Michelin Airless Tyres in Development
While it’s not possible to re-invent the wheel, although Michelin have re-invented the tyre. They have re-named the car tyres as tweels so maybe we will all be asking for tweel in the future! Michelin have been working on the tweel for many years, in fact they first showed the public in 2006. The tweel is a strange looking invention but Michelin have tested it against standard tyres and it has come out well. Fuel economy and rolling resistance were virtually the same from the tests and Michelin upgraded the lateral stiffness factor by five. This improves ride quality, comfort and handling.
The Tweel is a simple design, based on a hub that connects the wheel to the tweel. The revolutionary part of the tweel is flexible spokes that are designed to deform to absorb shock and then reform quickly and easily. This system means that there is no air pressure and the spokes can be adjusted to either provide a comfortable or a sporty drive.
The benefits of this technology could really make a difference to heavy plant machines and military machines. If for example the 4×4 tyres were shot on a military vehicle it could cost lives, whereas the tweel would just keep going!