LG Display has revealed its Thin Actuator Sound Solution, a small speaker that can be installed inside a range of components found inside the vehicle. The technology firm is looking to commercialize the speaker in the first half of 2023.
Developed with an unnamed global audio company, the solution provides a compact alternative to conventional in-vehicle speakers. While the inclusion of components such as voice coils, cones, and magnets can make these speakers larger and heavier, LG Display’s film-like exciter technology allows it to remain thin and lightweight. This technology also helps the device to generate sound by vibrating off display panels and other in-vehicle materials – providing what LG Display describes as an immersive 3D sound experience in the process.
The Thin Actuator Sound Solution measures 150mm wide x 90mm high, with a thickness of 2.5mm. LG Display has said that the solution’s weight of 40 grams makes it 30% of the weight, and 10% of the thickness, of a conventional car speaker.
In designing the speaker with a compact size and form factor, the solution can be installed inside the dashboard, headliner, pillar, and headrests. While effectively making the solution ‘invisible’, these qualities also work to free up interior space (normally taken by conventional speakers) and remove the need for larger in-vehicle speaker grills.
Ahead of its launch, LG Display confirmed plans to showcase the technology at CES 2023 – where attendees can experience demonstrations of the new audio solution.
