Hyundai and Kia have an invention to turn off snow chains once and for all: smart tires

A few days ago we were counting on it Chataka That Hyundai and Kia are working on Revolutionary regime To bring the transmission directly to the wheels. If they succeed, they will be able to increase the autonomy of the electric car and improve its dynamics, as there will be no losses in power delivery.

On this occasion, the invention they are working on within the group is not directly related to the electric car, but it could be useful for any vehicle, regardless of its type of engine.

Hyundai and Kia are working on a revolutionary system that eliminates the always-dreaded task of setting snow chains. His idea: to integrate chains into wheels.

An invention that looks futuristic

Although at the moment it is a project they are still investigating, Hyundai and Kia have already indicated in company communications that they will investigate the commercial viability of their system if the appropriate performance conditions in the field and useful life are met.

Although it sounds like science fiction, both companies are working in this field Frames that actually integrate chains. As explained in the video accompanying this information, the idea is that the tire has grooves in its rubber that when the time comes, the pieces act as chains.

By default, the slot hides the piece just below the elastic slightly. Once the driver loses traction and activates “snow” mode using one of the internal controls, an electrical current circulates the piece which automatically starts working as a chain.

Once the obstacle is overcome, the driver deactivates this driving mode and the piece returns to its original place, hiding so as to never come into contact with the surface. We understand that this piece, given the type of compound chosen, is best not part of the rubber continuity so as not to wear excessively.

The brand points out that this has another advantage. how The widget will be hidden Just a few millimeters from the rubber surface, it also acts as an indicator of tire wear, so checking it will be much clearer.

He points out that, at the moment, the patent is in the approval stage in South Korea and the United States, but as we said, if all stages give good results they will seek to approve it and produce it commercially.

In Chataka | Hyundai and Kia have designed a revolutionary system for their electric cars: more autonomy for the same size

Photos | Hyundai