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01/10/2007
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Bridgestone has filed patents on a technology aimed at keeping run-flat tyres cooler as the sidewalls deform when air pressure is lost, writes Roger Bishop. The development may extend the use of run-flats to SUVs, CUVs, minivans and larger passenger cars.
In heavier vehicles with a high tyre cross-section, significant heat is generated in the sidewall when driven with low air pressure. This has limited the use of run-flat systems to lighter vehicles.
Analysis by researchers at Bridgestone revealed that on a conventional run-flat tyre, potentially cooling airflow sails over the sidewall surface and has virtually no cooling effect.
The addition of shallow protrusions, or cooling fins, arranged facing the centre of the wheel causes an upward stream of air that sucks in cooler air, setting up vortices behind the fins that bring the cooling air in contact with the tyre surface.
Bridgestone anticipates that cooling fins will allow the use of lighter sidewall-reinforcing rubber, reducing overall tyre weight.
The next step will be to show the technology at various academic conferences in Japan and other key technology markets around the world.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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