Loading and unloading the occupants of a vehicle requires doors on hinges, something that has been an area of innovation for different automakers over the years.
As we head into Tesla’s 10.10 We, Robot event, the experience of getting in and out of a vehicle should be easy for riders of different sizes, age and mobility.
Tesla may opt for a creative door hinge design to maximise the opening, much like they were able to achieve with the Model X Falcon Wing doors.. but will need to avoid the cost and complexity.
Let’s take a look at the different door designs.
Conventional Doors Hinged at the front, these doors open outward, away from the car body. This is the most common type of car door.
Suicide Doors Hinged at the rear, these doors open backwards. Popular in classic cars and occasionally seen in modern luxury vehicles.
Scissor Doors These doors rotate vertically upward, remaining parallel to the car body. They’re often found on exotic sports cars.
Butterfly Doors Hinged at the A-pillar, these doors open outward and then upward, resembling a butterfly’s wings.
Gull-wing Doors Hinged at the roof, these doors open upward, reminiscent of a bird’s wings.
Sliding Doors These doors slide horizontally along a track, typically found on minivans and commercial vehicles.
Canopy Doors The entire roof of the vehicle lifts up, acting as a large door. These are rare and often used on concept cars or limited-production sports cars.
Swan Doors These doors open outward and then slightly upward, creating an elegant, swan-like motion.
Dihedral Synchro-Helix Doors These doors open outward and rotate upward, creating a unique and complex motion.
Disappearing Doors These doors slide down and under the vehicle, creating a futuristic and seamless look.
Falcon Wing Doors These doors hinge on the roof and open upward and outward, providing wider access to the rear seats, even in tight parking spaces. Popularized by the Tesla Model X.
