Display Panel Sound Generator Layout for Front-Firing Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices often locate speakers on the lower surface or one side of the display panel, resulting in sound output in the back or side direction, which deteriorates sound quality.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a sound generator that vibrates the display panel using a first vibration generator with a voice coil and a second vibration generator with a piezoelectric element, both overlapping in the thickness direction to output sound in the front direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the speaker is located on the lower surface or side of the display panel, then the space restriction is satisfied, but the sound output direction becomes back or side direction which deteriorates sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the speaker function with the display panel by making the display panel itself serve as the speaker diaphragm. The sound generator is integrated behind the display panel, causing the panel to vibrate and produce sound in the front direction, thus merging two functions into one component and eliminating the need for a separate speaker on the lower surface or side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by placing the sound generator in the thickness direction (z-axis) behind the display panel rather than on the lower surface or side. This dimensional repositioning allows the sound to be output in the front direction while still satisfying space restrictions within the device thickness.

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

2Device complexity

If a single vibration generator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the frequency response range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfrequency response range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sound generation function into two distinct vibration generators: a first vibration generator for middle frequencies and a second vibration generator for high frequencies. Each generator is responsible for a specific frequency range, allowing the system to achieve a broader frequency response while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display surface and the speaker diaphragm. Additionally, the overlapping arrangement of two vibration generators allows the same physical space to produce multiple frequency bands, enhancing the versatility of the sound output system without proportionally increasing device volume.

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

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

This configuration improves sound quality by allowing sound to be output in the front direction, enhancing the overall audio experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first vibration generator which vibrates the display panel by generating a magnetic force using a first voice coil therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a second vibration generator including a vibration layer which contracts or expands based on a voltage applied thereto to vibrate the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3709673B1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3709673B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3709673B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3709673B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel including a first substrate and a light emitting element layer disposed on the first substrate; and a sound generator disposed on one surface of the first substrate, where the sound generator vibrates the display panel to output a sound. The sound generator includes: a first vibration generator which vibrates the display panel by generating a magnetic force using a first voice coil therein; and a second vibration generator including a vibration layer which contracts or expands based on a voltage applied thereto to vibrate the display panel, where the first vibration generator and the second vibration generator overlap each other in a thickness direction of the display panel.