Display Panel Flat-Panel Speaker Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flat-panel speakers face challenges in achieving further improvements in sound quality due to limitations in diaphragm vibration and air pressure variations, which affect the output and perception of sound.

Innovation Solution

The display apparatus incorporates a panel that functions as a diaphragm, with vibration exciters and a design that includes air holes and a vibration-controlling member to manage air pressure and sound wave interference, allowing for controlled sound output and improved sound quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a flat-panel speaker uses a display panel as a diaphragm, then the thickness and weight of the speaker are reduced, but the sound quality improvement is limited due to air pressure variations and standing waves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker weightVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The back surface of the display panel is divided into multiple partitioned regions by vibration controlling members, which segment the air gap into separate cavities. This segmentation prevents standing waves from forming across the entire panel surface and reduces air pressure variations, thereby improving sound quality while maintaining the thin and light design of the flat-panel speaker

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Vibration controlling members are introduced as intermediary elements between the display panel and the rear cover. These members act as mediators that manage air pressure distribution and control vibration patterns, reducing harmful air pressure variations and standing waves while allowing the display panel to function effectively as a diaphragm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the air gap between the diaphragm and rear cover is reduced to decrease thickness, then the overall device thickness is reduced, but air pressure variations increase affecting sound output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidair pressure variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

By partitioning the air gap into multiple smaller cavities using vibration controlling members, the patent reduces air pressure variations within each partitioned region. This allows for a reduced overall device thickness while maintaining stable air pressure conditions that improve sound output quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration controlling members create local variations in the air gap structure, with each partitioned region having controlled air pressure characteristics. This local quality control allows the device to be thinner overall while maintaining optimal air pressure conditions in each local region for improved sound output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If vibration exciters are added to improve sound quality, then the audio performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidspeaker structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display surface and the diaphragm for sound output. The vibration controlling members also serve dual purposes by both supporting the display panel structure and managing air pressure distribution. This multi-functionality enhances sound quality without proportionally increasing device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the display panel structure with the speaker diaphragm function, and combines the support structure with the vibration control function. By merging these functions into integrated components rather than adding separate systems, the patent enhances sound quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity

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

This configuration enhances sound quality by reducing air pressure variations and allowing for a more controlled sound output, improving the perception of sound and reducing standing waves, thereby enhancing the overall audio experience.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration exciting section 20 that causes the panel 10 to vibrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

one or more air holes 14A that mitigate the variation in the air pressure that is generated in the air gap 15

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a vibration-controlling member 16 between the display cell 11 and the inner plate 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration control: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3734996B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3734996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3734996B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3734996B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display cell that displays an image and has a thin-plate shape; one or more vibration exciters that are disposed on rear-surface side of the display cell and cause the display cell to vibrate; and an opposing plate opposed to the display cell with an air gap in between. The display apparatus further includes a sound-spreading adjustment member that is disposed between the display cell and the two or more vibration exciters, and controls spreading of a sound generated by vibration caused by the two or more vibration exciters.