Patent Publication Number: US-2022224786-A1

Title: Hinged Electronic Device with Chambers Accommodating a Dynamic Flexible Substrate and Corresponding Systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application claiming priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 17/084,144, filed Oct. 29, 2020, which is a continuation application claiming priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/781,870, filed Feb. 4, 2020, which is continuation application claiming priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/721,719, filed Dec. 19, 2019, which is a continuation application claiming priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/551,296, filed Aug. 26, 2019, which is a continuation application claiming priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/255,693, filed Jan. 23, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to hinged electronic devices. 
     Background Art 
     Portable electronic communication devices, especially smartphones, have become ubiquitous. People all over the world use such devices to stay connected. These devices have been designed in various mechanical configurations. A first configuration, known as a “candy bar,” is generally rectangular in shape, has a rigid form factor, and has a display disposed along a major face of the electronic device. By contrast, a “clamshell” device has a mechanical hinge that allows one housing to pivot relative to the other. 
     Some consumers prefer candy bar devices, while others prefer clamshell devices. To satisfy the latter, it would thus be desirable to have an improved hinged electronic device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in a closed position. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevation view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in a partially open position. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in an open position. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in the open position. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure with the flexible display removed so that the hinge is visible. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of one explanatory electronic device in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure with the flexible display and support plates removed so that details of the housing are visible. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cut away view of a hinge portion of an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure when the electronic device is in the closed position. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cut away view of a hinge portion of an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure when the electronic device is in the open position. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in the open position. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cut away view of a hinge portion of another electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure when the electronic device is in the closed position. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cut away view of a hinge portion of another electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure when the electronic device is in the open position. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cut away view of a hinge portion of yet another electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure when the electronic device is in the closed position. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates one explanatory flexible substrate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates another explanatory flexible substrate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates still another explanatory flexible substrate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates various embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. As used herein, components may be “operatively coupled” when information can be sent between such components, even though there may be one or more intermediate or intervening components between, or along the connection path. The terms “substantially” and “about” are used to refer to dimensions, orientations, or alignments inclusive of manufacturing tolerances. Thus, a “substantially orthogonal” angle with a manufacturing tolerance of plus or minus two degrees would include all angles between 88 and 92, inclusive. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device ( 10 ) while discussing figure A would refer to an element,  10 , shown in figure other than figure A. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device that includes at least a first device housing and a second device housing. In one or more embodiments, a hinge couples the first device housing to the second device housing so that the first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing to one or more of a bent configuration, a folded configuration, or other configuration. In one or more embodiments, a flexible display is coupled to the first device housing and the second device housing and spans the hinge. The flexible display deforms when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing. In other embodiments, the first device housing and the second device housing each have coupled thereto a separate display, which may be rigid or flexible. For example, a first display may be coupled to the first device housing on one side of the hinge, while a second display is coupled to the second device housing on a second side of the hinge. 
     In one or more embodiments, the hinge not only facilitates the bending operation, but also works to allow a flexible substrate, configured as a flexible printed circuit board in one embodiment, to dynamically transform and change lengths as a function of whether the first device housing and the second device housing are in the axially displaced open position, the closed position, or somewhere in between. In one or more embodiments, each of the first device housing and the second device housing includes a chamber positioned adjacent to the hinge. Illustrating by example, if the hinge runs vertically and the electronic device is viewed in the axially displaced open position in a plan view, a first chamber defined by the first device housing may be disposed to the left of the hinge, while a second chamber defined by the second device housing is disposed to the right of the hinge, and so forth. 
     The flexible substrate, in one or more embodiments, includes both conductive and insulative layers and functions as a printed wiring board delivering voltage, current, and electrical signals through conductive traces from one electrically conductive pad to another. In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate is used to deliver voltage, current, and electrical signals from one or more electrical circuit components disposed in the first device housing to one or more other electrical circuit components disposed in the second device housing, and vice versa. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate is electrically coupled to the one or more electrical circuit components in the first device housing, and further has a first end that is mechanically anchored within the first device housing at a first location. Similarly, the flexible substrate is electrically coupled to the one or more other electrical circuit components in the second device housing, and further has a second end that is mechanically anchored within the second device housing at a second location. The flexible substrate then passes from the first location through the first chamber. The flexible substrate then spans the hinge, and further passes through the second chamber to the second location. 
     In one or more embodiments, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge to the closed position, the flexible substrate is extended so as to be more slack between the first anchor location and the second anchor location. To illustrate, in one or more embodiments the flexible substrate defines a first dynamic region between the first location where the first end is anchored in the first device housing and the hinge. The flexible substrate also defines a second dynamic region between the second location where the second end is anchored in the second device housing and the hinge. A hinge-spanning region is then defined between the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region. 
     In one or more embodiments, the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region each extend a first distance between the hinge and the first location and the second location, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge to the closed position. In one or more embodiments, this causes a reduction of slack in the flexible substrate, as both the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region are partially or completely straightened to define substantially linear extensions spanning each of the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively. 
     By contrast, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the closed position to the axially displaced open position, in one or more embodiments the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region deform. For instance, one or more bends, curves, folds, or other deformations can be introduced into the flexible substrate due to the distance between the first location in the first device housing and the second location in the second device housing becoming shorter. This causes the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region to extend a second distance between the hinge and the first location and the second location, respectively. In one or more embodiments, this second distance is less than the first distance. 
     In one or more embodiments, this deformation of the flexible substrate causes the flexible substrate to take on a curvilinear shape. One or more apexes and one or more nadirs may be introduced into the flexible substrate. In one or more embodiments, the first chamber and the second chamber each have an upper surface and a lower surface. These surfaces can function to limit amplitude of the one or more apexes and/or the depth of the one or more nadirs. 
     In some embodiments, the surfaces are integral portions of the device housings. For example, the upper surface and the lower surface of the first chamber can comprise portions of the first device housing, while the upper surface and the lower surface of the second chamber comprise portions of the second device housing. In other embodiments, movable support plates coupled to the hinge can define the upper surfaces, while housing portions define the lower surfaces. A first support plate can define the upper surface of the first chamber, while a second support plate defines the upper surface of the second chamber, and so forth. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate takes on a shape—when viewed from the edge—that is at least partially oscillating, meaning that the shape moves up and then moves down, optionally repeating one or more times. This at least partially oscillating shape can take the appearance of a dampened oscillation shape, with progressively smaller apexes and nadirs. Alternatively, the at least partially oscillating shape can have equal apexes and nadirs that are bounded by the upper surface and lower surface of the first chamber and second chamber, respectively. Of course combinations can occur. Moreover, the flexible substrate can take other shapes as well when compressing and deforming due to the first device housing pivoting about the hinge relative to the second device housing from the closed position to the axially displaced open position. 
     Where a flexible display is included in addition to the flexible substrate, the first chamber and the second chamber can perform other functions as well. These additional functions can even improve the reliability and usability of the flexible display. In one or more embodiments, first chamber and the second chamber are configured not only to allow the flexible substrate to deform when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing from the closed position to the axially displaced open position, but are also configured to allow the flexible display to define a service loop. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more support plates are coupled to the hinge. The one or more support plates are then pivotable about the hinge when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing. In one or more embodiments, a first support plate is pivotally coupled to a first side of the hinge. The first support plate then extends distally into the first device housing, and more particularly into the first chamber, from the first side of the hinge. Similarly, a second support plate is pivotally coupled to a second side of the hinge. The second support plate extends distally into the second device housing, and into the second chamber in one or more embodiments, from the second side of the hinge. 
     Where the support plates are included, the hinge housing and its corresponding support plates serve three functions. First, they provide mechanical support for the flexible display when the first device housing has pivoted about the hinge relative to the second device housing to an axially displaced open position. Second, they allow the flexible display to define a service loop when the first device housing has pivoted about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the closed position. Third, they provide a mechanism for the flexible substrate to extend a first distance about the first support plate, the hinge, and the second support plate when the first device housing has pivoted about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the closed position, while at the same time allowing the flexible substrate to dynamically deform and compress within each of the first chamber and the second chamber when the first device housing has pivoted about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the axially displaced open position. 
     In one or more embodiments, when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing to a closed position in which interior surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing abut, the support plates translate along inclined planes within the first chamber and second chamber, respectively, to recede into the first device housing and second device housing. Said differently, when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the closed position, the support plates move toward the exterior surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing, thereby receding “outward” from the interior surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing. 
