least one flexural portion adjacent to the at least one flat portion.