A new patent filing by Tesla reveals that the brand has created a dual-axis rotational mechanism for its touchscreen infotainment system, giving the display unit the ability to rotate and pivot in almost any direction to suit the driver's or passenger's preference. The patent was published on November 24, 2022, after it was filed on May 17.
The patent filed by Tesla explains that the mechanism will be able to adjust along the x-, y-, and z-axes for maximum flexibility up, down, and diagonally. The patent also states that "the display device is mounted on a rotation mechanism that facilitates a dual-axis rotation utilizing a single actuator, dual rotation joints, and associated linkages."
As the above video shows, some Teslas have already been shipped with this system long before the patent was approved, but the screen was simply locked into place.
After a teardown, it becomes evident that manually adjusting the orientation of the screen would be easy enough, but also that Tesla has made provision for motors, as referenced in the patent: "The rotation component further includes at least one additional floating joint that provides additional tension forces relative to a third axis. Still further, in accordance with further embodiments, a control component can be utilized to generate control signals relating to rotation of the single actuators, such as establishing control positions and duty cycles."
This feature should make Tesla's new Zoom video conference feature more user-friendly.
To ensure that the component remains rigid, Tesla will apply lock nuts, bushings, and tensioners throughout to absorb vibrational forces, but it remains to be seen how resilient these components will be after extended use; Teslas are not renowned for their build quality.
Tesla's new feature also claims to find the perfect angle based on the user's height, weight, eye direction, and more. Positions can also be saved via user profiles saved to the car. Adjustment inputs via audio have also been noted, and we wouldn't be surprised if others copied this idea. Whether or not they do, Tesla will be happy to have an additional USP in the increasingly competitive EV market.
There's no indication as to when this tech will be introduced to products such as the Model S, X, Y, or 3, but it appears that the current dashboards of most, if not all, Tesla models can already accommodate this part.
This means that the pivoting screen could be introduced to new Teslas soon and perhaps even retrofitted to older ones. This isn't the only advancement in Tesla's screen tech that we've seen, as rear infotainment systems have been rumored for the Model S and Model X to make them feel more premium. We also know that Tesla's Fremont factory is busy putting together a major update for the Model 3, which this screen could feature too.