     This “collapse” of the first support plate and the second support plate creates a cavity in the first chamber and the second chamber. This cavity allows the flexible display to form a service loop when the electronic device is in the closed position. The service loop prevents the flexible display from being damaged or developing memory in the folded position when the electronic device is in the closed position. The collapse also serves to expand the length of the flexible substrate. When the first device housing and the second device housing are in the closed position, the flexible substrate spans not only the hinge, but also the “outer” surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate as well in one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the flexible substrate is stretched so as to be substantially or fully straight about the first support plate, the hinge, and the second support plate on opposite sides of these components from the flexible display. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that bending operations occurring in a housing of an electronic device with a flexible display can present technical challenges. Illustrating by example, it can be difficult to provide uniform mechanical support beneath the flexible display when the electronic device is in the open position. It can further be difficult to limit deformation due to bending operations such that the deformation occurs within a predefined radius. It can still further be difficult to transfer voltage, current, and other electrical signals from circuitry in one device housing to circuitry in another device housing, about the hinge, while keeping the overall thickness of the device relatively small. 
     Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide solutions to each one of these challenges. Specifically hinges configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure allow the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region of the flexible substrate to deform and bend when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the closed position to the axially displaced open position. In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate is less slack about the hinge when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge to the closed position and more slack between the first location and the hinge and the second location and the hinge, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot to the axially displaced open position. Additionally, where a flexible display and support plates are included, embodiments of the disclosure offer a solution that provides the needed system flexibility by providing support for the flexible display when in the open position, but allows for a large radius service loop of the flexible display to occur when the electronic device is in the closed position. 
     In one or more embodiments, a hinge couples a first device housing to a second device housing. The first device housing is configured so as to be pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing. In one or more embodiments, the hinge separates a first chamber defined by the first device housing and a second chamber defined by the second device housing. 
     In one or more embodiments, a flexible substrate passes through the first chamber and the second chamber. Additionally, in one or more embodiments the flexible substrate spans, either by passing between hinge body portions or around the hinge, as it passes from the first chamber to the second chamber. In other embodiments, the flexible substrate passes through a channel in the hinge. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate deforms within one or both of the first chamber or the second chamber when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from an axially displaced open position. For example, where the flexible substrate includes a first end fixedly mechanically and/or electrically coupled to a first location within the first device housing, and a second end that is fixedly mechanically and/or electrically coupled to a second location within the device housing, in one or more embodiments the first chamber and the second chamber are situated between these locations and the hinge. Said differently, in one embodiment the first chamber is disposed between the first location and the hinge, while the second chamber is disposed between the second location and the hinge. 
     In one or more embodiments, slack in the flexible substrate is removed between the first location and the second location when the first device housing and the second device housing are pivoted about the hinge to the closed position. By contrast, as the first location and the second location move together due to the first device housing and second device housing pivoting from the closed position to the axially displaced open position, in one or more embodiments slack is introduced into the flexible substrate, causing it to deform and take on a curvilinear shape. This curvilinear shape can define at least one apex and at least one nadir. 
     In one or more embodiments, each of the first chamber and the second chamber additionally comprise an inclined plane, which is physically separated from the hinge by a predefined distance. Where the support plates are included, a distal end of each support plate contacts the inclined plane to translate along the inclined plane when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing. Thus, if a first side of a first support plate is coupled to the hinge, a second, distal side of the first support plate contacts the inclined plane in the support plate receiving recess of the first device housing. The second, distal side of the first support plate then translates along the inclined plane when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing. A second support plate and support plate receiving recess can be similarly configured in the second device housing. 
     The distal ends of each of the first support plate and the second support plate therefore travel, in one or more embodiments, along their respective inclined planes between a first position within the first device housing and the second device housing, respectively, to a second position within the first device housing and the second device housing, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from an axially displaced open position to a closed position. 
     These support plates can be used to provide mechanical support for a flexible display that spans the hinge. In one or more embodiments where a flexible display is included, the support plates are closer to the flexible display when in the first position, and are farther from the flexible display when in the second position. In one or more embodiments, the support plates are farther from exterior surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing when in the first position, but are closer to those outer surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing when in the second position. This results in the second position being deeper within the first device housing and the second device housing, respectively, than the first position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible display is positioned within a linear recess of the first device housing and the second device housing so that it—or a fascia disposed atop the flexible display—can be flush with the interior surfaces of the first device housing and second device housing, respectively. In other embodiments, the linear recess will be omitted and the flexible display will simply sit atop planar interior surfaces of the first device housing and the second device housing. In either embodiment, when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the axially displaced, open position, the first support plate, the hinge, and the second support plate bridge the linear recess (or planar interior surfaces) to provide mechanical support for the flexible display. By contrast, by receding into the housings, the first support plate, the hinge, and the second support plate define boundaries within which the flexible display defines a service loop when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displaced open position to a closed position. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure thus provide a novel hinge mechanism that allows a flexible substrate with one or more electrical traces to connect at least a first circuit element disposed within the first device housing to at least a second circuit element disposed within the second device housing. End regions of the flexible substrate, fixed to locations within the first device housing and the second device housing, respectively, are disposed to either side of dynamic (movable) regions. A middle region of the flexible substrate, disposed between the dynamic regions, then spans a hinge housing of the hinge, or alternatively passes through a channel of the hinge housing. 
     The dynamic regions of the flexible substrate are disposed within chambers of the first device housing and the second device housing, respectively, and thus translate from flat shape to curvilinear shape, which in one embodiment is at least partially oscillatory, as the first device housing and the second device housing pivot from the closed position to the axially displaced open position. In one or more embodiments, upper and lower surfaces of the first chamber and the second chamber define upper and lower limits of the curvilinear shape of the flexible substrate in the dynamic regions. The middle region can then be controlled in position by the hinge between the two dynamic regions, or alternatively can be allowed to move side-to-side independent of the hinge housing. For example, mechanical features, adhesives, or other devices can retain the middle region in a fixed location within the hinge body so that it is unable to translate laterally in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the middle region can be situated within the hinge body without being affixed thereto. In this latter embodiment, the middle region may translate slightly to the left of the hinge body, or to the right, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot from the closed position to the axially displaced open position and vice versa. 
     Where a flexible display is included, hinges configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can further properly support said flexible display when a hinged electronic device is in the open position. Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that the mechanical stack of the flexible display is frequently too soft or flexible to support itself. Accordingly, when the electronic device is in the open position the support plates provide rigid support across the hinge portion of the electronic device. At the same time, the support plates recede into the housing when the electronic device is folded to allow the flexible display to form a service loop. Advantageously, the hinge and corresponding support plates define kinematic linkages that move when the first device housing pivots about the hinge relative to the second device housing to the closed position. As noted above, the support plates recede backwards (along the Z-axis) to provide space for the flexible display to bend into a teardrop shaped service loop. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the first device housing or the second device housing can also include a spring loaded support plate that stretches the flexible display when the electronic device is in the open position. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is one explanatory electronic device  100  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  is a portable electronic device. For illustrative purposes, the electronic device  100  is shown as a smartphone. However, the electronic device  100  could be any number of other devices as well, including tablet computers, gaming devices, multimedia players, and so forth. Still other types of electronic devices can be configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure as will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The electronic device  100  includes a first device housing  102  and a second device housing  103 . In one or more embodiments, a hinge  101  couples the first device housing  102  to the second device housing  103 . In one or more embodiments, the first device housing  102  is selectively pivotable about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . For example, in one or more embodiments the first device housing  102  is selectively pivotable about the hinge  101  between a closed position, shown and described below with reference to  FIG. 2 , and an open position, shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 4-5 . 
     In one or more embodiments the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are manufactured from a rigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic, metal, or composite material, although other materials can be used. Still other constructs will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  includes a single hinge. However, in other embodiments two or more hinges can be incorporated into the electronic device  100  to allow it to be folded in multiple locations. 
     This illustrative electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a display  105 . The display  105  can optionally be touch-sensitive. In one embodiment where the display  105  is touch-sensitive, the display  105  can serve as a primary user interface of the electronic device  100 . Users can deliver user input to the display  105  of such an embodiment by delivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or other objects disposed proximately with the display. 
