LG's Rollable Phone Patent Surfaces: A Comeback For The Former King?

LG's Rollable Phone Patent Surfaces: A Comeback For The Former King?The closure of LG's mobile division in 2021 was a major blow for many, especially considering its bold and innovative foldable/rollable designs. However, these designs, being too ahead of their time, failed to gain market acceptance, ultimately contributing to LG's exit from the smartphone market

LG's Rollable Phone Patent Surfaces: A Comeback For The Former King?

The closure of LG's mobile division in 2021 was a major blow for many, especially considering its bold and innovative foldable/rollable designs. However, these designs, being too ahead of their time, failed to gain market acceptance, ultimately contributing to LG's exit from the smartphone market. Nevertheless, recent patent filings suggest that LG might not be done yet, and they may have a few "ace cards" up their sleeve.

Looking back, LG had unveiled a rollable smartphone concept named "LGRollable," featuring a screen that could expand from 6.8 inches to 7.4 inches, allowing seamless switching between a phone and a tablet. While this phone never came to fruition, its conceptual design and prototype showcased LG's potential in rollable technology.

Now, LG Display, the display manufacturing subsidiary of LG Group, is quietly exploring a new frontier. They have filed a patent aiming to address the potential wrinkles that can occur in rollable screens during expansion and retraction. This patent, filed in October 2023 and published this month, features an ingenious magnetic system at its core.

The patent details the addition of a magnetic sheet to the back of the display, while the device frame integrates magnets. These magnets, utilizing magnetic forces, smooth out potential wrinkles that form during screen stretching or retraction, enabling the display to return to a flat state faster. The patent also includes detailed diagrams showcasing the application of this rolling display technology across various device sizes, from smartphones to larger devices.

While LG hasn't officially announced its return to the smartphone market, this patent application has sparked speculation. After all, LG was renowned for its audacious design philosophy and innovative spirit evidenced by products like the dual-screen LG Wing, the curved LG G Flex2, and the detachable secondary display LG V60 ThinQ, which showcased its unique approach to phone design.

A rollable phone with an expandable display would seamlessly blend with LG's consistent futuristic design aesthetic. Even if LG eventually chooses to license this patent technology to other manufacturers, it's enough to pique the industry's excitement.

The existence of this patent suggests that LG hasn't abandoned its phone ambitions. They might be waiting for the opportune moment to return to the smartphone market with more mature technology and a refined product. Regardless of the outcome, we should commend LG for its innovative spirit and technical prowess, and look forward to its future endeavors.