Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a display device including a flexible display panel, a folded housing carrying the flexible display panel, and a force sensing system configured in a bending area of the flexible display panel. The bending area of the flexible display panel is bent frequently and the force sensing system is configured for detecting a deformed state of the flexible display panel.

<CIT> relates to a flexible display including a flexible substrate, a metal material coupled to the flexible substrate, and at least one electromagnet coupled to the flexible substrate. The electromagnet generates a force to attract the metal material when the flexible substrate changes from a first state to a second state. The force assists in holding the flexible substrate in the second state, which may be a rolled state, folded state, or another changed state.

<CIT> relates to a foldable device including a sensor configured to sense an unfolding motion of the foldable device, a display configured to display a layout in which a representation of at least one object varies according to the sensed unfolding motion, and a controller configured to control the display of the layout so that the representation of the at least one object corresponds to the sensed unfolding motion.

Various examples will be described below referring to the following figures:.

<FIG> is a schematic view of another example magnetic actuation assembly of the suspension of the computing device of <FIG>, electrically coupled to a controller and angular position sensor;.

<FIG> is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of a computing device including a flexible display and an associated suspension, with the housing of the computing device in a closed position according to some examples;.

<FIG> is an example schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the computing device of <FIG>, with the housing of the computing device in an open position; and.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> according to some examples.

In the figures, certain features and components disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In some of the figures, in order to improve clarity and conciseness, a component or an aspect of a component may be omitted.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to. " Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to be broad enough to encompass both indirect and direct connections. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms "radial" and "radially" generally mean perpendicular to the given axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the axis.

As used herein, including in the claims, the word "or" is used in an inclusive manner. For example, "A or B" means any of the following: "A" alone, "B" alone, or both "A" and "B. " In addition, when used herein (including the claims) the words "generally," "about," "approximately," or "substantially" mean within a range of plus or minus <NUM>% of the stated value. As used herein, the term "display" refers to an electronic display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, etc.) that is to display images generated by an associated computing device. The term "flexible display" refers to an electronic display that may be deformed (e.g., rolled, folded, etc.) within a given parameter or specification (e.g., a minimum radius of curvature) without losing electrical function or connectivity. As used herein, the term "computing device," refers to an electronic device that is to carry out machine readable instructions, and may include internal components, such as, processors, power sources, memory devices, etc. For example, a computing device may include, among other things, a personal computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, etc. As used herein, the term "magnetically sensitive" in reference to a material refers to any material (or combination of materials) that experiences a physical force or impulse when placed in or near a magnetic field. The term includes ferromagnetic materials, but is not limited thereto.

As previously described, computing devices may incorporate a flexible display. Often such computing devices are transitionable between open and closed positions (e.g., such as is the case for a laptop style computing device) to facilitate transport and storage of the device when not in use. When the computing device is placed in the closed (often folded) position, the flexible display may be rolled or deformed. While the flexible display is generally capable of such a deformation, there are typically limits to the deformation such a display may experience. For example, if the display is deformed excessively (such as when the associated computing device is transitioned into a closed position), the display may be damaged. Accordingly, examples disclosed herein include computing devices utilizing flexible displays that employ magnetically actuated suspensions therein for facilitating an acceptable and controlled deformation of the flexible display as the computing device is transitioned to and between open and closed positions.

The invention is as set out in the independent claim. Preferable features of the invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

Referring now to <FIG>, a computing device <NUM> according to some examples disclosed herein is shown. Computing device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a flexible display <NUM> partially disposed within the housing <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> includes a first housing member <NUM> and a second housing member <NUM>. The first and second housing members <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatably coupled to one another at a hinge <NUM>. Thus, first housing member <NUM> may rotate about the hinge <NUM> relative to second housing member <NUM>, and second housing member <NUM> may rotate about hinge <NUM> relative to first housing member <NUM>.

Flexible display <NUM> (or more simply "display <NUM>") is disposed within housing <NUM>, but is accessible for viewing and interaction by a user through an opening <NUM> formed by the first housing member <NUM> and second housing member <NUM>. Display <NUM> includes a first end 20a, and a second end 20b opposite first end 20a. First end 20a of display <NUM> is disposed on a first side <NUM> of hinge <NUM> within first housing member <NUM>, and second end 20b of display <NUM> is disposed on a second, opposite side <NUM> of hinge <NUM> within second housing member <NUM>.

Generally speaking, display <NUM> is to display images for viewing by the user based on machine readable instructions carried out by electronic components (e.g., processor(s)) (not specifically shown) within computing device <NUM>. In this example, display <NUM> is a touch sensitive display that is to communicate with other electronic components (not shown) within computing device <NUM> to detect touch inputs by a user on display <NUM> during operations. In other examples, display <NUM> may not be touch sensitive. Display <NUM> may utilize any suitable display technology such as, for example, LCD, plasma, light emitting diode (LED)-LCD, organic-LED-LCD, etc..

