Display Imaging Plane Sound Actuation via Mechanical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in reproducing sound effectively without increasing bezel size or obstructing visual content, as traditional speaker integration requires additional space and can compromise sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A display device with sound actuators positioned behind the backplane, mechanically coupling to the imaging plane to generate vibrations, eliminating the need for separate speakers and allowing flexible placement without obstructing light or increasing bezel size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate internal or external speakers are incorporated in the display device, then sound reproduction capability is improved, but additional space in the housing is required and bezel size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction capabilityVSAvoidbezel size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound reproduction function with the existing display structure by using the imaging plane itself as the sound radiation surface. The imaging plane is mechanically coupled to sound actuators positioned behind the backplane, allowing it to vibrate and produce sound waves directly, thereby eliminating the need for separate speaker components and reducing bezel size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the sound actuators in a different spatial dimension (behind the backplane) rather than integrating them into the front bezel area. This allows the actuators to drive the imaging plane from the rear, utilizing the depth dimension of the display structure to accommodate sound generation components without increasing the front-facing bezel size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If speakers are positioned to reproduce sound with acceptable quality, then sound reproduction capability is improved, but additional space in the housing is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction capabilityVSAvoidhousing space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging plane serves dual functions: visual display and sound radiation. By making the imaging plane capable of both displaying images and producing sound waves through vibration, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated speaker volume within the housing, as the same structural component performs both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the display function and sound reproduction function into a single integrated system. The imaging plane, originally designed only for visual output, is now also used as the sound radiation surface, thereby consolidating multiple functions into one component and reducing overall housing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an additional opaque panel is used to vibrate the front surface, then sound reproduction capability is improved, but bezel size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction capabilityVSAvoidbezel size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sound generation function from a separate opaque panel and integrates it directly into the existing imaging plane structure. By using the imaging plane itself as the vibrating surface rather than adding a separate panel, the invention eliminates the need for additional bezel structures while maintaining sound reproduction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sound radiation function with the existing imaging plane rather than using a separate opaque panel. This integration allows the imaging plane to serve as both the visual display surface and the sound radiation surface, eliminating the need for additional panels and reducing bezel size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables effective sound reproduction without the need for external speakers, maintaining visual clarity and compact design suitability for devices with space restrictions, such as smartphones and smartwatches, while providing high-quality audio in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a number, i.e. one or more, of sound actuators configured to produce vibrations based on a driving signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

at least one mechanical coupling element for every sound actuator configured to mechanically couple the imaging plane through the backplane with the sound actuators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3142385B1Sound reproducing display
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3142385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3142385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3142385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a display device (1; 101) comprising an imaging plane (2; 103) configured to controllably display an image, a backplane (3) located behind the imaging plane (2; 103), a number of sound actuators (4; 104, 105) configured to produce vibrations based on a driving signal (5), and at least one mechanical coupling element (6) for every sound actuator (4; 104, 105) configured to mechanically couple the imaging plane (2; 103) through the backplane (3) with the sound actuators (4; 104, 105).