When it comes to bendable displays, we have high expectations from Samsung, who is rumoured to unveil a consumer model with the feature early next year. However, Samsung isn’t alone in this field as most of its competitors are in pursuit to outdo the South Korean behemoth and gain favour from the market. Canada’s Motorola is one such player looking to gain a headstart in this field and they have been filing patents for bendable display technology that will be viable for prolonged use.
One of Motorola’s patent filing has been thrown out in the wild by LetsGoDigital and if we are to believe what it states, then Motorola could have a winner on their hands already. According to the patent, Motorola’s flexible display will take the help of heat to ensure that a folding OLED display will last long without any visible side effects. Their patented technology involves a heating element placed underneath the section that bends. When there’s a damage to the OLED panel while its bent, the system will ensure that the damage is mended using thermal energy.
Bendy displays are possible only with OLED panels as they are malleable, i.e. they can be tailored to suit specific purposes. Flexible OLED panels have already been seen on Samsung’s flagship S and Note series smartphones, albeit with a permanent bend. However, OLED’s physical properties will lead to permanent damage of the pixels if a particular section on the panel is bent frequently for longer periods of time. This could pose an unpleasant viewing experience to the normal user. And as we know, replacing OLED panel isn’t very pocket-friendly. Motorola’s patent claims that heat can be used to mend the damaged section, resulting in no visible loss to the naked eye. The heating element will increase the temperature of the panel around that area and will iron out any deformities.
Now, this is still a patent and Motorola hasn’t made any working prototype official. Therefore, the idea appeals to enthusiasts theoretically but leaves a cloud of doubt in our minds as to whether this can be achieved in the real world on a mass scale. Nonetheless, it’s good to know that Motorola has a convincing concept that could make the folding smartphone a reality in the near future.
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