In addition, as previously described, display <NUM> is a flexible display, and thus, display <NUM> may be deformed, rolled, etc., within acceptable parameters or specifications while maintaining electrical function and connectivity with other components (not shown) within computing device <NUM>. Thus, when first housing member <NUM> and second housing member <NUM> are rotated about hinge <NUM> relative to one another as previously described above, display <NUM> is to deform (e.g., roll or bend) proximate to hinge <NUM> in order to accommodate the relative rotation between the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, housing <NUM> of computing device <NUM> may be transitioned between a closed position (or folded position) as shown in <FIG>, and an open position as shown in <FIG>. In the closed position (see <FIG>), the second housing member <NUM> is rotated about an axis of rotation corresponding to axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM>, toward first housing member <NUM> until housing members <NUM>, <NUM> are in contact with one another and display <NUM> is concealed by housing members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the closed position is useful for when a user is transporting the computing device <NUM> from one location to another or for when the computing device <NUM> is being stored within a bag or other compartment. In the open position (see <FIG>), the second housing member <NUM> is rotated about axis <NUM> away from first housing member <NUM>, to thereby expose display <NUM>. In some examples, the open position may be useful for operation of the computing device <NUM> by a user.

It should be appreciated that a user may also operate the computing device <NUM> when it is in a position between the closed position of <FIG> and the open position of <FIG> (e.g., when the angle between the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> is greater than <NUM>° but less than <NUM>°. In particular, referring specifically to <FIG>, in some examples, housing <NUM> may have a neutral position that is between the fully closed position of <FIG>, and the fully open position of <FIG>. In particular, in the neutral position of <FIG>, an angle θ between housing members <NUM>, <NUM> may be greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°. In some examples, the angle θ may range from <NUM>° to <NUM>° when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>. It should be appreciated that the angle θ may be approximately equal to <NUM>° when housing <NUM> is in the closed position of <FIG> and approximately equal to <NUM>° when housing <NUM> is in the open position of <FIG>. As previously described above, the neutral position of <FIG> may be associated with the operational position of the computing device <NUM>. In other words, a user may place the housing <NUM> in the neutral position of <FIG> in order to facilitate typical use and interaction with the computing device <NUM> (including display <NUM>).

When the computing device <NUM> is in the closed position (see <FIG>), display <NUM> is deformed proximate to hinge <NUM> (note: in some examples, display <NUM> may be fixed to hinge <NUM> or a portion or component thereof). As previously described above, because display <NUM> is flexible, display <NUM> may generally deform without sustaining damage. However, the flexibility of display <NUM> has limits, such as, for example, a minimum radius of curvature, and it is typically desirable to maintain any deformation of display <NUM> within those limits to avoid damage thereto during operations. In particular, when housing <NUM> is transitioned to the closed position of <FIG> (e.g., from the open position of <FIG> or the neutral position of <FIG>), display <NUM> is deformed or rolled at or proximate to hinge <NUM> to a desired radius of curvature R. The radius R may be greater than <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM> in some examples; however, it should be appreciated that the value of R may be greater than <NUM> in other examples (and thus radius may be referred to herein as a "non-zero radius"). In some examples, the radius R is set or determined by the minimum radius of curvature that display <NUM> may occupy without sustaining damage or losing electrical function or connectivity.

Thus, computing device <NUM> includes a suspension <NUM> to facilitate the controlled deformation of display during the transition of housing <NUM> between the open and closed positions (e.g., including to or through the neutral position of <FIG>), so as to avoid damaging display <NUM> due to an excess deformation thereof. In addition, suspension <NUM> also provides support to display <NUM> when housing <NUM> is in the closed position of <FIG>, the open position of <FIG>, or in the neutral position of <FIG>. In particular, for display <NUM> to form and accommodate the desired radius R of display <NUM> when housing <NUM> is transitioned toward or to the closed position in <FIG>, ends 20a, 20b translate or move along housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, toward hinge <NUM> (or toward axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM>). Therefore, suspension <NUM> generally includes a plurality of magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> that are to synchronously attract or repel ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> based on the relative angular position of the first and second housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, suspension <NUM> may cause display <NUM> to uniformly and evenly deform within desired limits as the housing <NUM> is transitioned between the closed, open, and neutral positions. The components and function of suspension <NUM> (including the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>) will now be described in more detail below.

Referring still to <FIG>, in addition to magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, suspension <NUM> includes display support members <NUM>, <NUM>. Display support members <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to display <NUM> and are to provide support to display <NUM> during operations. For example, support members <NUM>, <NUM> may facilitate the touch sensitivity of display <NUM> (for implementations in which display <NUM> is a touch sensitive display) by providing a rigid backing to display <NUM> (so that a user's touch event may be properly registered by display <NUM> during use). In addition, support members <NUM>, <NUM> may also distribute loads transferred from other components within computing device <NUM> over a relatively large surface area of display <NUM>, so that damage or wear to display <NUM> is reduced or minimized.

In this example, first display support member <NUM> is disposed within first housing member <NUM>, and second display support member <NUM> is disposed within second housing member <NUM>. First display support member <NUM> includes a first end 130a that is proximate first end 20a of display <NUM> and a second end 130b that is more proximate hinge <NUM> than first end 130a. Additionally, second display support member <NUM> includes a first end 132a that is proximate second end 20b of display <NUM> and a second end 132b that is more proximate hinge <NUM> than first end 132a.

Referring still to <FIG>, each magnet actuation assembly <NUM> comprises a first actuation member <NUM> and a second actuation member <NUM>. Either or both of the actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> may include or incorporate a magnet <NUM> (e.g., an electromagnet) therein. In this example, second actuation member <NUM> includes an electromagnet <NUM>, and first actuation member <NUM> is constructed (wholly or partially) of a magnetically sensitive material. In some implementations, first actuation member <NUM> may comprise a metal (e.g., iron, nickel, iron oxide, ferrite, etc.).