     In one embodiment, the display  105  is configured as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plastic substrate. This allows the display  105  to be flexible so as to deform when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . However, it should be noted that other types of displays would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Illustrating by example, as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 10  below, in other embodiments multiple displays can be used. For instance, a first rigid display can be coupled to the first device housing  102 , while a second, separate rigid display can be coupled to the second device housing  103 , with the hinge  101  separating the two displays. 
     Where a flexible display is used, in one or more embodiments an OLED is constructed on flexible plastic substrates can allow the display  105  to become flexible with various bending radii. For example, some embodiments allow bending radii of between thirty and six hundred millimeters to provide a bendable display. Other substrates allow bending radii of around five millimeters to provide a display that is foldable through active bending. 
     Other displays can be configured to accommodate both bends and folds. In one or more embodiments the display  105  may be formed from multiple layers of flexible material such as flexible sheets of polymer or other materials. In this illustrative embodiment, the display  105  is coupled to the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 . Accordingly, the display  105  spans the hinge  101  in this embodiment. 
     Features can be incorporated into the first device housing  102  and/or the second device housing  103 . Examples of such features include an optional camera  106  or an optional speaker port  107 , which are shown disposed on the rear side of the electronic device  100  in this embodiment, but could be placed on the front side as well. In this illustrative embodiment, a user interface component  108 , which may be a button or touch sensitive surface, can also be disposed along the rear side of the first device housing  102 . As noted, any of these features are shown being disposed on the rear side of the electronic device  100  in this embodiment, but could be located elsewhere, such as on the front side in other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  100  includes one or more optional connectors  109 ,  110 , which can include an analog connector, a digital connector, or combinations thereof. In this illustrative embodiment, connector  109  is an analog connector disposed on a first end, i.e., the top end as viewed in  FIG. 1 , of the electronic device  100 , while connector  110  is a digital/power connector disposed on a second end opposite the first end, which is the bottom end as viewed in  FIG. 1 . 
     A block diagram schematic  111  of the electronic device  100  is also shown in  FIG. 1 . The block diagram schematic  111  can be configured as a printed circuit board assembly disposed within either or both of the first device housing  102  or the second device housing  103  of the electronic device  300 . Various components can be electrically coupled together by conductors or a bus disposed along one or more printed circuit boards. For example, some components of the block diagram schematic  111  can be configured as a first electronic circuit fixedly situated within the first device housing  102 , while other components of the block diagram schematic  111  can be configured as a second electronic circuit fixedly situated within the second device housing  103 . As will be described in more detail below, a flexible substrate can then span the hinge  101  to electrically couple the first electronic circuit to the second electronic circuit. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  100  includes one or more processors  112 . In one embodiment, the one or more processors  112  can include an application processor and, optionally, one or more auxiliary processors. One or both of the application processor or the auxiliary processor(s) can include one or more processors. One or both of the application processor or the auxiliary processor(s) can be a microprocessor, a group of processing components, one or more ASICs, programmable logic, or other type of processing device. 
     The application processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be operable with the various components of the electronic device  100 . Each of the application processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be configured to process and execute executable software code to perform the various functions of the electronic device  100 . A storage device, such as memory  113 , can optionally store the executable software code used by the one or more processors  112  during operation. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device  100  also includes a communication circuit  114  that can be configured for wired or wireless communication with one or more other devices or networks. The networks can include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or personal area network. Examples of wide area networks include GSM, CDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA-2000, iDEN, TDMA, 2.5 Generation 3GPP GSM networks, 3rd Generation 3GPP WCDMA networks, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, and 3GPP2 CDMA communication networks, UMTS networks, E-UTRA networks, GPRS networks, iDEN networks, and other networks. 
     The communication circuit  114  may also utilize wireless technology for communication, such as, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer or ad hoc communications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g or n), and other forms of wireless communication such as infrared technology. The communication circuit  114  can include wireless communication circuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, or transceiver, and one or more antennas  115 . 
     In one embodiment, the one or more processors  112  can be responsible for performing the primary functions of the electronic device  100 . For example, in one embodiment the one or more processors  112  comprise one or more circuits operable with one or more user interface devices, which can include the display  105 , to present, images, video, or other presentation information to a user. The executable software code used by the one or more processors  112  can be configured as one or more modules  116  that are operable with the one or more processors  112 . Such modules  116  can store instructions, control algorithms, logic steps, and so forth. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more processors  112  are responsible for running the operating system environment of the electronic device  100 . The operating system environment can include a kernel and one or more drivers, and an application service layer, and an application layer. The operating system environment can be configured as executable code operating on one or more processors or control circuits of the electronic device  100 . The application layer can be responsible for executing application service modules. The application service modules may support one or more applications or “apps.” The applications of the application layer can be configured as clients of the application service layer to communicate with services through application program interfaces (APIs), messages, events, or other inter-process communication interfaces. Where auxiliary processors are used, they can be used to execute input/output functions, actuate user feedback devices, and so forth. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  100  optionally includes one or more flex sensors  117 , operable with the one or more processors  112 , to detect a bending operation that causes the first device housing  102  to pivot about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 , thereby transforming the electronic device  100  into a deformed geometry, such as that shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . The inclusion of flex sensors  117  is optional, and in some embodiment flex sensors  117  will not be included. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more processors  112  may generate commands or execute control operations based on information received from the various sensors, including the one or more flex sensors  117 , the user interface  118 , or the other sensors  119 . The one or more processors  112  may also generate commands or execute control operations based upon information received from a combination of the one or more flex sensors  117 , the user interface  118 , or the other sensors  119 . Alternatively, the one or more processors  112  can generate commands or execute control operations based upon information received from the one or more flex sensors  117  or the user interface  118  alone. Moreover, the one or more processors  112  may process the received information alone or in combination with other data, such as the information stored in the memory  113 . 
     The one or more other sensors  119  may include a microphone, an earpiece speaker, a second loudspeaker (disposed beneath speaker port  107 ), and a user interface component such as a button or touch-sensitive surface. The one or more other sensors  119  may also include key selection sensors, proximity sensors, a touch pad sensor, a touch screen sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, and one or more switches. Touch sensors may used to indicate whether any of the user actuation targets present on the display  105  are being actuated. Alternatively, touch sensors disposed in the electronic device  100  can be used to determine whether the electronic device  100  is being touched at side edges or major faces of the first device housing  102  or the second device housing  103 . The touch sensors can include surface and/or housing capacitive sensors in one embodiment. The other sensors  119  can also include audio sensors and video sensors (such as a camera). 
     The other sensors  119  can also include motion detectors, such as one or more accelerometers or gyroscopes. For example, an accelerometer may be embedded in the electronic circuitry of the electronic device  100  to show vertical orientation, constant tilt and/or whether the electronic device  100  is stationary. The measurement of tilt relative to gravity is referred to as “static acceleration,” while the measurement of motion and/or vibration is referred to as “dynamic acceleration.” A gyroscope can be used in a similar fashion. 
     Other components  120  operable with the one or more processors  112  can include output components such as video outputs, audio outputs, and/or mechanical outputs. Examples of output components include audio outputs such as speaker port  107 , earpiece speaker, or other alarms and/or buzzers and/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating or motion-based mechanisms. Still other components will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that  FIG. 1  is provided for illustrative purposes only and for illustrating components of one electronic device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to be a complete schematic diagram of the various components required for an electronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure may include various other components not shown in  FIG. 1 , or may include a combination of two or more components or a division of a particular component into two or more separate components, and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. Illustrating by example, the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a single flexible display  105 . By contrast, another embodiment shown below in  FIG. 10  includes two separate and distinct displays, and so forth. Additionally, as will be described in more detail below, some embodiments include support plates that are pivotally coupled to a hinge housing of the hinge  101 . In other embodiments, these support plates will be omitted. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated therein is the electronic device  100  in a closed state. In this state, the first device housing  102  has been pivoted about the hinge  101  toward the second device housing  103  to a closed position  201 . When in the closed position  201 , a front surface  202  of the first device housing  102  abuts a front surface  203  of the second device housing  103 . Effectively, the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are analogous to clam shells that have been shut by the claim, thereby giving rise to the “clamshell” style of device. 
