Tesla patents new Cybertruck origami-style windshield and dashboard

According to foreign media reports, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the appearance of the mass-produced version of Tesla Cybertruck will be very similar to the 2019 pure electric pickup prototype, but it will still be equipped with some new features, not just updated door handles and rear-wheel steering.

(Image source: Tesla)

A recently published patent application from Tesla reveals that there may be more updates to come for Cybertruck. The patent, titled "Automotive glass structures with feature lines and related manufacturing methods," describes a method for forming extremely durable glass structures with strong curves and folds. By using this technology, Tesla says it can create components such as windshields with strong feature lines that are impossible to achieve using traditional glass forming methods.

(Image source: Patentscope)

The patent application's illustrations show how the system would be used on vehicles like the Cybertruck. One of the images in the patent shows strong character lines on the far left and right sides of the Cybertruck windshield, giving the all-electric pickup a more futuristic and CGI-style look. This is completely different from the windshield used on the prototype Cybertruck, which looks completely flat.

“A first glass structure 602A can be present over a vehicle and form a windshield according to the techniques described herein. In some examples, the first glass structure 602A can be multi-layered… Thus, the first glass structure 602A can have feature lines (e.g., facets) 606A-606B. As an example, the radius of curvature of these feature lines 600A-600B is 2 mm to 5 cm. In some examples, the feature lines 600A-600B can be at an angle of 45-60 degrees or 50-75 degrees.”

Tesla's unique glass patent application is not limited to the exterior of the vehicle. Still taking Cybertruck as an example, Tesla emphasized that its glass forming patent can also be used to manufacture the dashboard of the all-electric pickup truck, which is made of recycled paper composite materials in the prototype. Tesla's patent application shows that the dashboard of Cybertruck can be made of glass, making the interior decoration of the vehicle more beautiful. The film layer is equipped with folded glass, which can make the dashboard more durable, thereby ensuring that the components will not shatter during the impact.

(Image source: Patentscope)

“FIG. 7 is an example of a vehicle interior 700, such as vehicle 600 described above. Interior 700 includes glass partition 702 having a character line 704. As described above, the radius of curvature of character line 704 is between 2 mm and 5 cm. In some examples, character line 704 may be at an angle of 45-60 degrees or 50-75 degrees.

"Glass panel 702 can be formed according to the above-described techniques. For example, glass panel 702 can be formed as described in FIG. 2. Thus, localized heating of a single layer of glass can form feature line 704. In some examples, a film is installed below glass panel 702. For example, the film or layer can be used to present a visual design and/or can be used to ensure that the glass does not break (e.g., a safety or security film).

The design of Cybertruck has been completed, and it remains to be seen whether the folding glass assembly outlined in the patent application can actually be used in the mass-produced version of the pure electric pickup truck. However, Tesla fans say that they may not have to wait too long, because Tesla has stated that Cybertruck may enter the testing phase before the end of this year, and plans to produce it at Giga Texas next year.