More specifically, in this example, first actuation member <NUM> is an elongate member (e.g., a rod, post, bar, etc.) that is coupled (e.g., either directly or indirectly) to a corresponding one of the display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, at the first ends 130a, 132a, respectively. In other words, the first actuation member <NUM> of the magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> disposed within first housing member <NUM> is coupled to the display support member <NUM> at first end 130a, and the first actuation member <NUM> of the magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> disposed within second housing member <NUM> is coupled to the display support member <NUM> at first end 132a. In other examples, first actuation member <NUM> may be coupled directly to display <NUM> (e.g., such as in examples that do not include display support members <NUM>, <NUM>). Each first actuation member <NUM> includes a first or proximal end 112a coupled to the respective display support member <NUM>, <NUM>, and a second or distal end 112b that is opposite proximal end 112a.

Second actuation member <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is a hollow (or semi hollow) member that is mounted within a corresponding one of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, each second actuation member <NUM> includes a first or open end 120a and a second or closed end 120b opposite open end 120a. A recess or hollow <NUM> extends into second actuation member <NUM> from open end 120a to a terminal end <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, distal end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> is received within recess <NUM> during operations. In addition, magnet <NUM> is disposed within or on second actuation member <NUM> proximate terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM>. In this example, magnet <NUM> is an electromagnet as previously described above, and thus may selectively generate a variable magnetic field based on the flow of electric current therethrough. Accordingly, magnet <NUM> may generate a magnetic field that either attracts distal end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> toward terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM> or repels distal end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, because proximal end 112a of first actuation member <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is each coupled to a corresponding one of the display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, which are in turn coupled to ends 20a, 20b, respectively, of display <NUM>, the magnetic field generated by magnet <NUM> within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> may force a corresponding end 20a, 20b of display <NUM> to translate within housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, relative to hinge <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, suspension <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM> and an angular position sensor <NUM> that are disposed within housing <NUM>. <FIG> schematically depicts one of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> electrically coupled to controller <NUM> in order to simplify the figure, but it should be appreciated that the other magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> would also be electrically coupled to controller <NUM> in the same manner. In addition, other than controller <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, and one magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>, <FIG> does not depict the remaining components of computing device <NUM> (e.g., display <NUM>, housing <NUM>, display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.), so as to simply the figure. Moreover, it should be appreciated that a plurality of sensors <NUM> may be included within computing device <NUM> in other examples.

Sensor <NUM> is to sense or detect the rotational or angular position of one of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the other of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM>. In some examples, sensor <NUM> directly detects the relative angular position of one of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> (or both of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>). In other examples, sensor <NUM> detects an indication of the relative angular position of one of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> or both of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>. In one specific example, the sensor <NUM> may comprise an accelerometer, such as, for example a <NUM>-axis accelerometer) that is to measure or detect the yaw, pitch, and roll of one of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the direction of gravity (e.g., the direction of the gravitational field vector). In this example, the output from the sensor <NUM> may be used (e.g., by controller <NUM>) to determine the orientation of the corresponding housing member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the other housing member <NUM>, <NUM>. In still other examples, each of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> may include a corresponding accelerometer (e.g., again a <NUM>-axis accelerometer) (e.g., so that computing device <NUM> may comprise a plurality of sensors <NUM>). In these examples, the output from the accelerometers may be used (e.g., by controller <NUM>) to determine the orientation of both of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is coupled to angular position sensor <NUM> and to the magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>. Generally speaking, controller <NUM> receives signals from sensor <NUM>, and actuates the magnet <NUM> within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to generate a magnetic field as previously described. Controller <NUM> may be a corresponding dedicated controller for suspension <NUM> or may be included or integrated within a central controller or control assembly for computing device <NUM>. In this example, controller <NUM> is a dedicated controller for suspension <NUM> and may communicate with other controllers or control assemblies within computing device <NUM> (e.g., such as those that facilitate general operation of computing device <NUM>, including display <NUM>). The specific components and functions of controller <NUM> will now be described in detail below with continued specific reference to <FIG>.

In particular, controller <NUM> may comprise any suitable device or assembly which is capable of receiving an electrical or mechanical signal and capable of transmitting various signals to other devices (e.g., magnet <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, etc.). In particular, as shown in <FIG>, in this example, controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a current generator <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> (e.g., microprocessor, central processing unit, or collection of such processor devices, etc.) executes machine readable instructions provided on memory <NUM>, and (upon executing the instructions) provides the controller <NUM> with all of the functionality described herein. The memory <NUM> may comprise volatile storage (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile storage (e.g., flash storage, read only memory, etc.), or combinations of both volatile and non-volatile storage. Data consumed or produced by the machine readable instructions can also be stored on memory <NUM>.

Current generator <NUM> is coupled to processor <NUM> and memory <NUM> and is to generate and transmit an electrical current to magnet <NUM> within magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> based on instructions or commands provided by processor <NUM>. In this example, magnet <NUM> is an electromagnet, and thus, when electric current is provided to magnet <NUM> from current generator <NUM>, magnet <NUM> generates a corresponding magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field generated by magnet <NUM> may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the current flowing across magnet <NUM> that is supplied by the current generator <NUM>. In addition, the polarity of the magnetic field may be changed (e.g., reversed) by changing (e.g., reversing) the direction the electric current supplied by current generator flows across magnet <NUM>. In some examples, when the magnet <NUM> is an electromagnet, the magnet <NUM> may comprise a coil of conductive wire (e.g., copper).

