Michelin, the company that invented the radial tire, has rolled out a radical new concept called the Tweel. As this prototype demonstrates, the traditional rubber tire and solid wheel duo is replaced by a tread bonded to a strong loop of composite material.
The vehicle's weight hangs from a series of polymer plastic spokes that connect this loop to the hub. The flexible Tweel can bear the load of a pneumatic tire four times its size. It can cushion bumps five times better than a pneumatic tire, and the contact area can be nearly doubled for improved handling.
Noise, mass, and rolling resistance have to be improved before this promising new technology is ready for high-speed, high-load passenger-car applications.
A.. No more air valves.
B.. No more air compressors at gas stations.
C.. No more repair kits.
Sorry! Give me the look of a nice tyre/mag wheel combo, any day.
