Goodyear's New Tyre Concepts

[Praveen]

While most of the attention is taken away by radical looking concept cars in various auto shows, there's little exposure on the latest tyre technologies. Last year, at the Geneva Auto Show, Goodyear showcased two tyre concepts- the “BHO3” and “Triple Tube”. Check it out:

BHO3:

This tyre optimizes the rolling resistance by the action of materials used inside it and also recovers the heat generated by friction while rolling and converts them into electricity! This technology could be a boon to all the electric vehicles and their pursuit to extend the range. I'm already imagining this tyre being used in future car races! It is indeed a good idea to harness the energy from the tyres. But it is not clear on how the electricity generated from the tyres will be used. Wireless Power Transfer using varying electromagnetic fields, perhaps? Feels too complicated, right?

Triple Tube:

This concept tyre has three internal tubes and a pump inside the tyre. The pump circulates air from the main tube to the three internal tubes, depending upon the requirements. One tube is located beneath the tyre tread and there two more tubes at the inner and outer shoulder of the tire, apart from the main tube at the center. Based on the road conditions, the tyre adjusts accordingly into the following:

The Eco/Safety position – All the three tubes are inflated to the maximum and it offers reduced rolling resistance.

The Sporty position – The tubes at the shoulders have reduced inflation so as to offer the driver dry handling through an optimized contact patch.

The Wet Traction position – Here, the center tube is inflated to the maximum so that it resists aquaplaning through a raised tread in the center of the tire.

[Praveen]

Goodyear Eagle 360 Concept Tyres:

As the name suggests, this concept tyre provides the ultimate mobility, handling and safety in vehicles due to its distinctive spherical shape. The tyres have also been named as one of Time Magazine's 'Best inventions of the Year 2016". “By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tires will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road. Although the Eagle-360 is a future concept, it represents an essential aspect of Goodyear’s innovation strategy and our vision for smart and safe mobility,” said Goodyear’s Chief Technical Officer Joe Zekoski. Here's a video showcasing the capabilities of the Eagle 360:

This reminds me of the cars used in the movie iRobot. What an uncanny resemblance!