Piezoelectric Vibration Apparatus for Forward Sound in Thin Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization and sound output direction, with embedded speakers often directing sound backward or sideways, reducing viewer immersion and increasing thickness due to the inclusion of magnet and coil actuators.

Innovation Solution

A vibration apparatus integrated into the display panel, utilizing a conductive substrate with alternately stacked vibration and electrode layers, which vibrates to direct sound forward, enhancing sound quality and pressure levels without the need for additional thickness, achieved through a multi-layered piezoelectric device without an isolation process, simplifying manufacturing and integrating with the display panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a traditional speaker with magnet and coil actuators is embedded in the display apparatus, then sound output function is achieved, but the thickness of the display apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output functionVSAvoidthickness of display apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system (magnet and coil) with a piezoelectric actuator system. The piezoelectric layer converts electrical signals directly into mechanical vibrations of the display panel, eliminating the need for bulky magnetic components and reducing the overall thickness of the sound output device while maintaining effective sound generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic actuation to piezoelectric actuation. This parameter change in the actuation mechanism allows for a more compact design with reduced thickness, as piezoelectric materials can achieve the necessary vibrational amplitudes without requiring the space-consuming magnet and coil assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a speaker is embedded in the display apparatus, then sound output function is achieved, but sound is directed backward or sideways instead of forward, reducing viewer immersion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output functionVSAvoidsound direction toward viewer

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of embedding a speaker that pushes sound backward or sideways and hoping it reaches the viewer, the patent inverts the approach by using the display panel itself as the sound radiating surface. The piezoelectric actuator vibrates the front surface of the display panel directly, causing sound to propagate forward toward the viewer, thereby improving immersion and sound directionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Length of stationary object

If the display apparatus is miniaturized and thinned, then portability and modern design requirements are met, but sufficient space for embedding a sound apparatus is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of display apparatusVSAvoidspace for sound apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound output function with the display panel structure itself. The piezoelectric layer is integrated directly onto the display panel, and the panel serves dual purposes as both the visual display surface and the sound radiating surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate sound apparatus space, allowing the display apparatus to be thinned while maintaining sound output capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: visual display and sound output. By making the display panel itself the sound radiating element through piezoelectric integration, the system achieves multi-functionality, eliminating the need for dedicated speaker space and enabling further miniaturization and thinning of the overall apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables forward sound direction, improved sound quality, and reduced thickness in display apparatuses by integrating a vibration apparatus directly into the display panel, addressing the limitations of traditional speaker systems and enhancing user immersion.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the one or more vibration generating apparatuses can include a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer can be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240223962A1Vibration apparatus and display apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A vibration apparatus includes a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer are alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.