[TMS] Innovative Tire Structure Eliminates Need for Inflation

Nov 30, 2011
Motohiko Hamada, Nikkei Automotive Technology
[Click to enlarge image]

Bridgestone Corp developed a new tire technology that does not rely on air pressure like existing tires.

The new technology will be shown at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which will open for the public from Dec 3 to 11, 2011, in Tokyo. Resin spokes formed on the lateral side of the tire support a load.

The spokes do not run from the inner circumference (rim) to the outer circumference (tread) in a radial pattern. Instead, when seen from the center of the wheel, the angle of each spoke on the inner circumference is about 45° different from that on the outer circumference. Because there are both dextral and sinistral spokes, the force that deforms the tread does not become a turning force.

There is no need to fill the tire with air, eliminating the need to worry about a puncture and enabling to save maintenance costs. Also, the tire including the rubber of its tread is 100% recyclable because a recyclable thermoplastic resin is used as a material for the spokes.