Display Module Speaker Arrangement for Thin Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile electronic devices face challenges in minimizing space and enhancing audio quality due to the size constraints of speakers and the need for separate speaker and haptic generator components, which also limits water resistance and display screen area.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating deformable plate element, such as a piezoelectric transducer, is attached to the display module to act as both a speaker diaphragm and tactile feedback surface, eliminating the need for separate speakers and haptic generators, thereby minimizing thickness and space while allowing for water resistance and increased display screen area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional speaker is used in a mobile electronic device, then audio output function is provided, but the device thickness and overall size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speaker diaphragm and haptic feedback surface into a single integrated component - the display module itself. The display module serves dual purposes: as the visual display and as the acoustic radiating surface, eliminating the need for a separate speaker chamber and reducing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: visual display, acoustic radiation (speaker function), and tactile feedback (haptic function). This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain thin profile while providing audio output, haptic feedback, and display capabilities without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If separate speaker and haptic generator components are used, then audio output and tactile feedback functions are provided, but device space and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback generator and speaker driver into a single integrated actuator system that drives both the display module for visual output and generates tactile feedback simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate haptic motor and speaker components, freeing up device space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module and its supporting structure are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, visual display, acoustic radiation, and tactile feedback generation. This multi-functionality maximizes the utilization of limited device space without requiring additional dedicated components for haptic feedback.
3Ease of operation
If conventional speaker design is used, then audio quality is provided, but water resistance is compromised due to speaker orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates traditional speaker orifices and acoustic chambers by extracting the acoustic radiation function to the display module surface itself. The display module acts as the speaker diaphragm, radiating sound directly from its surface without requiring holes or openings in the device housing, thereby maintaining water resistance while providing audio output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical speaker system (with cones, chambers, and orifices) with a piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuator system that directly vibrates the display module. This substitution eliminates the need for traditional acoustic pathways and openings, enabling water-resistant design while maintaining audio quality.
4Ease of operation
If separate speaker components are used, then audio output is provided, but display screen area is reduced due to speaker orifices and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speaker function with the display module, allowing the entire display surface to potentially serve as the acoustic radiating surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate speaker grilles or orifices that would otherwise occupy display area, maximizing the usable screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the acoustic radiation function from traditional speaker components and locations, relocating it to the display module itself. This extraction eliminates the need for dedicated speaker openings in the display area, allowing for a more immersive full-screen display design without compromising audio output capability.
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 solution achieves minimal thickness penalty, space savings, improved water resistance, and enhanced usability by utilizing the display module for sound and tactile feedback, providing effective sound waves and tactile feedback without separate speaker orifices.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrating deformable plate element, such as a piezoelectric transducer, is attached to the display module
Implementation Method 2
at least one contact transducer, wherein the at least one contact transducer is coupled to the surface and configured to move the surface to generate at least one acoustic signal
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising a frame and a speaker rigidly attached to the frame, where the speaker comprises a display module and at least one vibrating deformable plate element attached to a bottom surface of the display module and configured to at least partially bend, when actuated, the display module to generate at least one of sound waves or tactile feedback.