Tesla developing "load-bearing fabric architecture"

Tesla is currently working on a brand new "soft and durable" type of fabric to be used in seating in its electric vehicles.

The patent was filed by Tesla last year but it only just coming to public attention. The name of the developmental fabric is "load-bearing fabric architecture" and the intent is to make in-car seating last longer.

Tesla outlined the problems with current "automotive textiles" in the patent application. It said that soft fabrics were unable to withstand the continual sliding in and out. This problem has led to car manufacturers being forced to use tougher fabrics, which are not always soft to the touch.

Tesla feels that the solution to this problem is a new fabric architecture, that both durable and soft to the touch. It is a multi-layer fabric. The top layer being the softer, and the bottom, load-bearing material, would be made of something tougher.

When sat upon, the softer layer will compress and flush with the strong bottom later, making a more durable fabric.

How well the technique works and whether or not the softer upper layer lasts longer is still unclear. The price of the material is also an ongoing question and if the material will be more cost effective than the synthetic leather that Tesla is currently using for its seats.

Many companies file patents for technology that they ultimately never use, and it's also unclear whether the new Tesla patent will join those ranks. 

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