Elon Musk

Tesla filed a new patent "Automotive perforated insulated glass structure"

Tesla filed a new patent "Automotive perforated insulated glass structure"

In cars, various materials are usually used to cover the inside of the cab, which are selected for aesthetic reasons, but which can also serve as a great addition to the noise insulation of the cabin. Also, these materials can additionally thermally isolate the inside of the vehicle from temperature fluctuations outside the vehicle.

But we know that some automakers use alternative materials in their vehicles to create the structure or body of the vehicle. For example, vehicles can use glass to create parts or even the entire roof of a car to create an interior that seems more open to the outside world. For such vehicles, it is necessary that the glass used in the vehicle body provides noise absorption and thermal insulation performance.

Tesla cars are those that have in their construction a large glass roof. That is why the company strives to make it the most ideal option for use in its cars. There is no limit to perfection, so Tesla is working on another improvement of the glass that will be used for the roof in their cars.

On June 26, 2019, Tesla filed a patent for a new glass technology to better reduce noise and control the temperature inside its vehicles “Automotive Perforated Insulated Glass Structure.” On January 2, 2020, the application was published. This patent is an addition to the patent of June 27, 2018, "Automotive Perforated Insulated Glass Structure".

Glass for a vehicle includes two layers: the outer layer and the inner. The inner layer of glass is perforated with many holes. The outer and inner layers of glass are separated from each other by a gap. Tesla, in a new patent, proposes a structure that can provide noise absorption and thermal insulation performance.


illustrates an example of perforated glass structure 100 in an exploded view and side view according to some embodiments. The glass structure 100 includes an outer layer of glass 101 and an inner layer of glass 102. The inner layer of glass 102 is perforated by holes 103. The inner layer of glass 102 is between 0.55 mm and 5 mm thick and has a porosity between 1% and 6% due to the perforated holes 103(Source: Tesla patent)

"The present disclosure provides examples of systems and techniques for providing a glass structure (eg, window) to be used in a vehicle. Exemplary structures disclosed are capable of providing increased noise and temperature management when used in vehicles relative to conventional glass structures (eg , single or multilayer panes of glass). In one example, the increase in noise and temperature management of the glass structure are provided by perforations in an inside layer of a multi-layer glass structure. The advantages in noise and temperature management allow for the use of glass structures in vehicles that would normally be considered impractical. For example, rather than using glass only in conventional windows, the glass structure as described described may be used to create the roof of a vehicle. Typically, using glass to create a roof in this manner would result in an increase in noise in the interior of the vehicle while also increasing the need to run HVAC systems due to a higher interior temperature as a result of increased sunlight penetration into the passenger cabin. The glass structure described described allows for a more pleasant environment for the vehicle occupants, with increased natural light, without the typical drawbacks of increased noise and temperature fluctuations. Accordingly, vehicles seeking to provide a more pleasant and natural occupant environment while reducing noise and the need for strict temperature control can be realized."

The glass structure 200 includes an outer layer of glass 201 and two inner layers of glass 202 and 205.(Source: Tesla patent)

Illustrates an example of perforated glass structure 300 according to some embodiments, illustrating an exploded view and side view of glass structure 300. Glass structure 300 is substantially similar to glass structure's 200 of the previously example. Glass structure 300 further includes walls 305 disposed in the gap 304 between the outer layer of glass 301 and the inner layer of glass 302. (Source: Tesla patent)

Illustrates an example of perforated glass structure 300 in which the walls are arranged so that the channels are substantially hexagonal in shape or make a honeycomb pattern, changing the acoustic performance of the glass structure. In some examples, the walls are arranged so that the channels are square shaped. The walls may be arranged so that the channel is any other feasible shape (e.g., triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, etc.). (Source: Tesla patent)

Featured image: u/Bongnazi/Reddit

About the Author

Eva Fox

Eva Fox

Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.

Follow me on X

Reading next

Bargersville Police Chief Todd Bertram is very pleased with the use of the Tesla Model 3
Tesla plans to produce Model 3 in the new European Gigafactory

Tesla Accessories