     In some embodiments, features can be included to further retain the electronic device  100  in the closed position  201 . Illustrating by example, in another embodiment, a mechanical latch can be included to retain the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  in the closed position  201 . In still another embodiment, magnets can be incorporated into the front surface  202  of the first device housing  102  and the front surface  203  of the second device housing  103 . For instance, magnets can be placed in the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  to retain the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  in the closed position  201 . In still other embodiments, frictional elements can be incorporated into the hinge  101  to retain the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  in a particular position. A stator motor could be integrated into the hinge  101  as well. Still other mechanical structures and devices suitable for retaining the electronic device  100  in the closed position  201  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the electronic device  100  is shown being transitioned from the closed position ( 201 ) of  FIG. 2  to a partially open position. Specifically, the first device housing  102  is pivoting about the hinge  101  away from the second device housing  103  toward an open position. The position shown in  FIG. 3  is a “tent position”  301 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , illustrated therein is the electronic device  100  in an open position  401 . In the open position, the first device housing  102  is rotated about the hinge  101  so as to be axially displaced 180-degrees out of phase with the second device housing  103 . In such a configuration, the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  effectively define a plane. Since this illustrative embodiment includes a flexible display  105 , the display  105  has been elongated into a flat position. 
     With particular attention to  FIG. 5 , one or more components of the hinge  101  can be seen. As will be described in more detail below, in this illustrative embodiment the hinge  101  includes a hinge housing. A first side  502  of the hinge housing can be seen on one side of the display  105 , while a second side  503  of the hinge housing can be seen on another side of the display  105 . Optionally, a first toothed wheel  504  and a second toothed wheel  505  can be disposed adjacent to the first side  502  of the hinge housing. Where included, the toothed wheels  504 ,  505  can engage to create a symmetric angular rotation of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . 
     In one or more embodiments an optional third toothed wheel  506  and an optional fourth toothed wheel  507  are situated adjacent to the second side  503  of the hinge housing to perform the same function. In this illustrative embodiment, the hinge housing is situated farther interior of the electronic device  100  than are the first toothed wheel  504 , the second toothed wheel  505 , the third toothed wheel  506 , or the fourth toothed wheel  507 . Said differently, in this embodiment the hinge housing sits between the engagement of the first toothed wheel  504  and the second toothed wheel  505 , and the engagement of the third toothed wheel  506  and the fourth toothed wheel  507 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , the electronic device  100  is shown with the flexible display ( 105 ), as well as any overlaying fascia, removed so that additional details of the hinge  101  can more readily be seen. As shown in  FIG. 6 , in one or more embodiments the hinge  101  includes a hinge body  601 , which can link the first device housing  102  to the second device housing  103 . The hinge body  601  can further include one or more pivots allowing the first device housing  102  to pivot about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . Optionally, as will be described in more detail below, one or more support plates can be included to translate within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively. The use of such support plates is advantageous when the display used in the electronic device  100  is a flexible display. However, where rigid displays are used, such as in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the support plates can optionally be omitted. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, a first support plate  602  is pivotally coupled to a first side  605  of the hinge  101 . The first support plate  602  extends distally into the first device housing  102  from the first side  605  of the hinge body  601 . A second support plate  603  is then pivotally coupled to a second side  606  of the hinge  101 . The second support plate  603  then extends distally into the second device housing  103  from the second side of the hinge body  601 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  each define linear recesses  608 ,  609  into which a display—be it flexible or not—may be positioned. In one or more embodiments where a flexible display is used, the flexible display is positioned within the linear recess  608  of the first device housing  102  and the linear recess  609  of the second device housing  103  so that it—or a fascia disposed atop the flexible display ( 105 )—sits flush with the interior surface  610  of the first device housing  102  and the interior surface  611  of the second device housing  103 . Where a flexible display is used, the flexible display will span the hinge  101 . 
     By contrast, where two displays are used, a first display can be positioned within the linear recess  608  of the first device housing  102 . A second display can then be positioned in the linear recess  609  of the second device housing  103 . This allows each display—or a fascia disposed atop each display—to sit flush with the interior surface  610  of the first device housing  102  and the interior surface  611  of the second device housing  103 . Where two displays are used, the hinge  101  will separate one display from the other. 
     In still other embodiments, the linear recess  608 , 609  will be omitted. The display(s), whether flexible or not, as well as any accompanying fascia, may then simply sit atop planar surfaces defined by the interior surface  610  of the first device housing  102  and the interior surface  611  of the second device housing  103 . 
     Where the linear recesses  608 , 609  are included and a flexible display is used, the flexible display can be positioned within these linear recesses  608 , 609  to span the hinge  101 . Regardless of whether the linear recesses  608 , 609  are included, when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103  to the axially displaced, open position shown in  FIG. 6 , the first support plate  602 , the hinge body  601 , and the second support plate  603  bridge the linear recesses  608 , 609  (or planar interior surfaces in the other embodiment) to provide positive mechanical support for the flexible display ( 105 ). 
     Where electrical components, e.g., processors, memories, communication circuits, and other components described in the block diagram schematic ( 111 ) of  FIG. 1  are positioned in each of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , a flexible substrate can be included to electrically couple these components together across the hinge  101 , as will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 8-9 . The flexible substrate, which can bend as the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  to the closed position ( 201 ), allows electrical signals to pass back and forth between circuit components disposed in the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 . 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more spring-loaded trays can be included within one or both of the first device housing  102  or the second device housing  103 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a tray  604 , which is spring loaded and slidable, and which is disposed within the first device housing  102 , is visible. It should be noted that while the tray  604  is shown only in the first device housing  102  in this illustrative embodiment, it could be disposed in the second device housing  103  as well. Additionally, in other embodiments both the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  could include trays as well. 
     In one or more embodiments, a first end of the flexible display ( 105 ) can be coupled to the second device housing  103 . The second end of the flexible display ( 105 ) can then be coupled to the tray  604 . In one or more embodiments, the tray  604  is slidably coupled to the first device housing  102 , and is biased away from the hinge  101  by a spring  607 . It should be noted that while a spring  607  is used to bias the tray  604  away from the hinge  101  in this illustrative embodiment, in other embodiments the spring  607  can be replaced by a damper device  612 . In one or more embodiments, the damper device  612  comprises a spring with a nested shock damper, which can be pneumatic or hydraulic, to dampen the action of the spring. Other devices suitable for use instead of the spring  607  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Once again it should be noted in the discussion of the tray  604  and spring  607  that while only one tray  604  is shown in  FIG. 6 , the second device housing  103  could likewise include a tray that is slidably coupled to the second device housing  103 , and is biased away from the hinge  101  by at least another spring, damper device, or other springy object. In such an embodiment, rather than being coupled to the second device housing  103 , the first end of the flexible display ( 105 ) could be coupled to the second tray. 
     In either embodiment, the spring(s)  607  biases the tray  604  away from the hinge  101  to flatten the flexible display ( 105 ) when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  away from the second device housing  103  to the open position ( 401 ). Where a flexible substrate is included, it can have its first end coupled to the second device housing  103 , while a second end is coupled to a tray  604 . In one or more embodiments, the spring  607  biases the tray  604  away from the hinge  101 , and thus away from the second device housing  103 , to remove slack from the flexible substrate when the first device housing  102  is pivoted about the hinge  101  toward the second device housing  103  to the closed position ( 201 ). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated therein is another view of the electronic device  100  is shown with the first support plate ( 602 ) and the second support plate ( 603 ) removed so that additional details of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  can more readily be seen. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in one or more embodiments each of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  define a first chamber  702  and a second chamber  703 , respectively. In this illustrative embodiment, the first chamber  702  of the first device housing  102  is disposed to a first side ( 605 ) of the hinge  101  and hinge body  601 , while the second chamber  703  of the second device housing  103  is disposed to the second side ( 606 ) of the hinge  101  and hinge body  601 . In this illustrative embodiment, the hinge  101  separates the first chamber  702  defined by the first device housing  102  from the second chamber  703  defined by the second device housing  103 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703  provide recessed, open space within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively, that allows the flexible display ( 105 ) room to form a service loop when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  to the closed position ( 201 ). Such a service loop will be shown below with reference to  FIG. 8 . This service loop occurs due to the fact that the flexible display ( 105 ) deforms when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103  from the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) to the closed position ( 201 ). 
