Tech companies have to produce new innovative gadgets to stand out from the increasing competition. There is considerable pressure to tech manufacturers to introduce something new more than just the usual upgrades to gain better market position. Previously, the hype was on producing the best camera and screen resolution possible. These days, tech giants like Samsung and Apple focus their attention on more durable and bendable screens. Recent patent grants reveal that Apple has been working on producing drop-proof and OLED displays.
Apple wants its screens to bend more than the usual and withstand shock like no other. According to the patent grant published under the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has been working on a method that can produce flexible displays. The main objective of the technology is to work with bendable displays without sacrificing their conducting ability. It also explores the use of conductible and bendable materials without destroying them instantly.
Previously, tech manufacturers tried replacing metal with organic material in exchange for bendable qualities. However, the devices produced lost significant conducting ability. According a report by Patently Apple, Apple's invention resolves that problem. The tech giant developed a method to manufacture flexible materials featuring metal. What makes the process stand out is that instead of the usual metal lines, Apple resorted to processing "metal traces." This improves the durability of the material without sacrificing its conducting ability.
The patent describes a method processing "serpentine metal traces." The material can stretch or bend without shattering. This will allow Apple to manufacture bendable screens in the future. Apple also indicated in the patent that its process can produce displays that can be folded completely without breaking.
Forbes also reported about U.S. Patent No. 8,738,104, "Methods and systems for integrally trapping a glass insert in a metal bezel," clearing for Apple. This allows Apple to work with liquidmetal and sapphire glass to produce shock-proof screens. The iPhone 6 will be released reportedly around September.
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