Tesla Files Patent for Door With Structural Outer Panel and Fewer Parts
Tesla has filed a patent application, published by the USPTO last week, for building vehicle doors with fewer parts. The idea is for the outer metal panel to provide strength and protection, eliminating some internal reinforcements. Window motors, door handles and hinges would be mounted directly onto that panel, which could be a single sheet of steel or aluminum. The panel would also protect occupants in side impacts, replacing some internal metal bars. According to Tesla, the design could reduce manufacturing costs and factory floor space.…
- The outer panel would replace internal reinforcements; steel or aluminum, optionally unpainted
- Drawings show the Cybertruck, though Tesla names no specific vehicle
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