Flexible OLED Panel With Piezoelectric Flat-Speaker Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display panels lack an effective means to utilize their flexibility for both display and sound functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating one or more piezoelectric films on the rear surface of an organic electroluminescent panel to function as a flat speaker, allowing the display panel to produce sound while maintaining flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a display panel incorporates traditional speaker components, then sound functionality is achieved, but flexibility and thinness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound functionalityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the speaker function with the display panel itself by using the panel's rear surface as the speaker diaphragm. The piezoelectric film is integrated directly onto the rear surface of the flexible display panel, eliminating the need for separate traditional speaker components. This combination allows the display panel to serve dual purposes: visual display and sound output, while maintaining flexibility and thinness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a visual display device and a speaker. The rear surface of the flexible display panel functions as the speaker diaphragm, while the piezoelectric film provides the actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate speaker components, preserving the panel's flexibility and thin profile.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid speaker components are added to a flexible display panel, then sound output is achieved, but ease of winding and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound outputVSAvoidease of winding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a piezoelectric film, which is a thin and flexible component, to replace traditional rigid speaker parts. This flexible film can be integrated into the flexible display panel without compromising its ability to be wound or bent. The thin-film structure maintains the panel's flexibility while providing the necessary sound output functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional speaker components are integrated into the display panel, then sound device functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound device functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the speaker function with the display panel structure by using the rear surface as the diaphragm and integrating a piezoelectric film directly onto it. This merger eliminates the need for separate speaker housings, magnets, and other traditional speaker components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sound functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the display panel to function as both a flexible display and a sound device, improving sound quality and ease of winding without compromising flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

one or a plurality of piezoelectric films that vibrates the organic electroluminescent panel as a flat speaker is provided on a rear surface of the organic electroluminescent panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3723389B1Display panel and display device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3723389B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3723389B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3723389B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible organic electroluminescent panel, and one or a plurality of piezoelectric films provided on a rear surface of the organic electroluminescent panel and vibrating the organic electroluminescent panel as a flat speaker.