HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Patent Solves Folding Screen Battery Problems

Microsoft Patent Solves Folding Screen Battery Problems

How do batteries fit into a folding screen? Well, a Microsoft Patent describes a new flexible battery that would bend with the display.

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We are entering the age of the handheld device. Samsung will launch its first folded display smartphone this year and numerous companies are working on similar hardware. is among them as the company has been pushing development of folding screens longer than most.

From the folding to Andromeda-powered folding laptops, Microsoft's work has yet to be officially announced. However, the idea of folding a device onto a table, wrapping it around a wrist, or even rolling it into a pocket will appeal to many users.

Samsung's folding smartphone is mostly rigid with a flexible screen. A plastic housing at the rear is necessary to house the battery and other components. Microsoft may be working towards a complete flexible device which tackles the problem posed by batteries.

Microsoft Patent

Smartphone, tablet, and laptop batteries are usually bulky to help hardware last at least a few hours. A new Microsoft Patent published on USTPO describes a flexible battery that would work in a folding screen device.

“An electrochemical energy storage cell includes a flexible positive electrode and a flexible negative electrode including a gallium-based liquid metal dispersed on a flexible wire mesh. The electrochemical energy storage cell also includes a membrane having a surface in contact with the flexible positive electrode and an opposing surface in contact with the flexible negative electrode.”

As is usual, patents can come and go without ever being converted into released products. However, it seems reasonable to presume Microsoft will have to solve the battery problem to make any folding screen device viable.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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