Apple has reportedly acquired a new patent on foldable mobile phones, which detects when an iPhone or iPad with a flexible screen is falling and automatically folds the screen to prevent screen damage, according to the most recent list released by the United States Trademark and Patent Office (USPTO).
The translated portion of the new patent’s description is entitled “Self-retracting display device and technique using drop detection to protect the screen” and says the following:
In order to establish whether a mobile device has been dropped, sensors on devices with foldable and rollable displays can detect vertical acceleration (for instance, relative to the ground). The foldable device may at least partially retract if sensors determine that the mobile device has been dropped in order to stop the fragile display from striking the ground.
When the vertical acceleration goes over a specific threshold, a release mechanism of the electronic device’s hinged connection between the first and second displays may be activated. Automatic reel retraction occurs.
