Post: #1

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/hankook-is-l...47506.html



Hankook has revealed a new airless tire design called i-Flex which makes its debut this week in concept form at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The i-Flex tire constitutes both the tire and wheel and is similar to previous concepts from Bridgestone as well as America’s own Polaris.

Apart from being puncture proof, the i-Flex tire has many other benefits. It is considerably lighter than conventional tire and wheel combinations and it can also provide a level of shock absorbency through the unique mesh structure. According to Hankook, these two attributes alone contribute to reduced fuel consumptionand improved NVH levels.

However, the benefits don’t end there. The lighter weight means less unsprung mass, aiding handling, and 95 percent of the tire's materials are recyclable. The i-Flex is made from polyurethane synthetics, with the tire manufactured in conjunction with its rim as a single unit. The concept version on display in Frankfurt will measure just 155/590 R14 and be displayed on a Volkswagen up! subcompact.

Hankook hasn’t mentioned production plans but it’s only a matter of time until airless tires start to replace their pneumatic cousins.

Note, Hankook is working on even more advanced tire technology. Working with researchers from the University of Cincinnati, Hankook has developed an eMembrane tire concept that is capable of transforming its profile through internal structure changes in accordance with different driving conditions, such as in a busy city or on a race track.

For instance, when driving at high-speeds, the tire’s tread center extends to generate maximum ground friction through wider ground contact area, aiding grip. Conversely, when driving at low-speeds, the tread is designed to produce minimal road contact area and ground friction, whereby the tire's fuel efficiency is enhanced by reducing rolling resistance.

Post: #2

(09-10-2013 10:21 PM)chyamor Wrote:  http://autos.yahoo.com/news/hankook-is-l...47506.html



Hankook has revealed a new airless tire design called i-Flex which makes its debut this week in concept form at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The i-Flex tire constitutes both the tire and wheel and is similar to previous concepts from Bridgestone as well as America’s own Polaris.

Apart from being puncture proof, the i-Flex tire has many other benefits. It is considerably lighter than conventional tire and wheel combinations and it can also provide a level of shock absorbency through the unique mesh structure. According to Hankook, these two attributes alone contribute to reduced fuel consumptionand improved NVH levels.

However, the benefits don’t end there. The lighter weight means less unsprung mass, aiding handling, and 95 percent of the tire's materials are recyclable. The i-Flex is made from polyurethane synthetics, with the tire manufactured in conjunction with its rim as a single unit. The concept version on display in Frankfurt will measure just 155/590 R14 and be displayed on a Volkswagen up! subcompact.

Hankook hasn’t mentioned production plans but it’s only a matter of time until airless tires start to replace their pneumatic cousins.

Note, Hankook is working on even more advanced tire technology. Working with researchers from the University of Cincinnati, Hankook has developed an eMembrane tire concept that is capable of transforming its profile through internal structure changes in accordance with different driving conditions, such as in a busy city or on a race track.

For instance, when driving at high-speeds, the tire’s tread center extends to generate maximum ground friction through wider ground contact area, aiding grip. Conversely, when driving at low-speeds, the tread is designed to produce minimal road contact area and ground friction, whereby the tire's fuel efficiency is enhanced by reducing rolling resistance.

This is so fucking sweet. It is what men do day in day out to achieve hard core progress in dealing with materials...

Post: #3

Yeah, but how much will they cost?

Post: #4

Damn, I would like to get a set of these. I've blown out at least 3-4 tires over the years, once while going 80+ on the interstate. Another time I blew out a tire on the way to a date and had to change it out and put on the spare in the dark. Showed up half an hour late all sweaty and with dirt and grime all over me. Somehow still got the bang.

Post: #5

(09-10-2013 11:21 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  Yeah, but how much will they cost?

Surely they'll be expensive. You have to wonder...

• Traditional tires last how long?
• Airless tires last how long?
• How often does the average person need a tire replaced?
• How much money will the average person spend on tires and tire repair over the life of their vehicle?
  

Should you pay $150 for an ok pair of dress shoes every year? Or should you plunk down the $500 for the good shoes that may need to be resoled once or twice in a 10 year time span?

Regardless, I love the technological progress....

Post: #6

I don't see why the price would be outrageous. The concept is very advanced in the sense of discovery, but I don't see expensive or rare materials in there. There is no lithium, titanium or similar stuff, just some rather basic hydrocarbons. It's the composition that is revolutionary.

Post: #7

These are great, and I'd be prepared to pay more for a pair.

Not sure they'll catch on though. Current tyres that are half "solid" material and half air and enable you to drive on them at reduced speed for around 100 km (I think) haven't really taken off despite the obvious benefits. I think the problem is that the benefits such as reduced harm in the event of a blowout and reduced potential harm from p having to replace a tyre on a dangerous road or in a dangerous neigbourhood aren't real enough to people when they're deciding to buy tyres.