Referring still to <FIG>, controller <NUM> may also include or be coupled to a suitable power source (not shown), that provides electrical power to other electronic components within controller <NUM> (and perhaps other components within computing device <NUM>). In particular, the power source (not shown) may comprise any suitable source of electrical power such as, for example, a battery, capacitor, utility power source, etc. It should be appreciated that if the power source (not shown) is a utility power source (e.g., such as electrical power provided by a wall plug within a building or residence), then the power source is not located within computing device <NUM> itself.

Controller <NUM> is coupled or linked to magnet <NUM> and sensor <NUM> by a plurality of conductors <NUM>, which may comprise any suitable conductive element for transferring power and/or control signals (e.g., electrical signals, light signals, etc.). For example, in some implementations, conductors <NUM> may comprise conductive wires (e.g., metallic wires), fiber optic cables, or some combination thereof. In other examples, controller <NUM> is to communicate with magnet <NUM> and/or sensor <NUM> via a wireless connection (e.g., WIFI, BLUETOOTH®, near field communication, infrared, radio frequency communication, etc.).

As will be described in more detail below, during operations controller <NUM> actuates the magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to selectively generate a corresponding magnetic field that drives the movement or translation of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> as previously described. As will also be described in more detail below, controller <NUM> may actuate the magnet <NUM> as a function of the relative angular positions of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, based on the output from sensor <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> when the housing <NUM> of computing device <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may actuate the magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to generate little or no magnetic field. Thus, in some of these examples, when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>, processor <NUM> directs current generator <NUM> to stop the flow of electric current to magnet <NUM>.

Referring specifically now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when the housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position of <FIG> to the open position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> senses the relative movement and/or position of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> via sensor <NUM> and actuates magnet <NUM> (via current generator <NUM>) within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to generate a magnetic field that attracts distal end 112b of the corresponding first actuation member <NUM> toward the terminal end <NUM> of the recess <NUM> within the corresponding second actuation member <NUM>. Because each first actuation member <NUM> is a corresponding one of the coupled to display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, and display support members <NUM>, <NUM> are in turn coupled to display <NUM> as previously described, the attraction of distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> toward terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> also moves or translates ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> away from hinge <NUM>. Thus, the magnetic field generated by magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> when housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position (<FIG>) to the open position (<FIG>) attract end 20a, 20b of display <NUM> away from hinge <NUM> within housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

Referring specifically now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when the housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position of <FIG> to the closed position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> again senses the relative movement and/or position of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> via sensor <NUM> and actuates magnet <NUM> (via current generator <NUM>) of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to generate a magnetic field that repels distal end 112b of the corresponding first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of the recess <NUM> within the corresponding second actuation member <NUM>. This in turn also moves or translates ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> toward hinge <NUM> (or repels ends 20a, 20b toward hinge <NUM>). Thus, the magnetic field generated by the magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> when housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position (<FIG>) to the closed position (<FIG>) repels ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> toward from hinge <NUM> within housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

Referring again to <FIG>, in some examples, controller <NUM> may actuate each magnet <NUM> to adjust the strength of the magnetic field generated thereby (e.g., by increasing or decreasing the electric current supplied to magnet <NUM> by current generator <NUM> as previously described) to either attract or repel the distal end 112b of the corresponding first actuation member <NUM> relative to terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> based on the position of housing <NUM>. More specifically, depending on the relative angular positions of housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, controller <NUM> may increase and/or decrease the strength of the repelling or attracting magnetic field generated by each magnet <NUM> as appropriate to ensure that ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> are positioned relative to hinge <NUM> as desired and to ensure that sufficient tension or compression is placed on display <NUM> to facilitate user interactions and operations.

For example, in some implementations as the angle θ between housing members <NUM>, <NUM> increases while housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position of <FIG> toward the open position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> adjusts the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnet <NUM> such that the magnitude of the attractive forces applied to the distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> toward terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> progressively increases. Conversely, as the angle θ between housing members <NUM>, <NUM> decreases while housing <NUM> is transitioned from the open position of <FIG> toward the neutral position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> adjusts the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnet <NUM> such that the magnitude of the attractive forces applied to the distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> toward terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> progressively decreases. Thus, in this example, the controller <NUM> is to actuate magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to apply a maximum attractive magnetic force when housing <NUM> is in the fully open position of <FIG> and to apply a minimum attractive magnetic force (which may be zero) when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>.

As another example, as the angle θ between housing members <NUM>, <NUM> decreases while housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position of <FIG> toward the closed position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> adjusts the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnet <NUM> such that the magnitude of the repelling forces applied to the distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> progressively increases. Conversely, as the angle θ between housing members <NUM>, <NUM> increases while housing <NUM> is transitioned from the closed position of <FIG> toward the neutral position of <FIG>, controller <NUM> adjusts the strength of the magnetic field generated by each magnet <NUM> such that the magnitude of the repelling forces applied to the distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> progressively decreases. Thus, the controller <NUM> is to actuate the magnet <NUM> within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to apply a maximum repelling magnetic force to ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> when housing <NUM> is in the fully closed position of <FIG> and to apply a minimum repelling magnetic force (which may be zero) when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>.

