This is because the device will have either liquid or gas on the hinge. This is to reduce the wear and tear caused by the constant folding and unfolding that the device will experience. It will also serve a secondary function of preventing the entry of external substances.
The patent appears to have been filed by Microsoft’s technology licensing team which according to Engadget, could mean that the patented tech isn’t necessarily reserved for a specific device. In fact, the device that comes with it may not even be made by the company as the company may instead license it to other hardware makers. Even if Microsoft does come up with its own foldable device, it might not show up in the market so soon. Then again, there is a lingering rumour that Microsoft might show off a dual-screen device at its Surface event next month. So, stay tuned. (Source: WIPO via Engadget)
