Piezo-Electric Display Surface for Integrated Audio Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face challenges in providing both visual and audio outputs due to space constraints, as separate speakers often need to be placed on the sides or rear, directing sound away from the user, and occupying valuable front face space.

Innovation Solution

A combined visual and audio display structure incorporating a deformable transparent surface layer, a visual display layer, and a piezo-electric layer in mechanical communication, where the drive circuit sends signals to the piezo-electric layer to deform the surface layer, generating audio output and allowing the display to act as a loudspeaker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate dedicated speaker is used, then audio output function is provided, but device volume increases and front face space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output functionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the visual display and audio output functions into a single integrated display structure. The display surface itself acts as a speaker by using a piezo-electric layer that deforms the transparent surface layer to generate audio output, eliminating the need for separate dedicated speakers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display structure serves multiple functions: it provides visual display through the visual display layer and simultaneously provides audio output through the piezo-electric layer that deforms the surface to generate sound waves. This multi-functional design reduces overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If speakers are located on the sides or rear of the mobile device, then space on the front face is preserved, but sound is directed away from the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront face areaVSAvoidsound direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the speaker function into the front-facing display structure, the audio output is naturally directed toward the user when the device is held in normal viewing position. The display surface acts as the speaker diaphragm, directing sound forward rather than to the sides or rear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the display occupies all or most of the front face, then visual display area is maximized, but space for speaker opening is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual display areaVSAvoidspeaker opening space

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the speaker function directly into the display structure by using the transparent surface layer and piezo-electric layer to generate audio output. This eliminates the need for separate speaker openings, allowing the display to occupy the entire front face while still providing audio output capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical speaker system with a piezo-electric actuation system. The piezo-electric layer deforms the transparent surface layer through electrical signals to generate sound waves, substituting the need for traditional speaker openings and mechanical speaker components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables a compact mobile device design with the display serving as both a visual and audio output source, ensuring sound is directed towards the user while maintaining a sleek front face, enhancing user experience and device integration.

Implementation Method 1

a piezo-electric layer in mechanical communication with the deformable transparent surface layer, and a drive circuit in electrical communication with the piezo-electric layer, wherein the drive circuit sends a drive signal to the piezo-electric layer to cause the piezo-electric layer to deform the deformable transparent surface layer and generate an audio output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10206044B2Display structure having a visual display and an audio output

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A display surface structure comprises a deformable transparent surface layer, a visual display layer visible through the deformable transparent surface layer, a piezo-electric layer in mechanical communication with the deformable transparent surface layer, and a drive circuit in electrical communication with the piezo-electric layer. The drive circuit sends a drive signal to the piezo-electric layer to cause the piezo-electric layer to deform the deformable transparent surface layer and generate an audio output.