Bridgestone shows off 'practical' airless tyre

By CARSIFU | 9 December 2011
TOKYO: Bridgestone has developed an airless concept tyre that could prove to be a viable and more environment-friendly alternative to conventional tyres in the future.



Non-pneumatic tyres have a lesser impact on the environment than today’s conventional tyres, but previously such concept tyres have been impractical to produce for the mass market.






airless






You may recall Michelin had developed a similar experimental product called the Tweel several years ago.



But Bridgestone says it developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation.



It requires little maintenance, as it has a unique structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of the tyres supporting the weight of the vehicle.



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 tyres are fully recyclable.



As a result, Bridgestone says the tyres, now on show at the Dec 3-11 Tokyo Motor Show, are setting a new standard for environment-friendliness, safety and comfort.