Piezoelectric Panel Sound Transmission via Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices that transmit air conduction sound and human body vibration sound require the vibration body to be pressed against the ear, leading to usability issues and potential damage to the piezoelectric element.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a piezoelectric element attached to the back surface of a panel, which undergoes expansion and contraction to generate vibrations, allowing air conduction sound and human body vibration sound to be transmitted without the need to press the vibration body against the ear, using a control unit to apply an electric signal and a joining member to attach the piezoelectric element to the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vibration body is attached to the outer surface of the housing and projected outward, then air conduction sound and human body vibration sound can be transmitted to the user, but the vibration body needs to be pressed to the ear which causes usability problems and potential damage to the piezoelectric element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration transmission member (such as a metal plate or housing structure) as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the user's ear. The piezoelectric element is attached to the inner surface of the housing, and the vibration transmission member transfers the vibrations to the housing outer surface, which then contacts the user's ear. This mediator eliminates the need for the piezoelectric element itself to be pressed against the ear, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the vibration body is attached to the outer surface of the housing, then sound transmission is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional waterproofing measures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the piezoelectric element to the outer surface of the housing as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the attachment approach by mounting the piezoelectric element on the inner surface of the housing. The vibration transmission member then conducts vibrations through the housing structure itself to the outer surface. This inversion simplifies the waterproof structure by eliminating the need for sound discharge openings and reducing the complexity of sealing requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If the vibration body is made compact and integrated into the housing, then the device size is reduced, but the vibration transmission efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, acts as a vibration transmission path, and maintains compact integration of components. The vibration transmission member is designed to efficiently couple the piezoelectric element to the housing structure, enabling the housing to function both as a structural enclosure and as an acoustic transmission medium. This multi-functionality maintains vibration transmission efficiency while achieving compact device integration.
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
Enables effective transmission of air conduction sound and human body vibration sound without the need to protrude the vibration body from the housing, improving usability and reducing the risk of damage to the piezoelectric element, while also simplifying the waterproof structure by eliminating the need for a sound discharge opening.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (30) attached to a back surface of the panel (10); wherein the control unit (50) applies an electric signal to the piezoelectric element (30), thereby deforming the panel (10) due to deformation of the piezoelectric element (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
According to the present invention, air conduction sound and human body vibration sound (e.g. bone conduction sound) are transmitted to a user without a need for pressing a vibration body itself to an ear. An electronic device 1 of the present invention includes: a panel 10; a housing 60 configured to support the panel 10; and a piezoelectric element 30 attached to the panel 10. The panel 10 is deformed due to deformation of the piezoelectric element 30, and air conduction sound and human body vibration sound are transmitted to an object that is in contact with the deformed panel 10.