Apple is still working on the design for foldable devices. The most recent patent filed today is titled “Hinges for folding display devices” (US 12,164,344). Over the years, Apple has been granted many patents for foldaways, but the company has never rolled out the actual device, whose creation has faced some holdups, or so the reports say.
The new patent describes a hinge mechanism consisting of thus-formed interlinked “fingers” and a frictional clutch through any number of interconnected links. A major innovation of this design is the crescent-shaped slots that give each link the possibility to rotate concerning the others, above which the actual arrangement shifts the axis of rotation outside the link itself, addressing key issues in the hinge function.
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As per the patent, this hinge type can be broadly applicable to all sorts of devices, be it a phone, tablet, laptop, watch, or any other form of wearables. It shows, at least, the intent of Apple to encompass almost all options, but the reality of whether this hinge is an improved version of past designs or whether it will stack with all other patent-owned hinge systems for various devices remains to be known.
The patent also describes the roles of the fingers, pins, and gears in a compact yet functional clutch mechanism. This system creates a reliable friction adjustment such that the hinge puts a hold on the chosen position of flexing. Both parts on each side then function with the same rotary movements resulting in a smooth folding and unfolding process.