Apple plans complex hinges to support 'iPhone Fold' screen

The rumored "iPhone Fold" could use a system of gears to manage how the mobile device flexes, providing increased control and support to a potentially vulnerable component.

The headline feature of folding devices is the ability to fold the screen, as the name suggests. However, as products like Samsung's initial folding smartphonedemonstrate, the challenge is in making the big feature durable for long-term use.

One of the problems is managing how the screen actually folds and unfolds. A simple hinge mechanism could easily enable a folding mechanism to function, but it won't allow for the possibility of supporting the display at its most vulnerable position, or in controlling the speed of the process.

Such control could provide advantages, like preventing accidental damage from overflexing or from being moved too quickly.

In a patent granted to Apple by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday titled "Folding Electronic Devices with Geared Hinges," Apple attempts to solve the problem with a supportive mechanism.

This is a granting of a patent application that initially surfaced in December 2020, and was originally filed on April 15, 2020.

In the patent, Apple suggests various gear systems that could be used on the hinge mechanism. The gears, which uses toothed members and racks, could potentially rotate and roll along the rack members as the device is folded and unfolded.

An example of the patent's gear mechanism during an unfolding motion.

The gears can enable support structures to shift around while the device is unfolded or folded, bracing the display throughout the maneuver. Linkages hold the respective gears in place relative to one another, depending on their required tasks.

Depending on the arrangement, Apple's mechanism could allow for the iPhone to be opened in specific ways relative to the central spine of the device. It would be feasible for the two sections to independently fold out, or for Apple to force both pages to fold out at the same rate.

Like other patents, Apple does seem to be covering many different basis with the filing, with it covering not only hinges for inward-facing folds, but also devices with outward-facing displays when folded up.

A hinge mechanism designed for externally-facing displays.

While obviously intended for an iPhone or a tablet like an iPad, Apple also suggests it can be used for many other devices that could benefit from an expanding display. Suggestions include computer monitors, media players, watches and wristband devices, headphones or earphones, head-mounted devices, and even displays in vehicles like an "Apple Car."

The patent lists its inventors as Kai Wang, Zhiyong Cedric Xia, and Michael B. Wittenberg.

Apple files numerous patent applications on a weekly basis, but while the existence of a patent filing indicates areas of interest for Apple's research and development efforts, there's no guarantee it will result in a full product or service.

The idea of a folding display and hinged mechanisms has been floated in the past, including one filing from 2016 suggesting an iPhone could be clipped onto clothing using the system. More complex hinge mechanisms have also surfaced, with a December 2020 multi-link hinge potentially easing the screen into a bend while providing support.

Complex bend combinations have also been considered, such as the 2016 foldable device with a wrap-around display with multiple flexible sections.

Apple has also thought about other issues, such as temperature, that could affect the strength of the display. In one filing granted in March 2021, Apple proposes using heating elements or pixels to warm up the flexible portion of the display on a warm day, while a catch mechanism prevents it from being opened when it is unsafe.

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8 Comments

sdw2001 23 Years · 17460 comments

About 3 years ago

Maybe I'm just not imaginative, but I've never understood the push for foldable smartphones or tablets. I could see this for larger displays, for portability reasons. I guess it would help the issue of phones being so large that they fall out of pockets, etc.

john-useless 4 Years · 73 comments

sdw2001 said:

Maybe I'm just not imaginative, but I've never understood the push for foldable smartphones or tablets. I could see this for larger displays, for portability reasons. I guess it would help the issue of phones being so large that they fall out of pockets, etc.

Before buying the first of my many iPhones in 2007 or 2008, my previous phones were a Motorola StarTac and a Motorola Razr. If memory serves, both were considered premium flip phones in their days. The former was plasticky in construction but felt great to use (and I especially liked how that one easily slipped in and out of a little holster clipped to my belt at my waist), and the latter's metal construction and color screen felt space-age to use at the time (even if its software was unappealing, even when new). Snapping them shut with one hand to end a call felt incredibly satisfying! And they both hardly took up any space when folded. So I definitely see the appeal.

I have slowly progressed from the original iPhone's 3.5-inch screen to carrying around full-size iPhones (first a 7 Plus, now a Xs Max). An iPhone 12 Pro Max folded in half might end up being too bulky, but an iPhone 12 Pro folded in half might be just right. It seems inevitable that Apple will release a flip phone, and I can't wait to see what they come up with. If using it is as satisfying as my old Motorolas, I might even go back to wearing a nerdy belt holster for it.

john-useless said:

sdw2001 said:

Maybe I'm just not imaginative, but I've never understood the push for foldable smartphones or tablets. I could see this for larger displays, for portability reasons. I guess it would help the issue of phones being so large that they fall out of pockets, etc.

Before buying the first of my many iPhones in 2007 or 2008, my previous phones were a Motorola StarTac and a Motorola Razr. If memory serves, both were considered premium flip phones in their days. The former was plasticky in construction but felt great to use (and I especially liked how that one easily slipped in and out of a little holster clipped to my belt at my waist), and the latter's metal construction and color screen felt space-age to use at the time (even if its software was unappealing, even when new). Snapping them shut with one hand to end a call felt incredibly satisfying! And they both hardly took up any space when folded. So I definitely see the appeal.

I have slowly progressed from the original iPhone's 3.5-inch screen to carrying around full-size iPhones (first a 7 Plus, now a Xs Max). An iPhone 12 Pro Max folded in half might end up being too bulky, but an iPhone 12 Pro folded in half might be just right. It seems inevitable that Apple will release a flip phone, and I can't wait to see what they come up with. If using it is as satisfying as my old Motorolas, I might even go back to wearing a nerdy belt holster for it.

The Dad holster! Love it. I was trying to think along the lines you mentioned. I have had an iPhone going back to the 3G. Starting with the 6+, I'd say they would be hard from a folding perspective (just too much mass). I have a 12 pro max now. One thing that does occur to me is what a mess this would be for the case and screen protector industry. I've used a case most of the time, always regretting it when I don't. And now I use screen protectors too. I ended up getting small scratches on my 12 PM and have found that the protector has saved my display more than once (including it falling out in my driveway as I was shoveling/snow blowing).

Hank2.0 5 Years · 151 comments

sdw2001 said:

Maybe I'm just not imaginative, but I've never understood the push for foldable smartphones or tablets. I could see this for larger displays, for portability reasons. I guess it would help the issue of phones being so large that they fall out of pockets, etc.

IMHO - At one end you have users who primarily use cell phones to communicate. At the other end there are users who see cell phones (and tablets) as replacements for computers (laptops or desktops). It is natural that the latter would want the most screen space as possible. It follows that, generally, they buy the biggest, and usually the most expensive, screens.

As for the described screen folding gear mechanism, I'm thinking that Apple is looking more for the benefits of having another folding patent rather than protecting a serious proposal. Complexity is the enemy of reliability.

geekmee 13 Years · 647 comments

Please remind me, again....
What problem does this solve??

Which is exactly why I believe this will never see the light of day. I see this for development purposes only to see what Apple can learn.