A Seminar On Airless tyres Presented by: Saksham Thakur
• Do not require air for inflation. • Also known as non-pneumatic tires (NPTs). • Designed for durability and puncture resistance. Introduction to Airless Tires
Why Airless Tires? • Eliminates flat tires and blowouts. • Requires less maintenance. • Offers improved durability.
• Made of solid materials or a structured web. • Shock absorption is built into the design. • Does not depend on air pressure for support. How Airless Tires Work
Types of Airless Tires 1. Solid Rubber Tires 2. Honeycomb Structured Tires 3. Polymer-based Airless Tires 4. 3D Printed Tires
Example: Michelin Tweel • A radial honeycomb-structured tire. • Used in construction and off-road vehicles. • Offers improved durability over traditional tires.
Example: Bridgestone Air-Free Tire • Uses a unique spoke design for support. • Made from recyclable materials. • Developed for bicycles and small vehicles.
Advantages of Airless Tires • No risk of punctures or air loss. • Lower maintenance costs. • Longer lifespan compared to pneumatic tires.
More Benefits • Environmentally friendly materials. • Greater safety for military and industrial use. • Resistant to rough terrain and damage.
Challenges of Airless Tires • Higher production costs. • Less comfort due to reduced shock absorption. • Limited availability in the current market.
Performance Comparison • Airless tires are more durable but less comfortable. • Traditional tires provide better ride quality but require maintenance.
• Used in armored trucks and combat vehicles. • Reduces the risk of tire failure in battle zones. • Example: Polaris ATV with airless tires. Applications: Military Vehicles
Applications: Construction Equipment • Used in loaders, excavators, and forklifts. • Eliminates downtime due to flat tires. • Example: Caterpillar airless skid-steer tires.
Applications: Bicycles and Small Vehicles • Used in e-bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs. • Reduces the need for frequent tire replacements. • Example: Smart Tire Company’s shape-memory alloy tires.
Future of Airless Tires
Automotive Industry Interest • Companies like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear are investing. • Airless tires may become mainstream in the next decade. • Expected to be used in electric and autonomous vehicles.
Example: NASA’s Superelastic Tire • Developed for Mars rovers. • Uses shape-memory alloys instead of rubber. • Extreme durability in harsh environments.
• Consumer acceptance and regulatory approvals. • Need for better manufacturing efficiency. • Adapting designs for various vehicle types. Potential Challenges Ahead
Conclusion • Airless tires represent the future of tire technology. • Offer durability, sustainability, and innovation. • With continued research, they may replace pneumatic tires.