Accordingly, in these examples, controller <NUM> is to actuate the magnet <NUM> in each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to repel the corresponding end 20a, 20b of display <NUM> toward hinge <NUM> when housing <NUM> is disposed between the neutral position of <FIG> and the closed position of <FIG>, and to progressively increase the repelling force applied by each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to the corresponding end 20a, 20b as the housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position (<FIG>) toward the closed position (<FIG>). In addition, in these examples, controller <NUM> is to actuate the magnet <NUM> in each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to attract the corresponding end 20a, 20b of display <NUM> away from hinge <NUM> when housing <NUM> is disposed between the neutral position of <FIG> and the open position of <FIG>, and to progressively increase the attractive force applied by each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to the corresponding end 20a, 20b as the housing <NUM> is transitioned from the neutral position (<FIG>) toward the open position (<FIG>). Accordingly, magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (namely magnets <NUM>) together operate to synchronously move ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM> and housing members <NUM>, <NUM> to accommodate radius R when housing <NUM> is in the closed position (see <FIG>) and to extend display <NUM> for viewing and interaction by a user when housing <NUM> is in the open position (see <FIG>).

Because the above described actuation of the magnet <NUM> in each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is tied to the motion of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> (e.g., as measured or detected by sensor <NUM> as previously described), the ultimate motion or movement of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> is synchronized with the movement of housing <NUM> about hinge <NUM>. Without being limited to this or any other theory, the synchronous movement of ends 20a, 20b during rotation of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> may help to facilitate a repeatable, even, and uniform movement of display <NUM>, so that irregular and undesired deformation of display <NUM> may be avoided.

Referring again to <FIG>, when housing <NUM> is in the closed position of <FIG>, first end 20a of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X1 from axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM> along first housing member <NUM>, and second end 20b of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X2 from axis <NUM> along second housing member <NUM>. When housing <NUM> is in the open position of <FIG>, first end 20a of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X3 from axis <NUM> along first housing member <NUM>, and second end 20b of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X4 from axis <NUM> along second housing member <NUM>. In this example, the distances X1, X2, X3, X4 are measured radially from axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM> and the ends (e.g., ends 20a, 20b) of display <NUM>. In addition, in this example the distance X1 is less than the distance X3 (i.e., X1 < X3), and the distance X2 is less than the distance X4 (i.e., X2 < X4). Without being limited to this or any other theory, the difference between distance X1 and distance X3 and the difference between distance X2 and distance X4 is determined by the size of radius R when housing <NUM> is in the closed position. Thus, for larger values of the radius R, the difference between distances X1 and X3 and between distances X2 and X4 should be larger (since more length of display <NUM> is taken up to form the larger radius R). Also, in some examples, because the movement of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> are synchronized with one another via suspension <NUM> (particularly via magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>) as previously described, the difference between distances X1 and X3 may be equal (or substantially equal) to the difference between distances X2 and X4.

Further, when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>, the first housing member <NUM> and second housing member <NUM> extend such that the angle θ may generally range between <NUM>° and <NUM>° as previously described above. In addition, because the attractive or magnetic forces applied by the magnet <NUM> within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is at a minimum value (which again may include zero) when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>, ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> are also moved (via suspension <NUM>) to positions that are between the positions of ends 20a, 20b while housing <NUM> is in the closed position of <FIG> and the open position of <FIG>.

More particularly, when housing <NUM> is in the neutral position of <FIG>, first end 20a of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X5 from axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM> along first housing member <NUM>, and second end 20b of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X6 from axis <NUM> of hinge <NUM> along second housing member <NUM>. As with distances X1-X4 in <FIG>, the distances X5 and X6 are measured in a radial direction from axis <NUM>. In this example, the distance X5 is less than the distance X3 (see <FIG>) but is greater than the distance X1 (see <FIG>) (i.e., X3 > X5 > X1). Also, in this example, the distance X6 is less than the distance X4 (see <FIG>) but is greater than the distance X2 (see <FIG>) (i.e., X4 > X6 > X2).

In still other examples, first and second housing members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be further rotated relative to one another such that housing <NUM> is in a "tent" type position, with first housing member <NUM> and second housing member <NUM> extending from hinge <NUM> at a relative angle greater than <NUM>°. For instance, referring now to <FIG>, an example of computing device <NUM> is shown where housing members <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated about the hinge <NUM> such that the angle θ therebetween is greater than <NUM>°, such as, for example, between <NUM>° and <NUM>° (e.g., <NUM>° < θ ≤ <NUM>°). In this position, once housing members <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated past <NUM>° (i.e., past the open position of <FIG>), the controller <NUM> actuates the magnet <NUM> of each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> to generate a magnetic field that again repels distal end 112b of each first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM>, such that ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> move again toward hinge <NUM> (e.g., such as described above for the movement of ends 20a, 20b when transitioning housing <NUM> from the neutral position of <FIG> to the closed position of <FIG>). Specifically, ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> may be repelled toward hinge <NUM> along housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, by magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> in order to accommodate a roll or deformation <NUM> of display <NUM> at or proximate hinge <NUM> due to the movement of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

More particularly, when housing <NUM> is in the position of <FIG>, first end 20a of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X7 from axis <NUM> along first housing member <NUM>, and second end 20b of display <NUM> is disposed at a distance X8 from axis <NUM> along second housing member <NUM>. As with distances X1-X6 in <FIG>, the distances X7 and X8 are measured in a radial direction from axis <NUM>. In addition, in this example, the distance X7 is less than the distance X3 (i.e., X7 < X3), and the distance X8 is less than the distance X4 (i.e., X8 < X4). Thus, as with the positions of housing <NUM> in the examples of <FIG>, it should be appreciated that suspension <NUM> (namely magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>) facilitates the relative, synchronous movement of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> while housing members <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated past <NUM>° relative to one another about hinge <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>.

