2015 Geneva Motor Show: Goodyear showcases two concept tyres, the BH03 and the Triple Tube
The recently held 2015 Geneva Motor Show showcased the newest cars that the automobile world has to offer, both concept as well as production ready. In addition to these, component manufacturers also displayed their new offerings. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company showcased two concept tyres at the 85th Geneva Motor Show that highlight technology infused into what to laypersons is simply rubber.
The BH03 concept tyre
The first concept is called the BHO3. The tyre contains materials that harness and convert the heat energy that is generated by a rolling tyre into electricity which can then be used to power the car's electrical components. Goodyear adds that the BHO3 will be of significant importance in the future and will serve as a critical aspect in electric vehicles.
The second concept tyre is called the Triple Tube. As the name suggests, the tyre contains three internal tubes that spread across three zones in the tyre - one beneath the tyre tread and remaining two are on the inboard and outboard shoulders of the tyre. An internal pump pushes air from the main chamber to the three tubes, says Goodyear.
The Triple Tube concept tyre from Goodyear
The Triple Tube tyre automatically adjusts to three different positions namely, the Eco/Safety position, Sporty position and the Wet Traction position. Depending on the road conditions, the first position reduces fuel consumption by lowering the rolling resistance, the second improves tyre contact patch and hence grip, while the third position raises the central tread of the tyre, helping it stay in contact with the road surface by resisting aquaplaning, says Goodyear.
Speaking at the unveiling, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief technical officer, Joe Zekoski said, "We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile."
Goodyear Concept Tires Offer a Glimpse of the Future
| Geneva, Switzerland, March 9, 2015 -- Two groundbreaking concept tires unveiled by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company at this week's 85th Geneva International Motor Show could radically change the role of car tires in the future. Though the two tires are concept products, the futuristic technologies stretch the imagination and provide a glimpse of what practical innovations may be on the horizon. The first concept named "BHO3" offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into electrical energy. The second concept named "Triple Tube" contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility. "These concept tires reimagine the role that tires may play in the future," said Joe Zekoski, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief technical officer. "We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile." Additional details on the two concept tires: BHO3 This tire generates electricity through the action of materials in the tire that capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions. The materials used would optimize the tire's electricity generation capabilities as well as its rolling resistance. As demand for electric cars grows, this technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the solution of future mobility challenges. This visionary tire technology could eliminate the vehicle-range anxiety motorists may have with electric cars. TRIPLE TUBE This tire features three internal tubes within the tire. Tubes are located beneath the tread and near the inboard and outboard shoulders of the tire as well as the center. The tire relies on an internal pump that moves air from the main air chamber to the three individual air chambers, or tubes. The tire automatically adjusts on its own to three different positions based on road conditions. · The Eco/Safety position with maximum inflation in all three tubes offers reduced rolling resistance. · The Sporty position with reduced inflation within the inboard shoulder tube gives drivers dry handling through an optimized contact patch. · The Wet Traction position with maximized inflation in the center tube provides high aquaplaning resistance through a raised tread in the center of the tire. Although these tires are future concepts, Zekoski says they represent an essential aspect of Goodyear's innovation strategy, instilling a forward-looking, market-back mindset in the company's research and development teams. "It is more important than ever for us to stay firmly rooted in our market-back innovation process, which calls on us to focus on, and anticipate, the rapidly evolving needs of our customers," said Zekoski. | |
