Samsung Patents 360-Degree Foldable Phone: A Fold in Every Direction
Samsung is never content to stick with the status quo in foldable technology. A newly released patent application offers a glimpse at their next development. Imagine a phone that folds inward and outward. Samsung is testing a design with 360 degrees of flexibility.
A Hinge That Does Double Duty
Envision a flip phone, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip series, but one that folds clamshell-style and back onto itself. Patent applications reveal a specially designed hinge mechanism. This hinge allows the foldable screen to turn in either direction.
Clever support structures are included to prevent shattering the delicate screen. These structures would likely stiffen the display when folded. The patent also mentions magnets, probably to keep the phone closed in various folded positions.
A Peekaboo External Display?
Examining the inward fold, like a traditional flip phone, reveals an interesting detail. The patent suggests a thin strip of the main display may be visible below the camera module even when closed. This could serve as a mini external screen. It would be a useful place for notifications, time, or quick glances without fully opening the phone.
Just a Patent For Now
It is important to remember this is only a patent application. Samsung files patents for concepts that may not become real products. A 360-degree foldable sounds innovative, but there is no guarantee of a release soon. Details on specs or a release timeline are unknown currently.
However, Samsung's experimentation with foldable design iterations is noteworthy. This patent indicates they are willing to challenge the fundamental operation of these devices.
