A mechanical-to-acoustical transducer has at least one actuator, preferably a
piezo
motor, that is coupled, generally perpendicularly, to one edge of a diaphragm formed
from a thin, flexible sheet material. The diaphragm is fixed at a point spaced
from the actuator in the direction of its motion so that excursion of the actuator
is translated into a corresponding, mechanically-amplified, excursion of the diaphragm—typically
amplified five to seven times. The diaphragm is curved, preferably parabolically,
and to a small degree. The diaphragm, if optically clear, can be mounted on a frame
over a video display screen to provide a screen speaker. Preferably, such a screen
speaker is pinned or adhered at upper and lower edges at or near its vertical centerline
and is supported by and driven at both lateral edges by one or more single layer
piezo actuators. The actuators are secured at one end to the frame or other stationary
member, and at a free, movable end, to an edge of the diaphragm, generally at right
angles. A gasket seals the edges of the diaphragm to maintain an acoustic pressure
gradient across the diaphragm.