Piezoelectric Audio Panel With Cavity Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Piezoelectric panel speakers used in thin computing devices suffer from poor sound quality and loudness at low frequencies compared to electromagnetic speakers, making them less desirable for audio applications.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system with a chassis housing a processing system, memory, and an audio panel featuring a core with structural members defining cavities, and a piezoelectric actuator mounted to the panel, which converts electrical signals into mechanical energy to generate sound, enhancing sound quality and loudness by increasing rigidity and reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic speakers are used, then sound quality and loudness are improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic speaker system with a piezoelectric panel speaker system. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical signals directly into mechanical vibrations of the panel, eliminating the need for electromagnetic components (magnets, coils, cones) and enabling thin device profiles while maintaining audio functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic to piezoelectric actuation. This parameter change allows the system to achieve acceptable sound output in a much thinner form factor, as piezoelectric materials can generate sufficient mechanical vibration without requiring the bulky electromagnetic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If piezoelectric panel speakers are used, then device thickness is reduced, but sound quality and loudness at low frequencies deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidsound quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite panel structure consisting of multiple layers including a first face plate, a core with cavities, and a second face plate. This composite construction optimizes the panel's mechanical properties to enhance low-frequency sound reproduction while maintaining a thin overall thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The core of the panel includes a plurality of cavities that create a porous or honeycomb structure. This porous construction reduces the overall weight and thickness of the panel while maintaining structural integrity and acoustic performance, particularly for low-frequency sound reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Weight of moving object

If piezoelectric panel speakers are used, then device weight is reduced, but structural rigidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite panel structure with a core containing cavities arranged in a honeycomb or similar pattern. This composite design provides high structural rigidity relative to the panel's weight, as the cavity structure efficiently distributes mechanical stresses while using minimal material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity structure in the core creates a curved, honeycomb-like pattern that enhances structural rigidity. The curved geometry of the cavity walls provides superior strength-to-weight comparison, allowing the thin panel to maintain its shape and transmit vibrations effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 loudness across a range of frequencies, making it suitable to replace electromagnetic speakers in thin computing devices by leveraging the structural rigidity and light weight of the audio panel design.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric actuator mounted to at least one of the first face plate, the second face plate, and the core, wherein the first piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the processing system and configured to convert electrical signals provided by the sound engine into mechanical energy that causes the audio panel to generate sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9877112B2Piezoelectric force actuator audio system

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An audio system includes an audio panel. The audio panel includes a first face plate, a second face plate, and a core that includes a plurality of structural members that extend between the first face plate and the second face plate. The plurality of structural members define a plurality of cavities in the core. The audio system also includes a first piezoelectric actuator mounted to at least one of the first face plate, the second face plate, and the core. The first piezoelectric actuator is configured to convert electrical signals into mechanical energy to cause the audio panel to generate sound.