While examples disclosed herein have included a single magnet <NUM> within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>, it should be appreciated that a plurality of magnets <NUM> may be included within each magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> in other implementations to facilitate the movement of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> as previously described above. Various examples of magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (e.g., magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are discussed below with reference to <FIG>. As previously described for <FIG>, <FIG> schematically show controller <NUM> electrically coupled to a corresponding magnetic actuation assembly, and do not depict either the other magnetic actuation assembly or the other components of the corresponding computing device (e.g., housing <NUM>, display <NUM>, display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) so as to simply the figures. However, it should be appreciated that these omitted components and features may be included in the same manner as previously described above with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG> an alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is shown for use in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> within computing device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> shares common features with magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>, previously described above, and thus, such like features are identified with like reference numerals and the discussion below will focus on the features of magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> that are different from magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>.

In particular, as shown in <FIG>, magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> includes a first actuation member <NUM>, and second actuation member <NUM> (previously described). First actuation member <NUM> is generally the same as first actuation member <NUM>, and therefore includes ends 112a, 112b as previously described. However, first actuation member <NUM> additionally includes another magnet <NUM> proximate distal end 112b. The magnet <NUM> within first actuation member <NUM> is an electromagnet and is coupled (via conductors <NUM>) to controller <NUM> (namely current generator <NUM>) in the same manner as described above for magnet <NUM> within second actuation member <NUM>.

During operations, controller <NUM> actuates magnet <NUM> with the first actuation member <NUM> and second actuation member <NUM> in order to selectively generate a net attractive or repelling magnetic field between distal end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> and terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM>. For example, to generate a net repelling force to urge end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> away from terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM>, controller <NUM> (via current generator <NUM>) may actuate the magnets <NUM> within actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> to generate magnetic fields with aligned, matching magnetic poles (e.g., north-to-north or south-to-south) so that the magnet <NUM> within the first actuation member <NUM> is repelled from the magnet <NUM> within the second actuation member <NUM>. Conversely, to generate a net attractive force to draw distal end 112b of first actuation member <NUM> toward terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM>, controller <NUM> (via current generator <NUM>) may actuate the magnet <NUM> within actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> to generate magnetic fields with aligned, opposite magnetic poles (e.g., north-to-south or south-to-north) so that the magnet <NUM> within the first actuation member <NUM> is attracted to the magnet <NUM> within the second actuation member <NUM>. In some examples, the alignment (or misalignment as the case may be) of the poles of the magnetic fields generated by the magnets <NUM> within actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> may be altered by changing the direction of the electric current flowing across one magnet <NUM> or both magnets <NUM> via current generator <NUM> of controller <NUM> as previously described above.

While not specifically shown in <FIG>, when alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is incorporated within computing device <NUM> in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (see <FIG>), the magnetic fields generated by alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> operate to move or transition the corresponding end (e.g., ends 20a, 20b) of display <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM> in the same manner as previously described above. However, by including an electromagnet (e.g., magnet <NUM>) within both actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> of alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>, the magnitude of the magnetic force (e.g., repelling or attracting) applied therebetween may be increased. In addition, in these examples, first actuation member <NUM> may be entirely constructed from a material that is not magnetically sensitive, thereby potentially reducing costs and weight for computing device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is shown for use in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> within computing device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> shares common features with magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, previously described above, and thus, such like features are identified with like reference numerals and the discussion below will focus on the features of magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> that are different from those included within magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>.

In particular, as shown in <FIG>, magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> includes a first actuation member <NUM>, and a second actuation member <NUM>. First actuation member <NUM> is generally the same as first actuation member <NUM>, and therefore includes ends 112a, 112b as previously described. However, first actuation member <NUM> additionally includes a plurality of magnets <NUM> disposed on or therein, between ends 112a, 112b. In particular, in this example, first actuation member <NUM> includes a total of three magnets <NUM> - namely a first magnet 150a proximate distal end 112b, a second magnet 150c proximate end 112a, and a third magnet 150b between magnets 150a, 150c. Magnets 150a-c may be either disposed within first magnetic actuation member <NUM>, or may be disposed along an outer surface of first actuation member <NUM>.

