Airless Tire Takes Off

    Jan. 1, 2020
    GREENVILLE, SC -- It looks like a tire that's had its sidewalls torn off, but the Michelin Tweel is actually a combination of a tire and wheel, and it's designed to run without air.
    DEVELOPMENTS Airless TireDEVELOPMENTSAirless Tire 
    Takes Off
    GREENVILLE, SC -- It looks like a tire that's had its sidewalls torn off, but the Michelin Tweel is actually a combination of a tire and wheel, and it's designed to run without air.  Using flexible spokes attached to a flexible wheel, the Tweel "envelopes road hazards" instead of bouncing off them, according to Michelin. While the Tweel is in production for uses on several Segway vehicles, it's still in the testing stage for automotive use, where speeds are higher and the loads are heavier. 

    Michelin says that it has improved lateral stiffness on the design, which will make it handle better on cars and that it is working on reducing rolling resistance in automotive applications. If they succeed, the tire gauge, spare and jack may disappear just like chrome bumpers.

    (Photos courtesy of Michelin)

    Continue Reading

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...
    Enhance your collision repair workflow with Autel’s IA900, a process-driven solution integrating precision alignment, bi-directional diagnostics, and ADAS calibration. Designed...
    The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...
    Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.