Do you remember the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 for a skid steer? In October 2018, Xiaomi created a Mix phone with a real full screen. There was no hole, no island, no nothing on the screen. The selfie camera, so to speak, had to slide up the back of the phone. Specifically, the phone was sliced in two lengthwise, which could be slid one over the other. Now they've milked that, using Maglev technology.
Although the sliding surfaces in the two end positions are also fixed magnetically, they slide mechanically on each other. Four neodymium magnets are positioned opposite each other, with opposite poles, to provide the correct grip when opening and closing. It was simply a matter of designing the rail to be durable.
Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. recently filed a patent application for "Maglev Slide Rail and Slide Cover Electronic Equipment", which was granted today. The magnetic suspension slide rail described in the patent includes a magnetic component located between the first slide cover and the second slide cover. Unlike the solution seen in the Mix 3, Xiaomi will now maintain the magnetic field with an electric rather than a permanent magnet. Just like the Maglev train, which runs on an electromagnetic levitation track. So, in a slimmer design, it could bring back the slide car. Although it may not be used for that, but for other interesting and innovative solutions.
Do you have any ideas on what else such a sliding surface could be used for? Tell us in the comments: Facebook, Twitter, Discord
