SAMSUNG

Company files patent for an extendable flexible display

Samsung has been granted a new patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a flexible phone. The phone extends outwards to create a bigger display on a smaller body.
The patent description is for a smartphone that has a 16:9 display in standard mode but when it is unfolded, it changes to a larger display with 18:9 aspect ratio when the display is stretched fully. Samsung had earlier on patented a similar design but that one is for a  smartphone which pops up in order to extend the display. In this case, the flexible display stretch from the bottom edge to roll out to its full size.
The flexible display rolled out fully to show the notch and the sensors in the front. While most of the display will be visible when unfolded, there will still be a portion that when the display is not stretched fully, the screen will not show the earpiece, selfie sensor, etc. This can provide a more immersive experience while watching videos, reading a text message, browsing, etc.



The sketch shows the flexible display hides the notch and sensor under the back panel when it is rolled up. When there is a call or the selfie camera is activated, the phone’s screen will stretch out to its full length, revealing the notch that houses all the sensors. We can’t tell if the mechanism will operate automatically or manually but it unrolls via a swivel mechanism.
Flexible screens are usually very fragile so the display and the swivel mechanism are all enclosed in a back panel which covers the frame on the left and right sides too. We can’ b sure if this design would be commercialized anytime soon.

by Jed John