Interesting concepts coming your way.
Tyres are Getting Smarter. Electricals & Electronics are Engineering a Radical Change to the humble Tyres.
SMART TYRES
The Tokyo Motor Show 2017 revealed the Smart Tyre concept. This comes from the Sumitomo Rubber Industries stable. The design consisted of a sensor, an ‘active’ tread and a technology that alters tyre pressure. The sensor can analyse the road surface & track wear and tear. The active tread modifies the behaviour of the tyre depending upon the road quality. Smart tyres can also send signal to the car to brake automatically on adverse conditions.
3D PRINTED TYRES
Michelin is in the forefront of this effort. The company is designing an ‘all-in-one’ tyre. This is made out of biodegradable material and has a rubber coating that helps repair tyre wear. The tyre is 3D printed from different types of recycled materials – wood chips, organic peels & straw.
RUN-FLAT TYRES
Run-flat tyres help in running even when punctured. Many car makers are moving to run-flat tyres since these tyres improve road safety. A conventional tyre if punctured, the tyre surface compresses onto itself and is squeezed between the wheel & the surface. This damages both the tyre and the wheel.
