A Phone That Extends to Provide More Screen Space
Samsung Electronics has patented a smartphone that can extend the length of its screen to 30 cm using rollable and foldable technologies.
According to the Dutch IT media outlet LetsGoDigital, Samsung Electronics registered a patent called a multiple folding electronic device with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in September in 2021.
The patent adopted a compact square design like the Galaxy Z Flip series already selling in the market. However, when unfolded, it expands up to four times the size of the Galaxy Z Flip.
This is because rollable and foldable technologies were used for the device at the same time. If a user pulls both sides of the device’s bottom while the device is unfolded, the screen will be extended more like a rollable phone. It is reminiscent of a traditional Korean scroll. It is also possible to draw only the rollable display while the device is folded.
LetsGoDigital explains that if the display is fully unfolded, it will be twice the size of the Galaxy Z Flip when it is unfolded. Considering that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is 16.6 cm when unfolded, the device is expected to stretch up to 30cm.
This patent can also fold display parts with a unique structure of a vertical screen and a horizontal screen on both sides. It is not confirmed exactly what structure the device uses, but two upright display parts are pulled together by their own force, LetsGoDigital explained.
The product in question is a perfect device for mobile games, LetsGoDigital said. Users of this gadget can do additional multipurpose work with virtual game buttons including D Pad.
However, it remains to be seen when this patent will be actually commercialized. LetsGoDigital forecast that it may take years for the first multi-folding electronic device to come out.