[Chhanda Das]

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation unveiled a new snow chain-integrated tire technology to make it easier to stay safe in winter driving conditions.

Snow chain-integrated tire technology uses shape memory alloy modules that are hidden inside the wheel and tire. These modules protrude to act as a ‘snow chain’ when an electrical signal is received.

Unlike traditional snow chains that are complicated to install and remove, this technology will automatically install and remove snow chains at the push of a button, helping drivers to drive safely on snowy roads.

“This innovation, which will hopefully be introduced on Hyundai and Kia vehicles someday, reflects our commitment to turning advanced technologies into real-world solutions that benefit customers. We will continue to develop technologies that enhance safety and convenience of our vehicles and bring value to our customers,” Joon Mo Park, Head of Advanced Chassis Development Team, said.

The snow chain-integrated tire technology consists of a wheel and tire assembly that feature radial grooves at regular intervals, like a pizza, with modules made of shape memory alloy inserted into these channels.

This technology takes advantage of the shape memory alloy’s ability to return to its original shape when an electric current is applied. During normal driving, the shape memory alloy located inside the wheel is compressed into the shape of the letter ‘L’ and does not contact the road surface. When the driver activates the function, an electric current is applied, causing the shape memory alloy to revert to its original profile; the material forms a ‘J’ shape, pushing the module out of the tire to make contact with the surface, improving grip, stability and safety on snowy roads.

If the surface of the tire is worn down to the height of the module in normal driving mode due to severe tire wear, drivers can easily recognize this degradation so as not miss the tyre replacement cycle.

The technology is patent-pending in both South Korea and the U.S. Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to consider mass production of the tires after further technological development, durability and performance tests and regulation reviews, a media release said.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=kIxJobVCRTI

News source : https://auto.economictimes.indiatime...logy/105898662

[shankar.balan]

Great idea.
Does anyone remember the James Bond film ‘Living Daylights’ where Timothy Dalton’s Aston Martin V8 came with a similar concept?
Watch towards the end of this clip where he deploys the the spikes from the tyres for greater traction.

https://youtu.be/h9RqM2fXssY?si=we09EC8uO4ci5UtX

[lemedico]

The video didn't make it clear (at least to me) how would the various sections of tyre rubber be sealed to prevent leaks. I am also struggling to understand that if there is a irreparable puncture, does one need to buy a whole new wheel with these mechanicals?!

[Chhanda Das]

Originally Posted by lemedico

The video didn't make it clear (at least to me) how would the various sections of tyre rubber be sealed to prevent leaks. I am also struggling to understand that if there is a irreparable puncture, does one need to buy a whole new wheel with these mechanicals?!

The snow chain-integrated tyre technology still seems to be in a conceptual stage. Maybe they can implement it on a non-pneumatic or airless tyre (image below) which would completely eliminate the probability of punctures and hence sealants too would be rendered unnecessary. To my uninitiated eyes, these tyres seem quite suitable for a pizza-esque segmented design. Meanwhile, we can just wait and watch how they implement it