Safety Improving Patent-Pending Snow Design
Hyundai and Kia have disclosed a novel tire technology that has the objective of bolstering driving in snow and winter conditions beyond their preexisting level of safety. Doing so by including integrated chains beneath the rubber.
The process employs shape memory alloy elements present from the tire and wheel. Upon recipients of an electrical signal emitted – likely with the press of a button or initiation of a drive mode – those modules expand outward, serving as a typical chain, digging through powder and allowing for extra traction.
Utilizing a characteristic wheel/tire setup that encompasses circumferential grooves at periodic intervals, this technology is equipped with shape memory alloy modules held within the channels. Despite being patent-pending presently, Hyundai and Kia expect that this structure will be on cars driving down streets soon.
It is a fairly astute notion. This technology is based upon the shape memory alloy’s proficiency in transforming into a dissimilar shape when electricity is administered. In run-of-the-mill situations, the memory alloy is tucked away within the wheel and compressed into an “L” contour. It does not come into contact with the ground, thereby keeping the car undisturbed.
A memory alloy is controlled by electric current, yielding a ‘J’ shape that sticks out from the tire when needed, helping it to navigate through snow and providing enhanced security and steadiness for the driver in snowy circumstances.
“Our dedication to bringing advanced technologies to life in ways that benefit our customers is demonstrated by this innovation, which we hope will be implemented in Hyundai and Kia vehicles one day,” remarked Joon Mo Park, the Head of Advanced Chassis Development at Hyundai.
Furthermore, the module allows drivers to be aware when their tires are worn down to a level marked by the shaped memory alloy. This notifies the driver that it is time to obtain some new tires rather than operating on potentially hazardous rubber. Nevertheless, this feature is pending patent approval, thus don’t anticipate to find this characteristic on either an Ioniq 5 or Tucson anytime shortly.
Making it less tedious to manage snowy roads during the cold months, let us observe if this possibility becomes a reality.
Hyundai and Kia desire to mass-manufacture these tires, continuing further evaluation of their toughness and operational potency. In contrast to the customary rubber tires embraced by Hyundai, it appears the airless tire is gradually making its way into reality. This thought has been extant for quite some time, however, it is now garnering substantial support due to the participation of outstanding carmakers.
Michelin’s Altis airless tyre was put through a succession of assessments in the beginning of this year and is purported to hold firm at maximum speed of 130 mph.
