OLED Panel Vibration for Sound Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices suffer from poor sound quality and immersion disturbance due to the placement of speakers at the rear or underside of the display panel, leading to degraded sound localization and increased design constraints.

Innovation Solution

An organic light emitting display device that incorporates a sound generating actuator directly vibrating the display panel, specifically a bottom emission type organic light emitting display panel, to produce sound without significant degradation in image output characteristics, featuring a support hole for the actuator and an air gap for enhanced sound transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a speaker is placed at the rear or underside of the display panel, then the display device can generate sound, but the sound quality is poor and sound localization is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidspeaker placement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sound generating function with the display panel itself by making the panel vibration-capable. The display panel serves dual purposes: displaying images and generating sound through vibration, eliminating the need for separate speaker components at the rear or underside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the image display surface and the sound generation membrane. By incorporating vibration capabilities into the panel structure, it becomes a universal component that handles both visual and audio output.

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

2Reliability

If a speaker is placed at the rear or underside of the display panel, then the display device can generate sound, but sound localization and immersion are disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound localizationVSAvoidspeaker placement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound generation function is merged directly into the display panel structure. The panel itself vibrates to produce sound, positioning the sound source at the front where it can properly localize toward the viewer, eliminating the immersion disturbance caused by rear or underside speaker placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the display device thickness is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but there is less space for traditional speaker components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay device thicknessVSAvoidspace for sound generating components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound generating components are merged with the display panel structure itself. The panel's front surface acts as the vibration membrane, eliminating the need for separate speaker chambers and allowing thin design while maintaining sound generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel's front surface functions as a flexible vibration membrane capable of producing sound. This thin film approach allows the panel to serve as both the display surface and the sound-generating element, enabling compact thin design without sacrificing audio functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If the display panel is vibrated to generate sound, then sound quality improves, but image output characteristics may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidimage output characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the display panel. The region where the actuator contacts the panel is designed for vibration, while other regions maintain their original display characteristics. This localized approach allows sound generation without compromising overall image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A support structure with a support hole is introduced as an intermediary between the actuator and the display panel. This mediator allows the actuator to contact and vibrate the panel for sound generation while maintaining proper support and minimizing impact on image display characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides improved sound quality and reduced thickness of the display device while maintaining excellent image output, minimizing the impact of panel vibration on image quality and enhancing sound localization.

Implementation Method 1

a sound generating actuator in direct contact with the organic light emitting display panel to vibrate the organic light emitting display panel to generate sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

an organic light emitting material layer to emit light between two electrode layers disposed at one side of the thin film transistors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4030263A1Organic light emitting display device
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4030263A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030263A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4030263A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an organic light emitting display device which directly vibrates an organic light emitting display panel to generate sound, and includes: an organic light emitting display panel including a light emitting layer including an organic light emitting material layer and an encapsulation layer disposed at one side of the light emitting layer; and a sound generating actuator in direct contact with the organic light emitting display panel to vibrate the organic light emitting display panel to generate sound. Especially, the organic light emitting display panel employs the bottom emission scheme, and thus can prevent generation of a weighted color mixing phenomenon in a wide viewing angle at the time of panel vibration and reduce the thickness or weight of the panel to thereby enhance the sound generation characteristic.