Touch Sensing Member Audio Output via Piezoelectric Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices primarily serve the function of image display and lack an integrated audio output capability, necessitating the inclusion of a separate speaker for sound provision.

Innovation Solution

A display device incorporating a touch sensing member with both touch functionality and audio output capability, featuring a vibration area that generates vibrations in response to audio signals and a window that converts these vibrations into sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate speaker is added to provide audio output, then audio functionality is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the speaker function with the existing touch sensing member by integrating a piezoelectric polymer layer into the touch sensing structure. The vibration area of the touch sensing member serves dual purposes: touch detection and audio output through piezoelectric vibration, eliminating the need for a separate speaker component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing member is designed to perform multiple functions: touch sensing in the touch sensing area and audio output in the vibration area. This multi-functional design allows the same component to serve both original and new purposes, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate speaker is added to provide audio output, then audio functionality is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output capabilityVSAvoiddevice area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker function is merged into the existing touch sensing member structure. The piezoelectric polymer layer is integrated within the touch sensing member, allowing audio output without adding external speaker components that would increase device area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing member serves dual functions: touch detection and audio output. By making the same component multi-functional, the device avoids the space requirements of a dedicated speaker, maintaining compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the touch sensing member is used for both touch sensing and audio output, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpiezoelectric polymer layer integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensing member is divided into different functional areas: a touch sensing area for touch detection and a vibration area for audio output. The piezoelectric polymer layer is specifically applied in the vibration area where it is needed for audio function, allowing differentiated properties in different regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 integration of touch sensing and audio output functions within the display device enhances its usability by eliminating the need for a separate speaker, while also reducing device size and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric polymer layer generating vibrations in response to a first audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a window which is located on the touch sensing member and outputs sound in response to the vibrations generated in the vibration area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3451150B1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3451150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3451150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3451150B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, a touch sensing member which is disposed on the display panel and comprises a touch sensing area and a vibration area disposed around the touch sensing area and generating vibrations in response to a first audio signal, and a window which is disposed on the touch sensing member and outputs sound in response to the vibrations generated in the vibration area.