A new Microsoft patent describes how the Surface Duo and Neo’s folding hinge mechanism will work. The information continues the patent spree Microsoft has been on in recent months. It’s worth remembering both upcoming Surface devices are still in prototype. In other words, Microsoft is still developing, tweaking, and testing the hardware. In this new patent, we get a closer look at how the closing mechanism on the devices could work. Titled “ADJUSTABLE CLOSURE MAGNET FOR HINGED DEVICE WITH ASSISTED OPEN”, the patent is now published by the WIPO. In it, Microsoft describes a magnet system and housing for the mechanism: “A closure device includes a first magnet and a housing with a second magnet positioned therein. The first magnet is configured to be position in a first object. And the housing is configured to be positioned in a second object. The housing has a top end and at least one adjustment mechanism connected to the housing that moves the second magnet in at least one translational direction or at least one rotational direction relative to the top end of the housing. The movement of the second magnet relative to the top end of the housing adjusts the position or orientation of the second magnet relative to the first magnet to alter a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet when the first magnet is positioned proximate the top end of the housing.”
Recent Patents
As mentioned, numerous patents have arrived in recent months that seem destined for the Surface Duo and Neo. For example, a patent for a technology called Control Logic that could handle how the devices manage UI changes across their dual screens. Elsewhere, another patent potentially highlights Microsoft’s desire to have a high-end camera in the Duo through the use of multi-spectral tech.
