Islamabad, Dec 11: Apple is continuing its exploration of foldable device designs, as shown by the latest patent granted today, titled “Hinges for folding display devices” (US 12,164,344). Although Apple has received many patents related to foldable technology over the years, it has yet to release a foldable device, with delays reportedly slowing its progress.
The new patent outlines a hinge system with interconnected links made up of interlinked “fingers” and a friction clutch. One of the main innovations in this design is the inclusion of crescent-shaped slots, allowing each link to rotate relative to others. This arrangement moves the axis of rotation outside the link itself, solving key challenges in hinge functionality.
The patent suggests that this hinge design could be used in a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, watches, and wearables. While it’s not clear if this hinge is an improved version of previous designs or will work alongside other hinge systems for different devices, it shows Apple’s intent to explore various possibilities.
The patent also describes how the fingers, pins, and gears interact to form a compact yet efficient clutch mechanism, offering precise friction control to maintain the desired folding angle. The gears ensure that both sides of the hinge rotate equally, allowing for smooth folding and unfolding.
Reports suggest that Apple is working on a flip-style iPhone and larger foldable devices like an iPad or MacBook. However, the company faces technical challenges, especially with developing reliable display and hinge systems, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Whether this new hinge design will overcome these challenges remains to be seen, but it highlights Apple’s continued investment in foldable technology.
