Display Panel Non-Display Sound Generator Layout for Front Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face issues with sound quality and immersion experience due to speakers generating sound towards the rear or lower portion of the panel, leading to interference and design constraints.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of sound generators, including coil-type and piezoelectric sound generators, in the non-display areas of the display panel to generate sound without obstructing the image display, improving sound quality and immersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a speaker is provided in the display apparatus, then sound can be supplied, but the sound advances toward the lower or rear portion of the display panel instead of toward the front portion, which deteriorates sound quality and user immersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound directionVSAvoidsound quality deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional speaker placement by positioning the sound generator in the non-display area rather than the display area, and inverts the sound propagation direction to face the front portion instead of the rear portion. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making sound advance toward the user while maintaining speaker functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the sound generator from the display area (2D plane) to the non-display area (spatial dimension change), utilizing the z-axis dimension behind the display panel. This dimensional transition allows sound to propagate forward toward the user without interfering with the display function.

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

2Ease of operation

If a speaker is provided in the display apparatus, then sound can be supplied, but the speaker occupies space which imposes restrictions on design and spatial disposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound generationVSAvoiddesign restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sound generator from the display area and relocates it to the non-display area. This extraction removes the spatial conflict between the speaker and display components, allowing independent optimization of both functions without design restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a speaker is provided in the display apparatus, then sound can be supplied, but sound quality is deteriorated due to interference with sound reflected on the wall or floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound outputVSAvoidsound interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the sound generator in the non-display area to preemptively prevent sound interference. By directing sound forward from the beginning rather than allowing rearward propagation that would reflect off walls or floor, the harmful interference is avoided before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances sound quality and user immersion by directing sound towards the front of the display panel, reducing interference and spatial constraints, while maintaining a slim design.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first sound generator in the display area, and at least one second sound generator in the non-display area, wherein each of the at least one first sound generator and the at least one second sound generator is configured to vibrate the display panel to generate sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

Incorporation of sound generators, including coil-type and piezoelectric sound generators, in the non-display areas of the display panel to generate sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4236366B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4236366B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4236366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4236366B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A display apparatus may include: a display panel including: a display area configured to display an image, and a non-display area, an optical module on a rear surface of the display panel, at least one first sound generator on a rear surface of the optical module, and at least one second sound generator in the non-display area and between the display panel and the optical module.