Ultrasonic Generator Integrated Into Display Panel Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound producing devices are large and difficult to integrate with ultra-thin display panels, especially in full-screen designs, and cannot achieve directional sound production suitable for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic generator is integrated into each pixel unit of a display panel, comprising a substrate, lower and upper electrodes, and an ultrasonic generation unit with a vibration chamber and layer that generates ultrasonic waves using capacitive or piezoelectric principles, allowing for directional sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional sound producing devices are used, then sound production function is achieved, but device size becomes large and integration with display panel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sound producing device is segmented into multiple independent ultrasonic vibration units arranged in an array on the display panel. Each unit consists of a vibration chamber, ultrasonic generation layer, and electrodes, allowing individual control and compact integration without requiring a single large speaker component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic vibration units are merged with the display panel structure by integrating them directly onto the panel surface. The vibration chambers are formed within the panel thickness, and the ultrasonic generation layers are deposited as thin films, combining sound production functionality with the display structure to achieve a compact integrated device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sound producing devices are used, then sound production is achieved, but directional sound production capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the display panel are equipped with independent ultrasonic vibration units that can be selectively activated. By controlling specific local units rather than a single omnidirectional speaker, the system achieves directional sound projection toward specific viewing positions while maintaining overall structural simplicity through standardized unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the phase and amplitude of each ultrasonic vibration unit based on viewer position and content requirements. This dynamic adjustment of individual unit parameters enables directional sound beam steering and focusing without requiring mechanical movement or complex acoustic structures.
3Length of stationary object
If display panel thickness is reduced for ultra-thin design, then aesthetic and portability are improved, but space for sound producing devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibration units utilize the surface area of the display panel rather than requiring significant thickness. The vibration chambers are formed as shallow cavities within the panel, and the ultrasonic generation layers are deposited as thin films, effectively using the panel's lateral dimensions to accommodate sound production functionality without increasing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic generation layers are implemented as thin flexible films deposited on the vibration chambers. These thin film structures provide the necessary acoustic function while occupying minimal space, enabling integration into ultra-thin display panels without compromising sound production capability.
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 compact, directional sound production integrated with display technology, suitable for thin and flexible OLED panels and potentially LCD panels, without affecting image display and suitable for mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic generation unit is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive ultrasonic generation unit and a piezoelectric ultrasonic generation unit
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic generation layer of the piezoelectric ultrasonic generation unit comprises: a silicon nitride layer comprising a plurality of etched holes; a porous silicon layer on the silicon nitride layer; and a piezoelectric film layer between the porous silicon layer and the upper electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic generator includes a substrate, a lower electrode on the substrate, an upper electrode on the lower electrode, and an ultrasonic generation unit between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. The ultrasonic generation unit includes a vibration chamber and an ultrasonic generation layer on the vibration chamber. The ultrasonic generation layer is configured to propel a surrounding medium to vibrate to generate ultrasonic waves in response to a voltage difference between the upper electrode and the lower electrode.