And here is a vehicle using a metal version of the wheel
Posted on 04/24/2017 9:17:24 AM PDT by jmcenanly
First revealed way back in 2011, Bridgestone’s airless tires use a series of rigid plastic resin spokes to help a wheel keep its shape as it rolls, instead of an inflatable inner tube that can puncture and leak. Military vehicles and ATVs have been some of the first vehicles to adopt the unorthodox design, but Bridgestone will soon be making a version of its airless tires for use on bicycles.
(Excerpt) Read more at gizmodo.com ...
Didn’t we have airless tires on our tricycles?
“Semi-pneumatic” is what they were called, but they relied on the relative rigidity of the thick sidewalls and tread to maintain their shape - they were essentially hollow, with a wire wrapped around the bead to keep them on the rim, which had to be formed around them and riveted together. Hand wagons and such had this kind of wheel and rims. When they wore out they rolled around on the rim.
Looks like it will have lots of air drag (not on the moon though).
“Looks like it will have lots of air drag”
My first thought as well. I don’t think it’s going to be adopted at the bike races. Although there’s no reason why they couldn’t put a flexible cover over it.
I presume they are showing the tire without its fairing.
Can’t wait until theres one for motorcycles.
Yep tricycles and grocery shopping carts have solid rubber tires, which will never go flat. I’ve always wanted such tires for cars, but figured they would never have them available.
Yes but serious bikers worry about weight. Solid rubber tires are heavy.
Weight issues when you get to car sized tires.
I would have concerns about how they would fair on hard cornering.
Lots of crashes.
I didn’t see the price. Probably $500 apiece.
Wonder what the drag ratio is?.
Of course they do only just in spots. Boogity, boogity, boogity.
Most supermarkets and Walmarts install at least 1 square wheel per cart.
Yeah. That wont play well in the snow. Getting a few pounds of slushy ice mix lodged in there will throw the wheels so far out of balance it will make driving feel more like trying to ride a bull.
Getting a few pounds of slushy ice mix lodged in there will throw the wheels so far out of balance it will make driving feel more like trying to ride a bull.
You’re right. Park a car in a pile of slush and if it freezes up, the wheels would be way out of balance.
That seems to be a new trend for a lot of vehicles...
    Watch square wheels in action at this youtube video link. (This will test that new back brace you just got.) |
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