     In one or more embodiments, each of the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703  comprises an inclined plane  704 , 705 . In this illustrative embodiment, the first chamber  702  defines an inclined plane  704  that is disposed distally a predefined distance  706  across a bottom surface  708  of the first chamber  702  from the hinge  101 . Similarly, the second chamber  703  defines an inclined plane  705  that is disposed distally a predefined distance  707  across a bottom surface  709  of the second chamber  703  from the hinge  101 . 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  each define linear recesses  608 , 609  into which the display may be positioned. In such an embodiment, each of the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703  is disposed between a respective linear recess  608 , 609  and the hinge  101 . For example, in this illustrative embodiment the first chamber  702  of the first device housing  102  is disposed between the linear recess  608  of the first device housing  102  and the hinge  101 . Similarly, the second chamber  703  of the second device housing  103  is disposed between the linear recess  609  of the second device housing  103  and the hinge  101 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , illustrated therein is a cut away view of the electronic device  100 . In this illustration, the flexible display  105  is positioned within the linear recesses  608 , 609  of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively. As shown, the first device housing  102  defines the first chamber  702 , while the second device housing  103  defines the second chamber  703 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  have been pivoted about the hinge  101  to the closed position ( 201 ). In one or more embodiments, when this occurs, a distal end  802 , 803  of each of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  travels along its respective inclined plane  704 , 705  between a first position (shown in  FIG. 9 ) within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively, to a second position (shown in  FIG. 8 ) within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively. 
     The distal ends  802 , 803  of each of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  therefore travel, in one or more embodiments, along their respective inclined planes  704 , 705  through the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703  between the first position of  FIG. 9  within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively, to the second position of  FIG. 8  within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , respectively, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from an axially displaced open position ( 401 ) to the closed position ( 201 ) of  FIG. 8 . When this occurs, the first support plate  602 , the hinge body  601 , and the second support plate  603  define boundaries within which the flexible display  105  defines a service loop  805 . The area opened for the service loop  805  by the translation of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 , in one embodiment, has a radius of at least five millimeters. Such a radius prevents the flexible display  105  from kinking or folding. It also works to minimize mechanical memory problems when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  to the open position ( 401 ). 
     Also shown in  FIG. 8  is the flexible substrate  808 . In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate provides a reliable electrical link through the hinge  101  between a first electronic circuit  809  disposed in the first device housing  102  and a second electronic circuit  810  disposed in the second device housing  103 . Each of the first electronic circuit  809  and the second electronic circuit  810  can be configured as one or more electrical components, e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuit chips, and so forth, coupled to a printed circuit board so as to form a printed circuit board assembly. 
     The first electronic circuit  809  can include a first circuit board, while the second electronic circuit  810  can include a second circuit board, and so forth. In one embodiment, each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board can be manufactured from multiple layers. Some layers can be selectively placed conductive metal, such as copper or aluminum, while other layers can be insulative. Insulative layers can be manufactured from fiberglass, FR4, or other materials. In one or more embodiments, each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board comprises a fiberglass printed circuit board. In another embodiment, each of the first circuit board and the second circuit board is a FR4 printed circuit board. 
     In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the flexible substrate  808  passes through the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , and further spans the hinge  101 , to electrically connect the first electronic circuit  809  to the second electronic circuit  810 . In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate  808  spans the hinge  101  by passing between a first portion of the hinge body  601  and a second portion of the hinge body  601 . Power (voltage and current), digital signals, analog signals, common nodes (e.g., ground or Vcc), and other electrical connections can be made by electrically coupling the flexible substrate  808  to both the first electronic circuit  809  and the second electronic circuit  810 . 
     In one embodiment, the flexible substrate  808  comprises flexible copper conductors encapsulated in a flexible insulative material. One example of such an insulative material is Kapton.sup.™ manufactured by DuPont. The flexible substrate  808 , in addition to having flexible conductors running within the substrate, may also have conductive pads and traces atop the substrate for coupling to the printed circuit boards or other electrical connections of the first electronic circuit  809  and the second electronic circuit  810 , respectively. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate  808  includes a first major face  811  and a second major face  812 . Components can optionally be coupled to either of the first major face  811  or the second major face  812 . Alternatively, the first major face  811  and/or second major face  812  may simply couple to other substrates, such as the printed circuit boards of the first electronic circuit  809  or the second electronic circuit  810 . In still further embodiments, the first major face  811  and the second major face  812  can be coated with special coatings, structural reinforcements, metal traces for shielding purposes, or other features. Still other configurations for the first major face  811  and the second major face  812  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In one or more embodiments, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from an axially displaced open position ( 401 ) to the closed position ( 201 ) of  FIG. 8 , this mechanical operation applies forces to the flexible substrate  808 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the flexible substrate  808  includes, and extends between, a first end  813  and a second end  814 . In one or more embodiments, the first end  813  is fixedly coupled at a first location  815  within the first device housing  102 . Similarly, the second end  814  is fixedly coupled at a second location  816  within the second device housing  103 . 
     With the first end  813  and the second end  814  fixed at the first location  815  and the second location  816 , respectively, when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103  to the closed position ( 201 ), this causes the first location  815  to separate from the second location  816  as the distance is measured through the path taken by the flexible substrate  808 . In this illustrative embodiment, the movement of the first location  815  away from the second location  816 , and thus the first end  813  away from the second end  814 , causes the flexible substrate  808  to remove deformations from a deformed state between the first location  815  and the second location  816 . Said differently, the flexible substrate  808  is becomes less slack about the hinge  101  when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are pivoted about the hinge  101  to the closed position ( 201 ) in this illustrative embodiment. 
     In this particular embodiment, the flexible display  105  is included, as are the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 . As described above, the first support plate  602  is pivotally coupled to a first side  817  of the hinge body  601 . The first support plate  602  extends distally into the first chamber  702  from the first side  817  of the hinge body  601 . Similarly, the second support plate  603  is pivotally coupled to a second side  818  of the hinge body  601 . The second support plate  603  extends distally into the second chamber  703  from the second side  818  of the hinge body  601 . The distal end  802  of the first support plate  602  and the distal end  803  of the second support plate  603  each travel along its respective inclined plane  704 , 705  between a first position within the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , to a second position within the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) to the closed position ( 201 ). 
     The translation of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  along the inclined planes  704 , 705  from a shallow position ( FIG. 9 ) within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , to the deep position within the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  shown in  FIG. 8 , when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103  from the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) to the closed position ( 201 ) results in the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  abutting the second major face  812  of the flexible substrate  808  when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are in the closed position ( 201 ). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  have been rotated about the hinge  101  to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ). When this occurs, due to the action of the hinge body  601 , the distal ends  802 , 803  of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  translate up their respective inclined planes  704 , 705 , through the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , from the second position of  FIG. 8  to the first position shown in  FIG. 9 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 9 , when the distal ends  802 , 803  of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  fully translate up their respective inclined planes  704 , 705  from the second position of  FIG. 8  to the first position shown in  FIG. 9 , they sit atop ends  902 , 903  of the inclined planes  704 , 705 . 
     In this position, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , when the distal ends  802 , 803  of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  fully translate up their respective inclined planes  704 , 705  from the second position of  FIG. 8  to the first position shown in  FIG. 9 , the first support plate  602 , the hinge body  601 , and the second support plate  603  bridge the linear recess  608  of the first device housing  102  and the linear recess  609  of the second device housing  103  when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are in an axially displaced open position shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In one or more embodiments, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the closed position ( 201 ) to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) of  FIG. 9 , this mechanical operation applies forces to the flexible substrate  808  by shortening the distance between the first location  815  and the second location  816 . In one or more embodiments, when this occurs, i.e., the flexible substrate  808  deforms to a deformed state as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the closed position ( 201 ) to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ), the first chamber  702  is situated between the first location  815  and the hinge  101 . Similarly, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the closed position ( 201 ) to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ), the second chamber  703  is situated between the second location  816  and the hinge  101 . Since the distal ends  802 , 803  of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  have translated up their respective inclined planes  704 , 705  from the second position of  FIG. 8  to the first position shown in  FIG. 9 , the first support plate  602 , the second support plate  603 , and the hinge body  601  work in tandem to mechanically support the flexible display  105 . 
