Reinforced actuators for distributed mode loudspeakers

A mobile device comprising:

• an electronic display panel extending in a plane;
• a chassis attached to the electronic display panel and defining a space between a back panel of the chassis and the electronic display panel;
• an electronic control module housed in the space, the electronic control module comprising a processor;
• and
• an actuator housed in the space and attached to a surface of the electronic display panel and configured to couple vibrations to the electronic display panel to cause the electronic display panel to emit audio waves, the actuator comprising:
• a frame,
• a magnetic circuit assembly comprising a magnet and a voice coil, the magnet and voice coil being moveable relative to each other during operation of the actuator along an axis perpendicular to the panel's plane, and
• one or more suspension members attaching the frame to a first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, each suspension member comprising:
• a segment attaching the suspension member to the frame,
• a first arm extending away from the segment to a first end attached to the first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, and a second arm extending away from the segment to a second end attached to the first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, the first and second ends being respectively attached to opposite sides of the first component of the magnetic assembly, and
• wherein during operation of the actuator the first arm and the second arm of the suspension member flex to accommodate axial displacements of the magnet relative to the voice coil.

A wearable device comprising:

• an electronic display panel extending in a plane;
• a chassis attached to the electronic display panel and defining a space between a back panel of the chassis and the electronic display panel;
• an electronic control module housed in the space, the electronic control module comprising a processor;
• and
• an actuator housed in the space and attached to a surface of the electronic display panel and configured to couple vibrations to the electronic display panel to cause the electronic display panel to emit audio waves, the actuator comprising:
• a frame,
• a magnetic circuit assembly comprising a magnet and a voice coil, the magnet and voice coil being moveable relative to each other during operation of the actuator along an axis perpendicular to the panel's plane, and
• one or more suspension members attaching the frame to a first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, each suspension member comprising:
• a segment attaching the suspension member to the frame,
• a first arm extending away from the segment to a first end attached to the first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, and
• a second arm extending away from the segment to a second end attached to the first component of the magnetic circuit assembly, the first and second ends being respectively attached to opposite sides of the first component of the magnetic assembly, and
• wherein during operation of the actuator the first arm and the second arm of the suspension member flex to accommodate axial displacements of the magnet relative to the voice coil.