Segmented Speaker Suspension for Panel Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional panel display speakers face challenges in achieving optimal audio performance while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, as soft suspensions provide better audio but are visible and increase device thickness, while hard suspensions improve feel but compromise audio quality.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a segmented suspension system with a soft section for better audio performance at the earpiece functionality location and a harder section elsewhere to balance audio quality and device perception, using materials like urethane foam and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a soft suspension is used to connect the display element to the frame, then audio performance is improved, but the suspension becomes visible and device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio performanceVSAvoiddevice thickness and visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with soft suspension material (urethane foam) for optimal audio performance, and a second section with hard suspension material (pressure-sensitive adhesive tape) for structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the suspension are assigned different material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first section uses soft, compliant material for audio quality, while the second section uses rigid material for structural integrity and thinness, creating local optimization throughout the suspension structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If a hard suspension is used to connect the display element to the frame, then device feel and thickness are improved, but audio quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thickness and feelVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with soft suspension material (urethane foam) for optimal audio performance, and a second section with hard suspension material (pressure-sensitive adhesive tape) for structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the suspension are assigned different material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first section uses soft, compliant material for audio quality, while the second section uses rigid material for structural integrity and thinness, creating local optimization throughout the suspension structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the vibrating element is positioned at the display element, then audio performance is improved, but the risk of display damage during drops increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio performanceVSAvoiddisplay damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrating element is extracted from direct contact with the display element and repositioned on the frame at a location that does not interfere with display integrity. This separation allows the display to remain protected while still enabling effective audio transmission through the display element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves as an intermediary structure that houses the vibrating element at a safe distance from the display element. This intermediary positioning allows the vibrating element to drive the display element for audio output without being in direct contact that would compromise display safety during drops

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

This approach enhances low-frequency reproduction and overall audio response while providing a robust feel to the user, reducing the risk of display damage during drops and allowing for a more compact design.

Implementation Method 1

the first section comprises a soft suspension of the at least one display element between the at least one display element and the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

soft suspension of the at least one display element between the at least one display element and the frame at the first location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the second section comprises a harder suspension of the at least one display element between the at least one display element and the frame than the first section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2894838B1Speaker suspension
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2894838B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2894838B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2894838B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus including a frame; and a speaker connected to the frame. The speaker includes at least one vibrating element and at least one display element. The at least one vibrating element is configured to at least partially move the at least one display element to generate sound waves from the at least one display element. A connection of the speaker to the frame includes a first section at a first location of the at least one display element and a second section at a second location of the at least one display element. The first section includes a soft suspension of the at least one display element between the at least one display element and the frame. The second section includes a harder suspension of the at least one display element between the at least one display element and the frame than the first section. The at least one vibrating element is located away from the second location of the at least one display element and located proximate the at least one display element at the first location of the at least one display element so as to move the at least one display element substantially using the first section based on the soft suspension of the at least one display element.