Display Speaker Waveguide With Path Change for Slim-Bezel Acoustics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound output devices in slim display devices suffer from sound quality degradation due to destructive interference caused by the elongated shape of the speaker shaft, which affects response characteristics at specific frequencies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a waveguide with a path change member to extend the sound path and adjust frequency bands, minimizing interference by using materials like sound absorbing materials to shift interference frequencies out of the audible range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the speaker shaft is elongated to reduce the overall size of the display device, then the display device achieves a slim thickness with minimized bezel, but sound quality degradation occurs due to destructive interference at specific frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall size of display deviceVSAvoidsound quality degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sound absorbing material to convert the harmful destructive interference into beneficial sound absorption. The sound absorbing material absorbs the sound waves that would otherwise cause destructive interference at specific frequencies, transforming the harmful acoustic phenomenon into a controlled energy dissipation process that improves overall sound quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sound absorbing material as an intermediary element between the speaker shaft and the external environment. This intermediary absorbs and dampens the problematic sound waves generated by the elongated speaker shaft, mediating the acoustic field to prevent destructive interference from reaching the listener

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the speaker is hidden in the display to achieve a minimized overall size, then the display device achieves a sleek design, but sound output quality deteriorates due to spatial constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall size of display deviceVSAvoidsound output quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sound absorbing material specifically at the closed end of the speaker shaft where destructive interference occurs most prominently. This localized treatment addresses the specific acoustic problem in the constrained space without requiring overall enlargement of the display device, maintaining both compact size and sound quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sound absorbing material is added to control destructive interference, then sound quality improves by shifting interference frequencies out of audible range, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedestructive interferenceVSAvoidspeaker structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes sound absorbing material with porous structure to control destructive interference. The porous nature of the material provides effective sound absorption and interference control through its inherent physical structure rather than complex mechanical arrangements, managing to control acoustic interference without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

Improves sound quality by maintaining even frequency response across a wide range (20 Hz to 20 kHz) without significant degradation, enhancing acoustic characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a path change member (135) configured to adjust a predetermined band of the sound generated from the speaker (110), wherein the path change member (135) includes a sound absorbing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3968655B1Sound output device and display device including same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3968655B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968655B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3968655B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sound output device according to the present disclosure comprises: a speaker for generating sound; a guide tube which is formed in a hollow tube shape, and which receives the sound generated by the speaker through one end thereof and outputs same; and a waveguide arranged between the speaker and the guide tube, wherein the waveguide connects the speaker with the guide tube, and includes a throat tube formed in a hollow tube shape, and at least one path change member for adjusting the preset frequency band of the sound during the transmission of the sound generated by the speaker to the guide tube.