     Moreover, translation of the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  to the first position shown in  FIG. 9  creates a dynamic region  904  in the first chamber  702  and another dynamic region  905  in the second chamber  703  within which the flexible substrate  808  can deform. As shown in  FIG. 9 , in one or more embodiments the flexible substrate  808  defines a curvilinear shape  906  in one or both of the first dynamic region  904  of the first chamber  702  and/or the second dynamic region  905  of the second chamber  703  when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  are pivoted about the hinge  101  to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ). 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the curvilinear shape  906  defines at least a partially oscillating shape that defines at least one apex  907  and at least one nadir  908 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the at least partially oscillating shape is a dampened curvilinear wave, with apexes  909  farther from the hinge  101  having lower amplitudes than apexes  907  near the hinge  101 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703  can each have an upper surface and a lower surface that limit an amplitude of the at least one apex  907  and the depth of the at least one nadir  908 . In this illustrative embodiment, the lower surfaces  930 , 931  comprise portions of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103 , while the upper surfaces are defined by the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 . In other embodiments, as will be described below with reference to  FIG. 11 , the upper surface and the lower surface of the first chamber  702  can comprise portions of the first device housing  102 , while the upper surface and the lower surface of the second chamber  703  comprise portions of the second device housing  103 . 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the nadir  908  is bounded, or limited, by the lower surfaces  930 , 931  of the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , respectively, while the apex  907  closest to the hinge  101  is bounded, or limited, by the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 , respectively. Thereafter, the next closest apex  909  extends from the lower surfaces  930 , 931  of the first chamber  702  and second chamber  703 , respectively, but avoids contact with the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 , respectively. 
     While this is one possible deformation for the flexible substrate  808 , embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. In another embodiment  910 , the curvilinear shape  906  defines at an oscillating shape that again defines at least one apex  914  and at least one nadir  915 . In this embodiment  910 , the oscillating shape is a curvilinear shape having apexes  916  farther from the hinge  101  with common amplitudes with apexes  914  near the hinge  101 , as both are bounded by the first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603 , respectively. Similarly, each nadir  915  has a common low point due to the fact that they are each bounded by the lower surfaces  930 , 931  of the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , respectively. 
     In another embodiment  911 , rather than defining an oscillatory wave shape or partially oscillatory shape extending along a line parallel to the flexible display  105 , the curvilinear shape  906  is a vertically oriented oscillatory shape  917  extending along a line that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal with the plane defined by the flexible display  105 . In still another embodiment  912 , where sections  918  of the flexible substrate  808  are configured to be stiffer than other portions  919  of the flexible substrate  808 , the flexible substrate  808  can deform into substantially piecewise linear shape  920  with sections  918  of the flexible substrate  808  that are configured to be stiffer being substantially straight, while bends occur in other portions  919  of the flexible substrate  808 . 
     In still another embodiment  913 , a combination of curvilinear and piecewise linear shapes can result due to the deformation. Depending upon the dimensions of the first chamber  702  and the second chamber  703 , the distance between the first location  815  and the second location  816 , the length of the flexible substrate  808 , and the physical configuration of the flexible substrate  808 , other shapes can occur due to deformation as well. Additionally, while the deformation is shown as being substantially symmetrical about the hinge  101  in  FIG. 9 , in other embodiments the deformation will be asymmetrical. Deformation may be greater to the left of the hinge  101  or to the right of the hinge  101 . 
     Turning now back to  FIG. 8 , in one or more embodiments the hinge body  601  comprises a pivot cover  830  that is coupled to a backer  820 . Each of the pivot cover  830  and the backer  820  can be a piece of plastic or metal. In one or more embodiments, the pivot cover  830  and the backer  820  abut and can be attached together such that the flexible substrate  808  passes between the backer  820  and the pivot cover  830 . In one embodiment, the backer  820  includes a mechanical feature  821 , which can be a snap, latch, male protrusion, or female receiver, which engages a complementary mechanical feature  822  of the pivot cover  830  to keep the backer  820  in a constant position or alignment relative to the pivot cover  830  when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the inclusion of a backer  820  attached to the pivot cover  830  keeps the flexible substrate  808  centrally located between the first location  815  and the second location  816 , as well as fixedly located within the hinge body  601 . In other embodiments, even where a backer  820  is included, the flexible substrate  808  is allowed to translate freely between the backer  820  and the pivot cover  830  when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  relative to the second device housing  103 . The backer  820  and/or pivot cover  830  can advantageously include one or more mechanical features that allow portions of the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  to engage to retain each in the axially displaced open position ( 401 ), as shown in  FIG. 9 . In other embodiments, the hinge body  601  will be a unitary part without a separate backer  820 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 8 , in one or more embodiments where the first end  813  of the flexible substrate  808  is anchored within the first device housing  102  at the first location  815 , and where the second end  814  of the flexible substrate is anchored within the second device housing  103  at the second location  816 , the flexible substrate defines a first dynamic region  823  and a second dynamic region  825 . In one embodiment, the first dynamic region  823  is defined between the first location  815  and the hinge body  601 , while the second dynamic region  825  is defined between the second location  816  and the hinge body  601 . A hinge-spanning region  824 , where the flexible substrate  808  spans the hinge body  601 , is then defined between the first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825 . 
     By comparing  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 9 , it can be seen that in one or more embodiments the first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825  deform to a deformed state when the first device housing  102  pivots about the hinge  101  from the closed position ( 201 ) shown in  FIG. 8  to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) shown in  FIG. 9 . The first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825  extending a first distance  826  between the hinge body  601  and the first location  815  and the second location  816 , respectively, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) of  FIG. 9  to the closed position ( 201 ) of  FIG. 8 . By contrast, the first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825  extend a second distance  921  between the hinge body  601  and the first location  815  and the second location  816 , respectively, when the first device housing  102  and the second device housing  103  pivot about the hinge  101  from the closed position ( 201 ) of  FIG. 8  to the axially displaced open position ( 401 ) of  FIG. 9 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 8-9 , the second distance  921  is less than the first distance  826 , which results in the deformation of the first dynamic region  823  of the flexible substrate  808  and the second dynamic region  825  of the flexible substrate  808  into the deformed state shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In this illustrative embodiment, both the first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825  deform by transitioning from a substantially straight shape, shown in  FIG. 8 , to a curvilinear shape, shown in  FIG. 9 . Where the deformation is unsymmetrical, only one of the first dynamic region  823  or the second dynamic region  825  may deform by transitioning from a substantially straight shape to a curvilinear shape, as noted above. Additionally, where the deformation is unsymmetrical, the first dynamic region  823  may deform more than the second dynamic region  825 , or vice versa, when the flexible substrate  808  is in the deformed state. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the flexible substrate  808  spans an interior portion of the hinge body  601  between the backer  820  and the pivot cover  830 . In  FIG. 9 , the flexible display  105  spans an outer (upward as viewed in  FIG. 9 ) side of the hinge body  601 . Thus, in this illustrative embodiment, the flexible display  105  spans a first side of the pivot cover  830 , while the flexible substrate  808  spans a second side of the pivot cover  830 . As will be shown in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 15 , in other embodiments the flexible substrate  808  can pass through an interior channel defined through the hinge body  601 , while the flexible display  105  spans an exterior side of the hinge body  601 . Other configurations for the flexible display  105  and the flexible substrate  808  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As noted above, the dynamic changes in shape and length of the flexible substrate  808  allow the flexible substrate  808  to deform by taking on more slack between the first location  815  and the second location  816 . This deformation can occur to either side, i.e., to the right and/or to the left, of the hinge  101 . This deformation to either side of the hinge  101  is in contrast to prior art designs where deformation occurs within the hinge  101 . The dynamic changes in shape and length can occur regardless of whether a flexible display  105  is included. The dynamic changes in shape and length can further occur regardless of whether first support plate  602  and the second support plate  603  are included. Turning now to  FIG. 10 , illustrated therein is one embodiment where the flexible display and support plates are omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an electronic device  1000  includes a first device housing  1002  and a second device housing  1003 . A hinge  1001 , which comprises a hinge body  1004 , couples the first device housing  1002  to the second device housing  1003 . The first device housing  1002  is pivotable about the hinge  1001  relative to the second device housing  1003  between an axially displaced open position and a closed position, as previously described. 
