Google Files Patent To Make Foldable Displays Durable

Google is a company that is not limited to one particular field or industry. Being in the hardware space for a long time with devices like Nexus and Pixel phones, Pixel tablets and such the company has recently filed for a patent that intends to improve the durability of foldable displays. It seems that the patent is not meant for just one single device but it rethinks how foldable displays are made and operate. The patent details three different types of solutions which can improve the durability of a foldable display panel.

Limitations Of Foldable Displays

The currently showcased displays by major companies like Samsung and LG make use of flexible material that is engineered to have high tensile and compressive strength. Every flexible display is rated to bend to a certain degree without experiencing permanent damage. If the display is bent beyond that degree it loses its capability to retract to its original state. Google, however has filed patents for three mechanisms that approach this issue from a completely different perspective.

Google’s Patents

The patent filed by Google includes three different approaches to making a highly durable foldable display.

• Low Stretch Fibres- The first type of display has an additional layer of stretchable fibres. The stretchable fibres prevent it from bending after a certain degree. It involves arranging the low stretch fibres in such a manner that ensure that they reach their limit of elasticity before the display is bent beyond its minimum bend radius.

• Memory Metal Display- This patent has thin wires of a memory metal which is arranged in a grid layout behind the actual display panel. Memory metal is a metal alloy which when bent has the ability to restore back to its original state when one exposes it to a certain temperature. In simple words, attaching such a metal mesh to a foldable display will allow it to spring back to its unfolded state.

• Non-Newtonian Fluid Display- A non-newtonian fluid is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity. That is constant viscosity independent of stress. Such gel or fluid can be infused with electro-active materials like polymer-metal composites. Electric current and voltage can be used to limit the bending radius of screens having this fluid. Therefore allowing companies to make foldable displays that have a high durability.

The patents are just a concept as of now. But the ideas look promising and can be shaped into real life future technologies.