Second actuation member <NUM> is generally the same as first actuation member <NUM>, and therefore includes ends 120a, 120b, and recess <NUM> having terminal end <NUM> as previously described. However, second actuation member <NUM> includes a plurality of magnets <NUM> in place of the magnet <NUM> included in second actuation member <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In particular, in this example, second actuation member <NUM> includes a total of six magnets <NUM> - namely a first pair of magnets 150d, <NUM> disposed on opposing sides of recess <NUM> and proximate closed end 120b, a second pair of magnets 150f, 150i disposed on opposing sides of recess <NUM> and proximate open end 120a, and a third pair of magnets 150e, <NUM> disposed on opposing sides of recess <NUM> and between the pair of magnets 150d, <NUM> and the pair of magnets 150f, 150i. In some examples, each pair of magnets (e.g., magnets 150d, g, magnets 150e, h, magnets 150f, i, etc.) is replaced with a single corresponding magnet. In some specific examples, second actuation member <NUM> is formed as a tubular or enclosed member such that recess <NUM> is formed as a bore extending inward from open end 120a. In these examples, the pairs of magnets 150d, g, 150e, h, and 150f, i may each be replaced with a single magnet <NUM> extending angularly about recess <NUM> (i.e., a total of three magnets disposed between ends 120a, 120b and extending partially or fully angularly about recess <NUM>). Further, as with first actuation member <NUM>, the magnets 150d-i may be either disposed within second magnetic actuation member <NUM>, or may be disposed along an outer surface(s) of second magnetic actuation member <NUM> or along the surface defining recess <NUM>.

In this example, magnets 150a-i are electromagnets that are each coupled (via conductors <NUM> - not all of the conductors <NUM> are shown in <FIG> to simplify the figure) to controller <NUM> (namely current generator <NUM>). Thus, controller <NUM> (via current generator <NUM>) may selectively actuate the magnets 150a-i (or a select number thereof) to generate a corresponding magnetic field, and may alter the poles of those magnetic fields by reversing the flow of electrical current through the corresponding magnet (i.e., magnet 150a-i) as previously described above.

During operations, controller <NUM> actuates a desired combination of the magnets 150a-c within (or on) first actuation member <NUM> and the magnets 150d-i within (or on) second actuation member <NUM> in order to selectively generate a net attractive or repelling magnetic field between first actuation member <NUM> and recess <NUM> of second actuation member <NUM>. Specifically, depending on the location of first actuation member <NUM> within recess <NUM> (which is a function of the relative position of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> within housing members <NUM>, <NUM> as previously described - see e.g., <FIG>), controller <NUM> may actuate select magnets 150a-i to generate a desired force (e.g., attractive, repelling, or combination thereof) to position first actuation member <NUM> within recess <NUM>. In addition, controller <NUM> may also selectively actuate the select magnets 150a-i to generate a magnetic field of varying strength as previously described above to further ensure the desired force on first actuation member <NUM> and ultimately the desired position of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM>. In some examples, the choice of magnets 150a-i to actuate and the choice of magnetic field strength to apply to the select magnets 150a-i is a function of the relative angular position of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> as previously described above for the example of <FIG>.

While not specifically shown in <FIG>, when magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is incorporated within computing device <NUM> in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (see <FIG>), the magnetic field generated by magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> operates to move or transition the corresponding end (e.g., ends 20a, 20b) of display <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM> in the same manner as previously described above. However, by including a plurality of electromagnets (e.g., magnets 150a-i) within both of the actuation members <NUM>, <NUM> of magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>, the magnitude and location of the magnetic force (e.g., repelling or attracting) between first actuation member <NUM> and second actuation member <NUM> (and thus ultimately ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM>) may be more finely controlled. In addition as with the example of <FIG>, in the example of <FIG>, first actuation member <NUM> may be entirely constructed from a material that is not magnetically sensitive, thereby potentially reducing costs and weight for computing device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another alternative magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is shown for use in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> within computing device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> shares common features with both magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> and magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> previously described above, and thus, such like features are identified with like reference numerals and the discussion below will focus on the features of magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> that are different from magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>.

In particular, as shown in <FIG>, magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> includes the first actuation member <NUM> included within the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> of <FIG>, and the second actuation member <NUM> included within the magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the first and second magnetic actuation members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are the same as previously described above.

During operations, controller <NUM> actuates select magnets 150d-i within (or on) second actuation member <NUM> in order to selectively generate a net attractive or repelling magnetic field between first actuation member <NUM> and terminal end <NUM> of recess <NUM> within second actuation member <NUM>. Specifically, depending on the location of first actuation member <NUM> within recess <NUM> (which is a function of the relative position of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> within housing members <NUM>, <NUM> as previously described - see e.g., <FIG>), controller <NUM> may actuate select magnets 150d-i to generate a desired force (e.g., attractive, repelling, or combination thereof) to position first actuation member <NUM> within recess <NUM> as desired. In addition, controller <NUM> may also selectively actuate the select magnets 150d-i to generate a magnetic field of varying strength as previously described above to further ensure the desired force on first actuation member <NUM> and ultimately the desired position of ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM>. In some examples, the choice of magnets 150d-i to actuate and the choice of magnetic field strength to be applied by the select magnets 150d-i is a function of the relative angular position of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM> as previously described above for the example of <FIG>. It should be noted that in this example, first magnetic actuation member <NUM> is constructed (partially or wholly) from a magnetically sensitive material as previously described above.

While not specifically shown in <FIG>, when magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is incorporated within computing device <NUM> in place of one or both of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (see <FIG>), the magnetic field generated by magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> operates to move or transition the corresponding end (e.g., ends 20a, 20b) of display <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM> in the same manner as previously described above. However, by including a plurality of electromagnets (e.g., magnets <NUM>) within second actuation member <NUM>, the magnitude and characteristics of the magnetic force (e.g., repelling or attracting) that may be applied to first actuation member <NUM> (and thus ultimately ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM>) may be more finely controlled.

