Vibrating Electronic Display for Acoustic Sound Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in miniaturizing loudspeakers while maintaining audio performance, particularly due to size constraints and issues with sound directionality and light reflection from vibrating displays, which affect both audio quality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an electronic display and a stationary, acoustically transparent part that allows the display to vibrate and generate sound waves, with controlled hole dimensions and coatings to minimize interference and enhance sound directionality, using electrostatic charges and actuators to induce vibrations and manage sound radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display/cover vibrates to generate sound waves, then audio performance is improved, but light reflection from the external surface vibrates and distracts the user, negatively influencing display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly is segmented into two separate functional layers: a stationary display cover that remains fixed to prevent light reflection issues, and a display element positioned behind it that vibrates to generate sound waves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound generation function is moved from the external surface of the display cover to a dimension behind it, where the display element can vibrate without affecting the optical properties of the front surface. This dimensional relocation resolves the conflict between acoustic and optical performance.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional loudspeakers are reduced in size to accommodate smaller devices, then device miniaturization is achieved, but audio performance is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is given dual functionality: it serves both as the visual display interface and as the acoustic transducer for sound generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate loudspeaker component, enabling device miniaturization while maintaining audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display and loudspeaker functions are merged into a single integrated assembly where the display element performs both visual and acoustic functions. This consolidation reduces the overall device size while preserving the performance of both functions.
3Area of stationary object
If sound is routed through the back or sides of the housing due to lack of space on the front, then space constraints are addressed, but audio performance is further compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display element serves as both the visual interface and the acoustic radiating surface, allowing sound to be emitted from the front of the device where the display is located. This eliminates the need to route sound through the back or sides, maintaining audio performance while addressing space constraints.
4Reliability
If the stationary part is made acoustically transparent with holes to allow sound radiation, then sound directionality is improved, but the holes may be visible and affect the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary part is designed with non-uniform properties: it is acoustically transparent (with holes or porous structure) in the regions where sound radiation is needed, while maintaining a solid, appearance-friendly structure in regions where visual quality is prioritized. This local differentiation allows both acoustic performance and aesthetic appearance to be optimized in their respective zones.
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 solution enables improved audio performance by reducing distortion and light reflection, while allowing for controlled sound directionality, enhancing user experience and privacy in hands-free modes without compromising device miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic display/display face configured to vibrate with respect to the stationary part, vibration of the electronic display/display face configured to displace air adjacent to the plane of the electronic display to generate sound waves
Implementation Method 2
wherein the stationary part is substantially acoustically transparent and configured such that the sound waves generated by the vibrations are able to radiate through the stationary part
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including an electronic display and a stationary part, the stationary part configured to overlie the display face of the electronic display such that the display face of the electronic display is positioned behind the stationary part, the electronic display/display face configured to vibrate with respect to the stationary part, vibration of the electronic display/display face configured to displace air adjacent to the plane of the electronic display to generate sound waves in the direction of the stationary part, wherein the stationary part is substantially acoustically transparent and configured such that the sound waves generated by the vibrations are able to radiate through the stationary part.