Winter tires and snow chains are among the problems that drivers encounter most during the winter months in our country. Hyundai introduced electronic snow chain technology that opens and closes with a single button. Here are the details…
Hyundai received a patent for electronic snow chains
Hyundai plans to put an end to the cumbersome, freezing process of rolling up and removing traditional snow chains by introducing a new wheel and tire design that includes built-in snow chains that deploy and retract with the push of a button.
Each of the tires has six recessed grooves that line up with the bottom spokes of the wheel. Inside these cavities, there are thick wires resembling snow chains, pulled deep into the ridge. Drivers will be able to remove thick wires from inside the tire by pressing a button on the multimedia screen.
Tire chains are made using compressed shape memory alloys that can be activated and expanded when an electric current is sent through them. The shape memory alloy returns to its original shape, pushing the wire loop above the tread level to reveal the chain.
As a side benefit, Hyundai says snow chains have become a very visible (and audible) reminder that it’s time for new tires. Let us point out that this technology is a concept for now.
“This innovation, which we hope will one day be introduced to Hyundai and Kia vehicles, reflects our commitment to transforming advanced technologies into real-world solutions that benefit customers,” said Joon Mo Park, Head of Hyundai’s Advanced Chassis Development Team. said.
It will require some pretty special work from both Hyundai and tire manufacturers to make this happen, as it really depends on redesigning the entire wheel assembly with electrical connections. However, it is stated that such technology will be a great convenience for people who often have to drive in snowy or icy conditions.
Making a statement on the subject, Hyundai said that the technology was patented in South Korea and the USA and that Hyundai/Kia said, “We plan to evaluate the mass production of tires after further technological development, durability and performance tests and regulatory reviews.” He stated:
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