TEST, SAFETY, SYSTEMS
Airless tyres eliminate punctures and blow-outs
AIRLESS ADVANCES T
Jake Holmes investigates the latest developments in airless tyre technology
he wheel was first invented around 3500 BCE, with its most recent major adaptation being in 1888 when John
Boyd Dunlop invented the first practical tyre. Since then, tyres have undergone small design changes to make them more applicable to certain environments and applications, but the fundamental principles have remained the same. This may now be changing, however.
Michelin and Bridgestone are in the process of testing an airless tyre, first unveiled to the world back in 2019. Tests are currently ongoing,
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with the prospect of the tyres helping to advance self-driving capabilities. There are a few current examples of real-world application, but these are presently limited due to the wheels still being in the prototype phase.
WHY CHANGE? One of the key benefits of airless tyres is that they reduce the chances of punctures to zero. This decreases costs associated with crashes or delays due to tyre blowouts, leading to more reliable and on-time deliveries and improved knock-on effects throughout the industry.
There is also an environmental
benefit, as the reduction in tyres being scrapped means higher efficiency of tyre use and less raw materials being required to service the same number of vehicles. Michelin’s airless tyre – Uptis – is
built on the company’s four pillars of innovation, with those being: airless, connected, 3D-printed, and 100% sustainable. The development signifies a move towards innovation, with an eye on self-driving vehicle requirements and eco-responsibility, as the tyres are both renewable and bio-sourced.
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