Instead of being filled with air, the i-Flex uses multilayer flexible spokes
10 January 2022 - 12:17
byDenis Droppa
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The Hankook i-Flex has multi-layer interlocking spokes inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms.
One of the holy grails of motoring is the prospect of puncture-proof tyres that never need to be filled with air.
Korean tyre company Hankook showed the latest version of its non-pneumatic i-Flex prototype tyre at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US.
Instead of being filled with compressed air like regular tyres, the i-Flex is connected to the rim via multilayer flexible spokes.
In addition to being immune to punctures and the accidents they can cause, Hankook says the airless tyres are low maintenance, with no need for air pressure maintenance.
The i-Flex is a 10-inch tyre with a width of 105mm, and to absorb road shocks and bear a load, it adopts the design of a multilayer interlocking spoke inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms.
Hankook has not said when the i-Flex tyre might be available to buy, stating that it was continuing research and development for further improvement.
Michelin and Goodyear are also working on puncture-proof airless tyres.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Hankook pitches puncture-proof tyres
Instead of being filled with air, the i-Flex uses multilayer flexible spokes
One of the holy grails of motoring is the prospect of puncture-proof tyres that never need to be filled with air.
Korean tyre company Hankook showed the latest version of its non-pneumatic i-Flex prototype tyre at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US.
Instead of being filled with compressed air like regular tyres, the i-Flex is connected to the rim via multilayer flexible spokes.
In addition to being immune to punctures and the accidents they can cause, Hankook says the airless tyres are low maintenance, with no need for air pressure maintenance.
The i-Flex is a 10-inch tyre with a width of 105mm, and to absorb road shocks and bear a load, it adopts the design of a multilayer interlocking spoke inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms.
Hankook has not said when the i-Flex tyre might be available to buy, stating that it was continuing research and development for further improvement.
Michelin and Goodyear are also working on puncture-proof airless tyres.
Michelin’s puncture-proof tyre ready for testing
Goodyear reveals a self-repairing tyre
More than 60% of second-hand tyres sold in SA are illegal
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