Airless tires for cars that you can see through? Using some of the same technology as a “run-flat” tire Michelin is developing airless tires that will revolutionize the industry.
From the looks of the articles I’ve found online the “Tweel” (tire+wheel) developed by Michelin has been around a few years now – and for some reason I didn’t come across it until today. Apparently it’s not completely common knowledge since a search for “tweel” on the Michelin web site brings back no results – but there were previously press releases about it, since Michelin unveiled them at the Paris Auto Show in 2004. Time magazine selected it as one of the “Most Amazing Inventions of 2005” (how did I miss that?). There is of course an entire Wikipedia article on it though. In that article it says that the Tweel is an airless tire with poyurethane spokes that can be different stiffness levels for different ranges of handling. The tread is replaceable when worn.
So in theory the airless Tweel looks like it’s the future of tires! Must be a drawback though – right? Well, above 50 mph it vibrates horribly, and it gets hot as hell. Oh – and it’s also very, very noisy too. So, for now it’s good for scooters, tanks, and construction equipment – things that operate at low speeds.
Here’s a quick video about Tweels:
Read more about Tweel in these related articles:
Radical New Wheel Technology
MDOLLA: Tweel
Michelin Takes It’s Time with Tweel
Seen any cool gadgets or technology in autos lately? Comment now!