While examples specifically depicted herein have included computing devices where both ends (e.g., ends 20a, 20b) of a flexible display (e.g., flexible display <NUM>) are movable relative to a central hinge (e.g., hinge <NUM>) of a housing of the device (e.g., housing <NUM>), in other examples, a single end of the display is movable relative to the hinge while the opposite end is fixed relative to the housing. For example, referring now to <FIG>, a computing device <NUM> is shown. Computing device <NUM> is generally the same as computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG>, and thus, like components between computing devices <NUM>, <NUM> are identified with like reference numerals, and the discussion below will focus on the components and features of computing device <NUM> that are different from computing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, computing device <NUM> includes housing <NUM>, flexible display <NUM>, and display support members <NUM>, <NUM>, each being the same as previously described above for computing device <NUM>. In addition, computing device <NUM> includes a suspension <NUM> in place of suspension <NUM>. <FIG> shows housing <NUM> of computing device <NUM> in a closed position and <FIG> shows housing <NUM> of computing device <NUM> in an open position.

In this example, second end 20b of flexible display <NUM> is fixed to second housing member <NUM> via second display support member <NUM>, and thus, suspension <NUM> facilitates the movement of first end 20a of flexible display <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM>. In particular, suspension <NUM> includes a magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> disposed within first housing member <NUM> which further includes first magnetic actuation member <NUM> and second magnetic actuation member <NUM>, each being the same as previously described above for computing device <NUM> (see <FIG>). However, because second end 20b of flexible display <NUM> is fixed relative to second housing member <NUM> via display support member <NUM>, no magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> is included within second housing member <NUM>. In other example, suspension <NUM> of computing device <NUM> may include any of the other magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in place of magnetic actuation assembly <NUM>.

During operations, as the housing <NUM> is transitioned between the closed position (see <FIG>), neutral position (see e.g., <FIG>) and the open position (see <FIG>), second end 20b of flexible display <NUM> remains fixed relative to hinge <NUM> and second housing member <NUM>; however, first end 20a translates within first housing member <NUM> relative to hinge <NUM> via the magnetic forces applied to first end 20a via magnetic actuation assembly <NUM> in the same manner as described above for computing device <NUM>. Accordingly, a detailed description of this operation is omitted herein in the interest of brevity. Thus, through use of suspension <NUM>, the desired deformation of flexible display <NUM> is achieved by moving first end 20a of flexible display <NUM> synchronously with the movement of housing members <NUM>, <NUM> about hinge <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method <NUM> for actuating the ends (or a single end) of a flexible display of a computing device (e.g., ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> in <FIG>) is shown. In describing the details of method <NUM>, reference will be made to the features and components of computing device <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>); however, it should be appreciated that method <NUM> may be practiced with other components and features that are different from those shown in computing device <NUM>. Therefore, reference to computing device <NUM> and its components is merely to enhance the clarity of the description of method <NUM> and should not be limiting thereto. In addition, method <NUM> may be carried out by a controller device, e.g., such as controller <NUM> previously described above.

First method <NUM> begins at <NUM> by determining the relative angular position of housing members (e.g., housing members <NUM>, <NUM>) of a computing device about a hinge (e.g., hinge <NUM>). For example, the relative angular position of the housing members may be sensed or determined by an angular position sensor, such as, for example angular position sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG> and previously described above.

Next, method <NUM> includes determining at <NUM> a desired position for an end of a flexible display (e.g., ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM>) relative to the hinge based on the determined relative angular position of the housing members about the hinge. For example, the desired position of the end (or ends) of the flexible display may be chosen in order to accommodate a radius or bend of the flexible display proximate the hinge (e.g., such as radius R shown in <FIG>).

Finally, method <NUM> includes actuating a magnet disposed within one of the housing members (e.g., magnet <NUM>) to attract or repel one of the ends of the display to the determined desired position at <NUM>. For example, for the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, block <NUM> may include actuating a magnet <NUM> within one of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM> (or alternatively one of the magnetic actuation assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to actuate one of the ends 20a, 20b of display <NUM> as previously described above.

Examples disclosed herein have included computing devices utilizing flexible displays that employ suspensions therein for facilitating an acceptable and controlled deformation of the flexible display as the computing device is transitioned between open and closed positions. Accordingly, through use of the example suspensions disclosed herein (and disclosed computing devices including such a suspension), damage and wear to a flexible display caused by the transitioning of the computing device between a closed (or folded) position and an open position may be reduced or eliminated.

Claim 1:
A computing device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first housing member (<NUM>) and a second housing member (<NUM>), wherein the first housing member (<NUM>) is rotatably coupled to the second housing member (<NUM>) at a hinge (<NUM>) and the first housing member comprises:
a first actuation member including an electromagnet or magnetically sensitive material; and
a second actuation member including an electromagnet;
a flexible display (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>), wherein the display comprises a first end (20a) disposed on a first side of the hinge (<NUM>) and a second end (20b) disposed on a second side of the hinge (<NUM>) that is opposite the first side (20a);
a controller (<NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>), wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
actuate the electromagnet of the second actuation member to generate a magnetic field that attracts a distal end of the first actuation member towards a terminal end of a recess of the second actuation member to translate the first end of the display away from the hinge within the first housing member when the second housing member is rotated about the hinge away the first housing; and
actuate the electromagnet of the second actuation member to generate a magnetic field that repels the distal end of the first actuation member away from the terminal end of the recess to translate the first end of the display toward the hinge within the first housing member when the second housing member is rotated about the hinge toward the first housing member.