     Rather than having a flexible display, in this embodiment the electronic device  1000  includes a first display  1005  coupled to the first device housing  1002  and a second display  1006  coupled to the second device housing  1003 . Thus, in addition to separating the first device housing  1002  from the second device housing  1003 , the hinge  1001  separates the first display  1005  from the second display  1006  as well. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , illustrated therein is a cut away view of the electronic device  1000 . In this illustration, the first display  1005  and the second display  1006  face each other, and can even abut, when the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  pivot about the hinge  1001  to the closed position shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     As before, the first device housing  1002  defines the first chamber  1102 , while the second device housing  1003  defines the second chamber  1103 . In this illustrative embodiment, the first chamber  1102  and the second chamber  1103  each having an upper surface  1104 , 1105  and a lower surface  1106 , 1107 . As before, the upper surfaces  1104 , 1105  and lower surfaces  1106 , 1107  of the first chamber  1102  and the second chamber  1103  can function to limit an amplitude of at least one apex and a depth of at least one nadir formed in the flexible substrate  808 . 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the upper surface  1104  and the lower surface  1106  of the first chamber  1102  comprise portions of the first device housing  1002 . Similarly, in this illustrative embodiment the upper surface  1105  and the lower surface  1107  of the second chamber  1103  comprise portions of the second device housing  1003 . These portions can be physical walls or surfaces that are integrally formed into the first device housing  1002  and second device housing  1003 , respectively. Illustrating by example, where the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  are formed from plastic using an injection molding process, the upper surfaces  1104 , 1105  and lower surfaces  1106 , 1107  can be formed as walls in the parts defining the first device housing  1002  and second device housing  1003 . Other techniques for integrating the upper surfaces  1104 , 1105  and lower surfaces  1106 , 1107  into the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In this embodiment, a hinge body  1004  of the hinge  1001  is still present. However, since the first display  1005  and the second display  1006  are rigid displays in this embodiment, the support plates have been omitted. In other embodiments, the support plates ( 602 , 603 ) of  FIGS. 8-9  could still be included despite the fact that the first display  1005  and the second display  1006  are rigid displays. Where included, the upper surfaces  1104 , 1105  of the first chamber  1102  and the second chamber  1103  can be omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the flexible substrate  808  spans an interior of the hinge body  1004 . As before, the flexible substrate  808  includes a first end  813  anchored within the first device housing  1002  at a first location  815 . The flexible substrate  808  also includes a second end  814  that is anchored within the second device housing  1003  at a second location  816 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  have been pivoted about the hinge  1001  to the closed position. This causes a reduction in slack in the flexible substrate  808 . By contrast, turning now to  FIG. 12 , when the first device housing  1002  is pivoted about the hinge  1001  to the axially displaced open position, slack is increased in the flexible substrate  808  between the first location  815  and the second location  816 . In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate  808  is more slack between the first location  815  and the hinge body  1004 , and the second location  816  and the hinge body  1004 , respectively, when the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  pivot to the axially displaced open position due to the fact that the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  each define a dynamic chamber  1202 , 1203  within which the flexible substrate  808  can deform. By contrast, the flexible substrate  808  is less slack between the first location  815  and the hinge body  1004 , and the second location  816  and the hinge body  1004 , respectively, when the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003  pivot to the closed position due to the fact that the first location  815  and the second location  816  each move further from the locations at which the flexible substrate  808  exits the hinge body  1004  and enters the corresponding dynamic chamber  1202 , 1203  of the first device housing  1002  and the second device housing  1003 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , illustrated therein is a cut away view of yet another electronic device  1300 . The electronic device  1300  includes a first device housing  1302  and a second device housing  1303 . A hinge  1301  movably joins the first device housing  1302  to the second device housing  1303 . The first device housing  1302  defines a first chamber  1322 , while the second device housing  1303  defines a second chamber  1304 . A hinge body  1305  of the hinge  1301  separates both the first device housing  1302  from the second device housing  1303  and the first chamber  1322  from the second chamber  1304 . 
     The first device housing  1302  and the second device housing  1303  are pivoted about the hinge  1301  to a closed position. A flexible substrate  1308  provides an electrical conduit through the hinge  1301  between a first electronic circuit element  1306  disposed in the first device housing  1302  and a second electronic circuit element  1307  disposed in the second device housing  1303 . 
     The flexible substrate  1308  passes through the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304 . The flexible substrate  1308  also spans the hinge  1301  by passing through a channel  1309  defined in the hinge body  1305 . Power, digital signals, analog signals, common nodes, and other electrical connections can be made by electrically coupling the flexible substrate  1308  to both the first electronic circuit element  1306  and the second electronic circuit element  1307 . 
     The flexible substrate  1308  includes end regions  1310 , 1311  that are mechanically fixed to a first location  1312  in the first device housing  1302  and a second location  1313  in the second device housing  1303 , respectively. The portions of the flexible substrate  1308  passing through the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304  each define dynamic or movable regions between the first location  1312  and the hinge body  1305  and the second location  1313  and the hinge body  1305 , respectively. A middle region of the flexible substrate  1308  passes through the channel  1309  of the hinge body  1305 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the middle region is between the two dynamic regions. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, as with previous embodiments, the hinge body  1305  defines a first axis of rotation  1314  about which the first device housing  1302  and the hinge body  1305  rotate relative to each other. The hinge body  1305  also defines a second axis of rotation  1315  about which the second device housing  1303  and the hinge body  1305  rotate relative to each other. Accordingly, the hinge body  1305  movably joins the first device housing  1302  and the second device housing  1303  at the first axis of rotation  1314  and the second axis of rotation  1315 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first chamber  1322  defines a first surface  1316  and a second surface  1317 . In this embodiment, the first surface  1316  comprises a movable support plate pivotally coupled to the hinge body  1305 , while the second surface  1317  comprises a portion of the first device housing  1302 . In similar fashion, the second chamber  1304  defines a first surface  1318  and a second surface  1319 . The first surface  1318  is a movable support plate pivotally coupled to the hinge body  1305 , while the second surface  1319  comprises a portion of the second device housing  1303 . As arranged in  FIG. 13 , the flexible substrate  1308  resides between the first surface  1316  and the second surface  1317  of the first chamber  1322 . The flexible substrate  1308  also resides between the first surface  1318  and the second surface  1319  of the second chamber  1304 . 
     The portions of the flexible substrate  1308  passing through the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304  each define dynamic regions. A distal end of the first surface  1316  of the first chamber  1322 , shown here as a first support plate, and a distal end of the first surface  1318  of the second chamber  1304 , shown here as a second support plate, each travel along an inclined plane  1320 , 1321  between a first position within the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304 , respectively, to a second position within the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304 , respectively, as previously described when the first device housing  1302  and the second device housing  1303  pivot about the hinge  1301  from the closed position to an axially displaced open position as previously described. 
