Vibration Apparatus for Thin Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display apparatuses face challenges in achieving high sound quality and sound pressure level due to the thickness and fragility of piezoelectric speakers, which limits their design and reliability, especially when applied to flexible or curved displays.

Innovation Solution

A vibration apparatus is integrated at the rear surface of a display panel, comprising multiple vibration modules and a pad member, which enhances sound output characteristics by vibrating the display panel to direct sound forward, while maintaining a thin profile and improving durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If piezoelectric elements are used to reduce speaker thickness, then the thickness is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to fragility and susceptibility to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker thicknessVSAvoidsound reproduction reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration apparatus is divided into multiple vibration modules (first, second, third, and fourth vibration modules) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the system to achieve enhanced sound pressure level and stereo sound output while using thinner piezoelectric elements, as the distributed modular structure compensates for the reduced thickness through coordinated vibration of multiple units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple vibration modules are combined to work together as a unified system. The first and second vibration modules generate sound in a first direction, while the third and fourth vibration modules generate sound in a second direction, merging their effects to produce enhanced stereo sound output and improved reliability through redundancy and distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If conventional speakers are installed in display apparatuses, then sound can be provided, but the design and spatial disposition are limited due to occupied space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidspace occupied by speaker
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel serves multiple functions: it displays images and simultaneously acts as a vibration transmission surface for sound output. The vibration modules are integrated with the display panel structure, allowing the same physical space to fulfill both display and audio functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate speaker spaces and enhancing design flexibility.

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

3Length of stationary object

If piezoelectric elements are used to achieve thinness, then the thickness is reduced, but damage occurs due to fragile characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker thicknessVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple segmented vibration modules instead of a single large piezoelectric element. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and reduces the vulnerability of any single element, allowing thinner individual elements to be used while maintaining overall system strength and damage resistance through the collective structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively increases sound pressure level and quality, enabling stereo sound output while maintaining a thin form factor and enhancing durability, suitable for flexible and curved displays.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration apparatus disposed at a rear surface of the display panel to vibrate the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

Piezoelectric elements that enable thinness to be implemented are attracting much attention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3989603A1Vibration apparatus and apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3989603A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3989603A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3989603A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a display panel configured to display an image, a vibration apparatus disposed at a rear surface of the display panel to vibrate the display panel, wherein the vibration apparatus includes a plurality of vibration structures, and a pad member disposed outside or inside the vibration apparatus.