Tweel
The Tweel ( suitcase word from tire , ' tire ' and wheel , 'wheel') is an innovation by the French tire manufacturer Michelin , and was developed by Michelin America Research in the USA in the early 2000s. It is a new wheel construction with an integrated tire that works without air. A rubber tread sits on a steel belt, which is supported by radially flexible spokes made of polyurethane . These yield on uneven ground and thus make it possible, among other things, to negotiate steps. In terms of comfort, this new technology should be in no way inferior to conventional tires, but bring more safety to road traffic through improved driving characteristics. Since the wheel disc is much smaller, there is no installation space for conventional brakes.
The most noticeable feature is probably the unusual appearance. Instead of the closed flank of a tire filled with air, the Tweel shows its flexible spokes.
In early 2005, a manufacturer of wheelchairs offered them with tweels.
At the end of 2012, tweels for skid steer loaders were launched.
history
Airless tires made of wood and rubber, so-called " Airless Tires ", were presented in the American technology magazine " Popular Science " as early as 1938 . The United States Department of Defense is also testing further “Non-Pneumatic Tires” ( NPT ) for military use with the innovation company Resilient Technologies ; these have a honeycomb structure.
swell
- ↑ The “Tweel” tire-rim combination works completely without air pressure . Swissmotor.at. February 10, 2005. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
- ↑ Michelin 'Tweel' for skid-steers launched . Crain Communications . October 29, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
- ↑ Rubber Spokes Give Bounce to Airless Safety Tires . In Popular Science , May 15, 1938.
- ^ Airless Tire Promises Grace Under Pressure for Soldiers . In: Scientific American , August 11, 2008