     The translation of the first support plate and the second support plate causes the distance between the first surfaces  1316 , 1318  and the second surfaces  1317 , 1319  of the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304  to separate. In one or more embodiments, the dynamic regions of the flexible substrate  1308  then translate from a flat shape to a curvilinear shape as the first device housing  1302  and second device housing  1303  move apart about their axes of rotation  1314 , 1315 . In one or more embodiments, the first surfaces  1316 , 1318  and the second surfaces  1317 , 1319  of the first chamber  1322  and the second chamber  1304  control the upper and lower limits of the curvilinear shapes of the dynamic regions of the flexible substrate  1308 . The hinge body  1305 , and in particular the channel  1309  within the hinge body  1305 , can control the position of the middle region of the flexible substrate between the first device housing  1302  and the second device housing  1303  in one or more embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 14 , illustrated therein is one illustrative flexible substrate  808  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate  808  comprises one or more layers of insulative material  1401 , which can encapsulate one or more conductive electrical traces  1402  sandwiched between the one or more layers of insulative material  1401 . One or more conductive electrical pads  1403 , 1404  can be exposed in the insulative material  1401 . The one or more conductive electrical traces  1402  can couple a first conductive pad  1403  to a second conductive pad  1404 , and so forth. For illustration purposes, the one or more conductive electrical traces  1402  are shown as passing back and forth between the conductive electrical pads  1403 , 1404  in a serpentine fashion. This is illustrative only so as to convey that many electrical traces can be arranged as required by a particular application between the one or more layers of insulative material  1401 . The flexible substrate  808  can include one or more apertures  1405 , 1406  or other mechanical features that allow the first end  1407  and second end  1408  of the flexible substrate  808  to be anchored within a device housing. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate  808  is configured as a rectangle having a length of about seventy-two millimeters and a width of about twelve millimeters. The rectangular shape is illustrative only, as the flexible substrate  808  could be configured in a myriad of other shapes as needed by application. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate defines a first dynamic region  823  and a second dynamic region  825 . A hinge-spanning region  824  separates the first dynamic region  823  and the second dynamic region  825 . In this illustrative embodiment, the collective width of the first dynamic region  823 , the second dynamic region  825 , and the hinge-spanning region  824  is about fifty millimeters. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , illustrated therein is another illustrative flexible substrate  1508  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. One or more layers of insulative material  1501  encapsulate one or more conductive electrical traces  1502  in a sandwiched format. In one embodiment, the one or more layers of insulative material  1501  encapsulate a single layer of one or more conductive electrical traces  1502  in a sandwiched format. However, in other embodiments, the one or more layers of insulative material  1501  will include a plurality of layers of insulative material so as to encapsulate multiple layers of conductive electrical traces. Other configurations for the flexible substrate  1508  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, one or more conductive electrical pads  1503 , 1504  can be exposed in the insulative material  1501 , and can be coupled electrically by the one or more conductive electrical traces  1502 . The flexible substrate  1508  can include one or more apertures  1505 , 1506  or other mechanical features that allow the first end  1507  and second end  1509  of the flexible substrate  1508  to be anchored within a device housing. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate  1508  is configured as a double-tapering polygon having a length of between seventy-three millimeters and seventy-four millimeters, and a width of about twenty-seven millimeters. The first end  1507  and the second end  1509  are narrower than is the movable region, which includes a first dynamic region  1523 , a hinge spanning region  1524 , and a second dynamic region  1525 . In this embodiment, the movable region has a length of between fifty-one and fifty-two millimeters. The double-tapering polygon includes a generally rectangular shape for the movable region, bounded at each end by a frustoconical tapering portion. The frustoconical tapering portions are then bounded by the generally rectangular first end  1507  and second end  1509 . This double-tapering polygon illustrates the fact that flexible substrates configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can be configured in a variety of different shapes. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , illustrated therein is another illustrative flexible substrate  1608  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this illustrative embodiment, a first flexible substrate  1601  and a second flexible substrate  1602  are adhesively bonded together using adhesive  1603 , which is selectively disposed in two adhesive regions  1604 , 1605 . The first adhesive region  1604  is configured as a baseball home plate in this embodiment, while the second adhesive region  1605  is configured as a rectangle. These shapes and locations for the adhesive regions  1604 , 1605  are illustrative only, as numerous others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     A movable region separates a first end  1606  and a second end  1607  of the flexible substrate  1608 . As before, the movable region includes a first dynamic region  1623 , a hinge spanning region  1624 , and a second dynamic region  1625 . The use of adhesive  1603  at the first end  1606  and the second end  1607  advantageously allows for an air gap to remain between the first flexible substrate  1601  and the second flexible substrate  1602  in the movable region. Double-layered tails  1609 , 1610  can extend from the second end  1607  of the first flexible substrate  1601  and the second flexible substrate  1602  for routing to electrical components. Similarly, electrical connectors  1611 , 1612 , 1613 , 1614  can be coupled to one or both of the first end  1606  or the second end  1607  for coupling to electrical circuit elements in one or more embodiments. (Note that in one embodiment, an electrical connector similar to electrical connector  1614  appears at the end of first flexible substrate  1601  at the end opposite that at which electrical connector  1611  is positioned on the bottom side of first flexible substrate  1601 .) 
     Turning now to  FIG. 17 , illustrated therein are various embodiments of the disclosure. At  1701 , an electronic device comprises a first device housing and a second device housing. At  1701 , the electronic device comprises a hinge coupling the first device housing to the second device housing. At  1701 , the first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing. 
     At  1701 , the hinge separates a first chamber defined by the first device housing from a second chamber defined by the second device housing. At  1701 , a flexible substrate passes through the first chamber and the second chamber and spans the hinge. At  1701 , the flexible substrate deforms to a deformed state within one or both of the first chamber or the second chamber when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from a closed position to an axially displaced open position. 
     At  1702 , the flexible substrate of  1701  comprises a first end fixedly coupled at a first location within the first device housing and a second end fixedly coupled at a second location within the second device housing. At  1703 , the first chamber of  1702  is situated between the first location and the hinge, while the second chamber is situated between the second location and the hinge. At  1704 , the flexible substrate of  1703  removes deformations of the deformed state when the first device housing and the second device housing are pivoted about the hinge to the closed position. 
     At  1705 , the flexible substrate of  1703  defines a curvilinear shape in one or both of the first chamber or the second chamber when in the deformed state. At  1706 , the curvilinear shape of  1705  defines at least one apex and at least one nadir. At  1707 , the first chamber and the second chamber of  1706  each have an upper surface and a lower surface limiting an amplitude of the at least one apex and a depth of the at least one nadir. 
     At  1708 , the upper surface and the lower surface of the first chamber of  1707  comprise portions of the first device housing, while the upper surface and the lower surface of the second chamber comprise portions of the second device housing. 
     At  1709 , the electronic device of  1707  further includes a first support plate pivotally coupled to a first side of the hinge and extending distally into the first chamber from the first side of the hinge. At  1709 , the electronic device further includes a second support plate pivotally coupled to a second side of the hinge and extending distally into the second chamber from the second side of the hinge. At  1710 , the first support plate of  1709  defines the upper surface of the first chamber, while the second support plate of  1709  defines the upper surface of the second chamber. 
     At  1711 , each of the first chamber and the second chamber of  1709  define an inclined plane. At  1711 , a distal end of each of the first support plate and the second support plate travels along the inclined plane between a first position within the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively, to a second position within the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displaced open position to the closed position. 
     At  1712 , the electronic device of  1711  further comprises a flexible display coupled to the first device housing and the second device housing and spanning the hinge. At  1712 , the flexible display spans a first side of the hinge and the flexible substrate spans a second side of the hinge. 
     At  1713 , an electronic device comprises a first device housing and a second device housing. At  1713 , a hinge couples the first device housing and the second device housing. At  1713 , the first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing between an axially displaced open position and a closed position. 
     At  1713 , a flexible substrate spans the hinge. At  1713 , the flexible substrate comprises a first end anchored within the first device housing at a first location and a second end anchored within the second device housing at a second location. At  1713 , the flexible substrate defines a first dynamic region between the first location and the hinge. At  1713 , the flexible substrate defines a second dynamic region between the second location and the hinge. At  1713 , the flexible substrate defines a hinge-spanning region between the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region. At  1713 , the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region deform when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the closed position to the axially displaced open position. 
     At  1714 , the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region of  1713  extend a first distance between the hinge and the first location and the second location, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the axially displaced open position to the closed position. At  1715 , the first dynamic region and the second dynamic region of  1714  extend a second distance between the hinge and the first location and the second location, respectively, when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge from the closed position to the axially displaced open position. At  1715 , the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     At  1716 , the electronic device of  1713  further comprises a first electronic circuit fixedly situated within the first device housing and a second electronic circuit fixedly situated within the second device housing. At  1716 , the flexible substrate electrically couples the first electronic circuit to the second electronic circuit. 
     At  1717 , one or both of the first dynamic region or the second dynamic region of  1713  deform by transitioning from a substantially straight shape to a curvilinear shape. At  1718 , the electronic device of  1713  further comprises a first display coupled to the first device housing and a second display coupled to the second device housing. 
     At  1719 , an electronic device comprises a first device housing and a second device housing. At  1719 , the electronic device comprises a hinge coupling the first device housing and the second device housing, with the first device housing pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing between an axially displaced open position and a closed position. 
     At  1719 , the electronic device comprises a flexible substrate spanning a first portion of the hinge. At  1719 , the flexible substrate comprises a first end anchored within the first device housing at a first location and a second end anchored within the second device housing at a second location. At  1719 , the flexible substrate is less slack about the hinge when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot about the hinge to the closed position, and more slack about the hinge when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot to the axially displaced open position. 
     At  1720 , the electronic device of  1719  further comprises a flexible display coupled to the first device housing and the second device housing. At  1720  the flexible display spans a second side of the hinge. 
     As shown and described, embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device hinge. The hinge can include a hinge housing, which may define a channel through which a flexible substrate may pass. The flexible substrate may then pass through a first chamber disposed to one side of the hinge housing and a second chamber disposed to the second side of the hinge housing. The portion of the flexible substrate passing through the first chamber can define a dynamic folding region, as can the portion of the flexible substrate passing through the second chamber. The portion spanning the hinge housing or the channel therein can be static. When the first device housing and the second device housing are pivoted to the closed position, the dynamic regions can be substantially flat. When the first device housing and the second device housing are pivoted to the axially displaced open position, the dynamic folding regions can deform to a concertina or at least partially sinusoidal shape. The first chamber and the second chamber can expand about the dynamic regions to allow this deformation of the flexible substrate when movable support plates are included. This shape can then expand back to the substantially straight shape when the electronic device is again closed. 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.