Tesla filed a patent application for the "fibrous foam architecture", claiming that the technology used to produce seats and interiors can become a more efficient and environmentally sustainable process.
The patent explained that the materials currently used for cushioning traditional car seats include polyurethane foam, which cannot be recycled and is not breathable and is not the most comfortable material. Making foam is also a time-consuming and laborious process, which requires pouring a large amount of chemicals such as polymers or epoxy resin into the mold to mix. After the installation is complete, other materials need to be trimmed and shaped, resulting in unnecessary waste, and Tesla's fiber foam structure hopes to avoid such waste.
The patent says in the background section: "Cutting foam components requires the use of C-shaped nails, shackles, and / or other trimming methods." In such methods, it may be necessary to maintain positioning tolerances, the surface needs to fit, and grooves and lines need to be provided Traces, etc., may also require storage and processing of glue. The current production process is not only laborious and time-consuming, but the productivity and quality of backrests, armrests, footrests and supporting foam components need to be improved.
Tesla is seeking to improve the car's interior, and therefore suggests that "it is necessary to improve the foam structure and related manufacturing processes to overcome the above shortcomings."
The foam structure of the car seat has been improved to provide a more comfortable and recyclable material for Tesla electric car owners. Tesla plans to stack multiple layers of different materials to make a more cost-effective seat without much effort. The chair, using recycled and sustainable materials, can also attract environmentally conscious Tesla owners. In 2017, Tesla introduced 100% harmless seats on Model S and Model X models. Later, it will provide 100% vegan materials on Model 3 and upcoming Model Y models. Seat.
Tesla has been continuously improving the car through various methods such as OTA power update and adding other functions, while improving efficiency in the design and manufacturing process to support larger-scale mass production. The company plans to begin production of Model Y models in early 2020, and mass production of the first Model 3 models in the Gigafactory 3 project in Shanghai.
Tesla began to increase the efficiency of fleet production, so creating a lean and cost-effective production process is the key. Tesla will begin production of Model Y crossovers in 2020 and launch the Cyberruck truck on November 21.