Flexible Vibration Module Piezoelectric Composite Layer Sound Reproduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face challenges in providing effective sound reproduction due to the limited space occupied by traditional speakers, low reliability of piezoelectric elements, and difficulty in achieving desired sound pressure and frequency response, especially in large-area displays.

Innovation Solution

A flexible vibration module with a piezoelectric composite layer, comprising multiple piezoelectric portions of varying sizes and a flexible portion, is integrated into the display apparatus to enhance sound pressure characteristics and frequency response, allowing for efficient sound reproduction across a wide range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional speaker is installed in a display apparatus, then sound reproduction is provided, but the design and spatial disposition are limited due to occupied space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction capabilityVSAvoidavailable space in display apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the speaker function with the display panel by integrating a piezoelectric composite layer directly into the display panel structure. This allows the display panel itself to serve as the vibration membrane for sound reproduction, eliminating the need for a separate speaker component and thus freeing up space within the display apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying images and reproducing sound. By incorporating the piezoelectric composite layer into the display panel, the panel becomes a multi-functional component that can both display visual information and generate acoustic output, reducing the overall component count and space requirements.

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

2Length of stationary object

If piezoelectric elements are used to reduce thickness, then the thickness is reduced, but reliability decreases due to brittleness and susceptibility to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of vibration moduleVSAvoiddurability against external impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a piezoelectric composite layer consisting of piezoelectric particles dispersed in a flexible polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the piezoelectric properties needed for sound generation with the flexibility and impact resistance of the polymer material, thereby maintaining thin profile while significantly improving reliability against external impact compared to brittle ceramic piezoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameters by transitioning from solid ceramic piezoelectric elements to a composite formulation with piezoelectric particles in a flexible matrix. This parameter change in material composition and structure enables the vibration module to maintain thin dimensions while gaining enhanced mechanical robustness and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a film type piezoelectric material is applied to enhance piezoelectric characteristic, then piezoelectric characteristic is improved, but sound pressure characteristic becomes lower than general speakers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiezoelectric characteristicVSAvoidsound pressure output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure with piezoelectric particles (such as PZT, PVDF, or PMN-PT) dispersed in a flexible polymer matrix. This composite approach enhances the piezoelectric characteristic compared to simple film materials while the flexible matrix and particle distribution optimize the vibration characteristics to achieve sufficient sound pressure output, bridging the gap between piezoelectric performance and acoustic output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric particles are distributed throughout the flexible matrix, creating local piezoelectric zones that can be optimized for different regions. This local quality approach allows the composite material to achieve enhanced piezoelectric characteristics in specific areas while maintaining overall flexibility and vibration efficiency for adequate sound pressure production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Power

If a stacked film type piezoelectric is configured to improve sound pressure, then sound pressure is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound pressure outputVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric composite layer with particles in a flexible matrix achieves efficient vibration and sound pressure production with lower power consumption compared to stacked film configurations. The composite structure allows for optimized electromechanical coupling and vibration efficiency, reducing the energy required to achieve the desired acoustic output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from a stacked film configuration to a composite particle-matrix structure, the patent optimizes the piezoelectric response and vibration characteristics. This parameter change in material architecture improves the efficiency of energy conversion from electrical to mechanical, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving sound pressure output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible vibration module enables improved sound localization and stereo sound effects, increased sound pressure, and expanded sound reproduction bands, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional speaker systems in display apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric composite layer, wherein the piezoelectric composite layer includes: a plurality of piezoelectric portions each having a piezoelectric characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11930320B2Flexible vibration module and display apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11930320B2 patent drawing
  • US11930320B2 patent drawing
  • US11930320B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible vibration module is disclosed. The flexible vibration module includes a piezoelectric composite layer, including: a plurality of piezoelectric portions each having a piezoelectric characteristic, where at least two of the plurality of piezoelectric portions have different sizes; and a flexible portion between the plurality of piezoelectric portions.