These shape-shifting wheels adjust to obstacles on the fly

Raj — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:27:04 +0000

What if your wheels could change shape in real time, effortlessly adapting to any obstacles in their path? Enter the revolutionary shape-shifting wheel, designed to tackle uneven surfaces with ease and inspired by the surface tension of liquid droplets. This innovative wheel is poised to be a game changer for vehicles that need to traverse rough terrains.

At its core, the shape-shifting wheel boasts a unique smart chain structure made up of blocks connected by wire spokes to a central hub. By adjusting the gap between the sides of the hub, the wheel can shift from a rigid circular form, ideal for smooth surfaces, to a more flexible configuration that adapts to rugged ground.

This transformation enables the wheel to overcome obstacles up to 1.2 times higher than its radius. Developed by a team of Korean researchers, the wheel has been successfully tested on both a 120kg wheelchair and a four-wheeled vehicle. The results were clear: a smoother, safer ride over challenging terrains.

Tested on real terrains, providing safety and stability for wheelchairs and vehicles

While dust and debris caused some wear and tear during testing, the team is already working on protective solutions, such as wheel covers, to mitigate these issues.

Overcoming obstacles, these wheels can handle obstacles 1.2 times their radius

This adaptive wheel technology has far-reaching potential. From wheelchairs to mobile robots, it promises a new level of mobility and independence for users. With its ability to adjust to various terrains, the shape-shifting wheel could pave the way for smarter, more adaptable vehicles in the future.

Source: Science Robotics.

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Flexible Wheels For Your Car | MAXION

Raj — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 11:37:00 +0000

Now potholes are not a problem for these flexible wheels. Because this wheel bends with an ordinary tire. It’s known as the MAXION Flexible Wheels. It was created by the tire maker, Michelin. It uses a technology called ‘Acorus’. Which means a pair of flexible rubber flanges attached to a special alloy wheel. So it absorbs the shock when the wheel encounters a pothole. The flange flexes with the rubber to avoid damage to the tire and absorbs the impact from the pothole.

In certain countries with bad road conditions, half of the tires don’t reach the end of their life due to sidewall damage. The flexible wheel combines an aluminum wheel body, two rubber flanges, and optional wheel cover inserts for aesthetic purposes. When the tire faces a road hazard the flange is deformed to protect the tire and the wheel body, so both of them stay intact. And therefore the driver and the passengers are kept safe.

These flexible wheels together with the Michelin Acorus technology will essential to avoid sidewall damage due to potholes. And therefore it optimizes tire lifetime. The flexible wheels allow you to easily control the vehicle after hitting a pothole. The flexible wheel is not just a robust safety solution. It’s a beautiful wheel and provides a unique level of driving experience for premium vehicles. Check the wheel here!

Watch the Flexible Wheels in action down below

The post Flexible Wheels For Your Car | MAXION appeared first on TheSuperBOO!.

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These shape-shifting wheels adjust to obstacles on the fly

Flexible Wheels For Your Car | MAXION

Watch the Flexible Wheels in action down below