1. The LG Rollable was a pioneering but limited-production device showcasing innovative rollable display technology.
2. The device used a combination of two motors and a spring mechanism with three arms to facilitate smooth rolling and retraction of the display.
3. Internals reveal a complex design where the rolled-up OLED display hides behind a transparent panel, functioning as a secondary display or status indicator.
4. The LG Rollable remained operational for five years, demonstrating durability and advanced engineering in foldable technology.
5. No comprehensive teardown had been publicly available until the recent video, providing rare insight into its internal mechanisms.
A Brief History of LG’s Innovative Smartphone Era
In 2021, it was kinda like the end of an era for exciting and out-there smartphone designs, especially for LG which was known for pushing boundaries. One of the final models before they shut down their mobile division was the LG Wing, which, unfortunately, didn’t meet commercial success. Despite that, it showcased LG’s knack for creativity and experimenting with new ideas, like the unique swivel-screen design.
Special Devices That Never Made It Big
Right before LG exited mobile phones, engineers were working on some crazy prototypes, like the LG Rollable. It was a rollable display tech that aimed to offer a flexible, expanding screen. Only a handful of units were produced, mostly for LG team members, and some reviews started popping up online around 2022. The device was small scale but fascinating, hinting at future possibilities in smartphone design.
Inside the LG Rollable: Rare Teardown Footage
Getting inside this tricky gadget was almost impossible before, mainly because it was super rare and risky to dismantle without damaging it. Now, four years later, some lucky folks got a sneak peek. A video from JerryRigEverything on YouTube shows us what’s under the hood, revealing how the display extends and retracts, revealing exciting tech secrets.
Mechanical Marvel of the Rollable Display
- Two motors, paired with a spring and three-arm mechanism, control the rolling action, ensuring smooth, even movement at all times.
- When retracted, the OLED screen hides behind a clear glass panel, which doubles as a secondary display for notifications or selfies using the front camera.
- This design innovation, combined with the fact that it stayed fully functional after five years, is extremely impressive compared to modern standards from other brands.
Final Thoughts on the Future of Flexible Displays
Summing up, the LG Rollable is a glimpse of what could have been a new era in smartphone tech, blending mechanical ingenuity with sleek display tech. The teardown not only shows the complexity but also how much potential this kind of rollable screen has, even if few got to witness it in mass-market products. Whether or not we’ll see similar tech from other companies remains to be seen, but LG’s effort definitely left a mark.
