Flexible Display Panel Vibration for Sound Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices require separate sound output units, which can lead to misalignment between sound and image directions, and are limited in their ability to output multiple channels of sound when multiple panels are used.

Innovation Solution

A display device with an exciter attached to the rear surface of a flexible display panel, such as LED or OLED, that vibrates to output sound, eliminating the need for a separate sound output unit and allowing for synchronized sound and image directions, as well as multi-channel sound output from multiple panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate sound output unit is provided, then sound can be output, but the direction of sound does not match with the direction of image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound direction alignmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound output function with the display panel by attaching an exciter directly to the rear surface of the display panel. This integration causes the display panel itself to vibrate and produce sound, making the sound direction match the image direction and eliminating the need for separate sound output units positioned at sides or bottom of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is given dual functionality: it serves both as the image display component and as the sound output component. By making the display panel capable of vibration through the exciter, a single component performs both visual and auditory functions, improving sound-direction alignment while reducing overall device complexity.

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

2Area of stationary object

If multiple display panels are provided, then large-sized display can be implemented, but sound output for multiple channels is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmulti-channel sound output
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by attaching individual exciters to each display panel in a multi-panel configuration. Each panel with its exciter becomes an independent sound output unit, enabling multi-channel sound output that corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the panels. This allows large-sized displays to provide both extended visual area and multi-channel audio capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a separate sound output unit is provided, then sound can be output, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound output functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the sound output function into the display panel structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate sound output units. This integration reduces the total number of components required, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable sound output functionality through the exciter-driven vibration of the display panel.

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

The solution enables the display panel to function as a sound output unit, aligning sound direction with image direction and allowing for multiple channels of sound, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying installation and reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

an exciter on a rear surface of a display panel to vibrate the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3748681B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3748681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748681B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748681B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a display device comprising a display panel which outputs an image on a front surface thereof and is bendable, an exciter positioned on a rear surface of the display panel, for generating sound by vibrating the display panel, a vibration transmitting unit positioned between the exciter and the display panel, for transmitting vibrations of the exciter to the display panel, a control unit for controlling the display panel and the exciter, and a frame to which the display panel is fixed. As the display device uses the bendable display panel, such that the display panel itself can vibrate to output sound, the display device has an advantage in that there is no need to have a separate sound output device.