What’s the point in making something fold if you’re not going to use the tech for absolutely everything? That might be Samsung’s thinking as it secures a new laptop patent. Which, yes, already folds. But it could fold a little more, surely?
That’s the apparent thinking. What if you could fold a laptop along its long edge, and then, fold the resulting shape in the middle? That’s exactly what Samsung’s attempting to do with its “Multi-foldable electronic device“.
We’re divided on this, Samsung
Dutch website Let’s Go Digital unearthed a Samsung patent application from 2021 that shows the company’s ambitions in that line. The patent was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in July last year and granted on 13 January. It shows a laptop that folds twice — though it doesn’t explain why you’d be keen on that.
We can see why Samsung might be, though. The design takes a little getting your head around, but it revolves around a laptop-shaped device that’s about to hinge through its centre in both directions. First, the same way a conventional laptop does. Then, the setup folds along a crease in the screen, with the keyboard section splitting apart to allow the second fold.
The patent looks to rely on similar hinges to those found in Samsung’s Galaxy Fold range of devices, leading to a notebook that takes up far less space than usual. And there’s also something a little different. A fully-folded notebook would also function as an audio device, with controls presenting themselves when it’s packed up.
As with any tech patent, Samsung’s application shouldn’t be taken as a guaranteed product. But it is impressively detailed — the company shows how it would split internal components between sections. It’s also got a series of magnets and clips ready to go to keep it up, or packed, without any accidents. So it’s a patent that may never see the light of day — but it’s a very well-prepared one.
Source: Let’s Go Digital (Dutch, translated)
