Tesla has developed a new part to eliminate trim noises, which are frequently encountered in automobiles and detract from driving pleasure. The company has completely redesigned the trim clips used to attach interior panels and other components to the vehicle body.
As is known, hundreds of plastic clips are used in vehicles to secure many different components, from interior panels to wiring harnesses, and from upholstery parts to exterior trim. However, these parts can loosen over time, leading to issues like rattling and squeaking during driving. These noises, which emerge in areas such as door interiors, dashboards, headliners, and the trunk, become much more pronounced, especially due to the silent nature of electric vehicles.
Innovative Design for a Silent Cabin
Tesla's patented new system aims to solve this problem by using a soft vibration isolation layer between components. The new design utilizes a pin and socket made of rigid glass fiber-reinforced nylon for durability, while a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is coated over these parts to ensure a quieter and more refined cabin environment. This soft layer distributes mechanical loads over a wide area, allowing vibrations to be dampened before reaching the interior trim.
Unlike traditional hard plastic tabs, Tesla's design absorbs slight movements between panels, preventing sound transmission. Company engineers performed precise force calculations to ensure the system is both secure and suitable for service operations. According to patent details, 31 newtons of force are required to install the clip into the body, and 243 newtons to remove it.
It is stated that the inner pin system can be installed with 7 newtons of force and removed with 152 newtons of force. This mechanism allows parts to be repeatedly removed and reinstalled during service without any damage. As a result, the goal is to offer vehicle owners a quieter driving experience while also reducing maintenance costs in the long run.
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