The process of applying conventional snow chains has been revolutionized by Hyundai’s introduction of an inventive tire design with integrated snow chains. With this new design, drivers can deploy and retract the snow chains with a single button, saving them the trouble of wrapping and removing the chains in freezing weather.
Six indented grooves in the tires will line up with the six spokes on the wheel. Thick wires that resemble snow chains are stored in these grooves and are drawn back inside the tread. Compressed shape memory alloys, which expand when an electric current is applied, are used to make the wires. The wire loop is propelled above the tread when the shape memory alloy is pressed back into place.
In addition to providing convenience, the integrated snow chains act as an audible and visual reminder for when tire replacement is due. Head of Hyundai’s Advanced Chassis Development Team Joon Mo Park says the company is committed to turning cutting edge technologies into workable solutions for customers, even though it’s just a concept idea right now.
For those who drive in snowy or icy conditions on a regular basis, this innovative tire design has enormous potential, even though its implementation will necessitate a major redesign of the wheel assembly and partnerships with tire manufacturers. Hyundai is actively investigating the prospect of mass-producing these tires, pending additional technological advancements, durability testing, performance assessments, and regulatory reviews. Hyundai has secured patents in both South Korea and the USA.
By doing away with the inconvenience and discomfort that come with using conventional snow chains, this ground-breaking invention has the potential to improve driver safety and convenience during winter conditions. Hopefully, Hyundai cars will use this cutting-edge tyre design in the near future.