When faced with snowy roads in winter, a new technology has been developed that allows for easy safety without the complexity of traditional snow chains.
On December 11, Hyundai and Kia unveiled their integrated tire technology with snow chains made from shape memory alloys.
This technology works by hiding a module made of shape memory alloy inside the wheel and tire, which can extend outward under electrical signal, serving the function of snow chains.
Traditional snow chains are complicated to install and remove, making them less practical. However, with this technology, pressing a button allows the vehicle to automatically deploy and remove the snow chains, aiding safe driving on snowy roads.
The integrated snow chain tire technology has a structure that involves creating grooves at regular intervals in a shape similar to sliced pizza, where each groove contains a module crafted from shape memory alloy.
This technology utilizes the characteristic of shape memory alloy to return to its original shape when an electric current is applied. The shape memory alloy located inside the wheel is compressed into an ‘L’ shape during regular driving and transforms into a ‘J’ shape when the driver activates the function, pushing the module out of the tire.
Additionally, if tire wear is severe and the tire surface drops to the height of the module in regular driving mode, drivers will easily notice the wear and will not miss the tire replacement cycle.
Hyundai and Kia have applied for relevant patents in South Korea and the United States, and they plan to review mass production after advanced technology development and durability and performance testing.
A representative from Hyundai and Kia stated, “Everyone has experienced their vehicle skidding on snowy roads, but many have found it challenging to install and remove snow chains. We will continue to strive to develop safer and more convenient technologies from the customer’s perspective.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr