Bridgestone develops non-pneumatic concept tire
10 March 2012
Bridgestone Corporation has developed a non-pneumatic (i.e., airless) concept tire that it says could prove to be a viable and more environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional tires in the future.
Non-pneumatic tires have a lesser impact on the environment than today’s conventional tires, but previously such concept tires have been impractical to produce for the mass market. Bridgestone developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation.
With a unique structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of the tyres supporting the weight of the vehicle, there is no need to periodically refill the tires with air, meaning that the tires require less maintenance. At the same the worry of punctures is eliminated. In addition, the spoke structure within the tyre is made from reusable thermoplastic resin, and along with the rubber in the tread portion, the materials used in the tires are 100% recyclable.
Bridgestone is pursuing this technological development with the aim of achieving a “cradle to cradle” process that proactively maximizes the cyclical use of resources from worn tire into new tires and the use of recyclable resources.
Airless tires would reduce maintenance to zero and ensure lower energy (fuel) consumption by keeping a steady ideal pressure. It would also reduce accidents caused by blow-outs or low tire air pressure.
Reduced fuel usage and reduced accidents would offset higher cost.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 March 2012 at 09:19 AM
No spare tire is less weight, airless is lower roll resistance, leading to better mileage.
Posted by: SJC | 10 March 2012 at 10:33 AM
Being a closed-minded skeptic that is hostile to change, I'd like to learn & lot more and see these in use by a majority of people being I switch over....
http://tinyurl.com/89ao75j
Posted by: ejj | 10 March 2012 at 01:49 PM
BEFORE I switch over....
Posted by: ejj | 10 March 2012 at 01:51 PM
Why has it taken GCC this long to report this? I saw these on another forum months ago. (12/31/11)
http://inhabitat.com/bridgestones-new-air-free-tires-are-100-recyclable/
Posted by: ai_vin | 10 March 2012 at 04:02 PM
Can you really achieve low rolling resistance with an airless tire ?
Posted by: Treehugger | 11 March 2012 at 10:13 AM
"Radical airless tyre has half the rolling resistance and is cheaper to make.."
http://www.gizmag.com/go/3995/
Posted by: SJC | 11 March 2012 at 12:57 PM
The gizmag article states a Michelin airless tyre had half the rolling resistance of a run-flat tyre - perhaps when it is flat, the article isn't clear. Like Treehugger my guess would be that air is more elastic than thermoplastic.
Posted by: DavidJ | 11 March 2012 at 04:55 PM
Right I am skeptical that you can beat air tyre when it comes to rolling resistance, or you have to use really advanced material like carbon fiber to get the elasticity
Posted by: Treehugger | 11 March 2012 at 05:22 PM
If you read the articles, you see it is hysteresis and not elasticity that makes the difference.
Posted by: SJC | 11 March 2012 at 08:42 PM
Even if you don't want to try an airless tire there is a technology that makes pneumatic tires more efficient by keeping them always inflated to the correct pressure;
http://www.selfinflatingtire.com/how-it-works.html
Posted by: ai_vin | 12 March 2012 at 01:31 AM
yup :)
Posted by: SJC | 12 March 2012 at 07:31 AM