News on April 17th reveals that while Apple has yet to release a foldable screen iPhone, internal development has been ongoing for years. However, some technical issues such as screen creasing and susceptibility to drops have hindered mass production.
The latest patent information, however, indicates that Apple has found a solution to enhance screen durability.
According to a recent disclosure from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has been granted a patent for a foldable screen smartphone, focusing on a novel concept of a spring layer to alleviate pressure during folding.
The spring layer comprises an array of metal springs, embedded within which are force sensing structures (such as strain gauges) and other sensors. Various flexible metals can be used, including spring steel, nickel-chromium-aluminum alloys, beryllium copper alloys, stainless steel, cobalt-nickel alloys, among others.
If necessary, foam columns and other compressible structures can be interspersed with springs to help adjust the performance of the spring layer.
Apple explains that introducing a spring layer in folding screen devices can mitigate external pressure during impacts, compression, and other events. Additionally, it can alleviate stress on the screen during repeated folding and unfolding, thereby enhancing the durability of folding screen devices.
Additionally, a previous Apple patent has also achieved self-healing screens, which can cover the screen with a layer of material capable of "self-healing" to reduce folds and scratches.
All indications suggest that Apple's reserve of foldable screen technology is becoming increasingly refined, potentially giving it a significant lead over competitors once a foldable screen iPhone is released.
