German researchers present tyre that adapts to weather, road conditions

At Hannover Messe 2012, the exhibition billed as the world’s most important technology event, a Leipzig, Germany-based research group unveiled what it calls an “adaptive tyre”. According to the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig) research group, the tyre adapts itself to weather and road conditions. Regardless of whether a vehicle is being driven on the motorway or gravel roads, in sunshine, snow or rain, the adaptive tyre reportedly recognises the conditions and adapts its tread grooves automatically.

“Today’s tyres are always a compromise between grip, braking ability and fuel consumption. They need to match numerous situations,” explained Professor Detlef Riemer, who heads the research group. “And you can’t simply change tyres during a journey. Our completely new type of tyre, on the other hand, can adapt – even while on the move. Therefore every trip is made with the optimal tyre fitment.” The group believes its development will make changing tyres to match conditions unnecessary and also optimise wear durability, road noise and fuel consumption. “The driver needn’t think on adapting the tyres, rather the tyre thinks for itself,” Riemer added.

How do the tyres function? “Elastic components will be incorporated into the tread, and activated by control unit integrated within the tyre,” explained Professor Riemer. Through this, the tyre’s tread grooves, both longitudinal and cross-rib, will be individually moveable. “Changes in the tread take place via actuators or elastic materials integrated into the tread or under the casing,” he elaborated. “We have currently progressed to the stage where we are working with expanding material actuators, piezo ceramic actuators, shape memory alloys and so-called smart materials.”

The first functioning prototype tyre is on display at the Hannover Messe between 23 and 27 April. “It is admittedly not a finished product, however the idea itself is outstanding. As a precaution, we have already secured a patent for this,” added Riemer.