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pencilvanian
1000+ Penny Miser Member
2035 Posts |
 Posted - 06/01/2008 : 10:52:18
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http://tinyurl.com/8qf5d
Updated April 29, 2005 Michelin has showcased a potentially disruptive technology with significant ramifications for the future for mobility: an airless, integrated tyre and wheel combination dubbed the TWEEL (i.e. Tyre/WhEEL)....
Benefits of the Tweel
The heart of Tweel innovation is its deceptively simple looking hub and spoke design that replaces the need for air pressure while delivering performance previously only available from pneumatic tires.
The flexible spokes are fused with a flexible wheel that deforms to absorb shock and rebound with ease. Without the air needed by conventional tires, Tweel still delivers pneumatic-like performance in weight-carrying capacity, ride comfort, and the ability to "envelope" road hazards.
www.gizmag.com/go/3603/picture/26525/
The article didn't say what this new tire is composed of (plastic, metal, composite, etc.) but if it proves successful, then the rubber and tire rim makers will end up making fewer of their product, thus hurting rubber and steel demand.
(Some rims are Mag wheels/maganese, but since these are a small percentage of wheel sales, their demand and demand for Magenese might not be effected too much.)
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New Type of Tire in Development
