Microsoft develops foldable computers with seamless seals

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Microsoft is working on a dual-screen laptop with seals that use fluids to reduce the pressure on flexible and collapsible displays.

The leaks indicate that the US software giant is working on the dual-screen computer – presented at an internal meeting held earlier this year – two years ago, and is expected to reveal more details during the week. Event scheduled for 2 October.

The new patent for a dual-screen computer reveals a mechanism for filling the liquid inside the cavities around the flexible screen to help the fold and move it into different positions. The Microsoft patent example shows a device with two separate sides and a flexible OLED screen covering both sides.

Microsoft develops foldable computers with seamless seals

Microsoft develops foldable computers with seamless seals

Microsoft develops foldable computers with seamless seals

The patent drawings illustrate a number of concepts for complex joints with a structure "to prevent the penetration of foreign matter between joints". This is one of the problems faced by Microsoft in the initial units of its first folding smartphone (Galaxy Fold), which forced it to remove samples and redefine the device to prevent the penetration of materials under the screen from the exposed part.

The most interesting part of the patent file is thought to be that it is licensed to Microsoft technology, suggesting that the company will license this technology to other partners and computer manufacturers. Microsoft is currently working with Intel and a number of OEMs to equip a new version of Windows, called Windows Lite, for folding and dual-display computers.

The patent file does not reveal the expected device technology and it is unlikely that Microsoft will announce a dual-screen computer at its planned event early next month in New York.