Whatever happened to this idea?

Kinja'd!!! "TheOnelectronic" (theoneelectronic)
10/10/2013 at 13:54 • Filed to: None

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I vaguely recall that it just never ended up being financially feasible... or something. Does anyone have any insight on the problems with this technology? It definitely looks and sounds like an awesome thing.


DISCUSSION (23)


Kinja'd!!! EL_ULY > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 13:58

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been wondering this myself


Kinja'd!!! Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 13:58

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Still in testing, there was an article in GRM a few months ago about a guy driving his classic car across country for a car show on a set. Obviously he worked for the manufacturer


Kinja'd!!! Volvosaurus-Rex > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:00

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They use them on excavators like bobcats and also the stair-climbing wheelchair developed by DEKA.

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Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:04

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I would think the biggest problem is just manufacturing cost. I have to imagine these cost a heck of a lot more to make than normal tires.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:04

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What is there to test?

I mean that sincerely; is it a matter of finding the right polymer compound to use for the matrix? Temperature management?


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/10/2013 at 14:05

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I've seen them on bobcats, though those are generally near-as-makes-no-difference solid tires. I believe they're favored for when punctures are a risk, though given that bobcats have no suspension, I don't think I'd want to be the guy driving them...


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Jayhawk Jake
10/10/2013 at 14:06

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Normal tires are pretty damn complicated when you think about it. Assuming the compounds involved aren't too exotic, that matrix that supports the tread shouldn't be too difficult to mold.

Then again, polymers aren't my thing.


Kinja'd!!! ddavidn > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:08

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Bobcats are the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever driven.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > ddavidn
10/10/2013 at 14:10

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Ours has the rubber tracks and the suspended seat, so it isn't SO bad, but that ultra short wheelbase means you're in for a wild ride if you, say, want to go over a speed bump.


Kinja'd!!! Meatcoma > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:11

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I imagine you'd have to test quite a bit of things before selling it to the public. Who would buy a 5000 mile tire/wheel for the cost of an entire set of tires w/o wheels that will last 1/10th duration. Just an example, I actually have no idea how long a tire like this would last (that's why they need testing*).


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Meatcoma
10/10/2013 at 14:13

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Ah, that is a good point. The tread should last just as long, but the support matrix will be under a large degree of cyclic loading, and a lot of materials could quickly break down under those conditions.

On the upside, at least they won't blow out.


Kinja'd!!! Meatcoma > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:17

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While they may not blowout, you could have the tread detach from the honeycomb or have the honeycomb's support warp abnormally causing undue stress on other parts of your suspension wearing said items out faster.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Meatcoma
10/10/2013 at 14:21

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Also good points. It's not like a normal tire, where you still have a vaguely tire-shaped carcass if the tread separates.

I'm not sure about the warping, though. Couldn't an inflated tire do this as well? Or does the air pressure help keep a consistent shape?


Kinja'd!!! wilsel > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:24

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Hankook had some new concepts at Frankfurt.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > wilsel
10/10/2013 at 14:25

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I really hope they go on sale with the open cells, although I can easily see dirt and such getting in and upsetting the balance.

Then again, covering them up could cause heat issues.


Kinja'd!!! Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:28

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Article didn't give a lot of details (actual it was more of an op piece ) . Apparently the ride was smooth though


Kinja'd!!! Eric the RC guy > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:29

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Hey look, a tiny stone I have to drive over, lets just tilt the front end up 45 degrees as we go over it, and then come smashing back down as soon as we pass the center of gravity.


Kinja'd!!! Gasolinelollipop > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:29

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I'd guess there has to be increased costs with bolt patterns. A 16 inch tire fits on wide variety of 16 inch wheels with different bolt patterns. Now they have to make a tire wheel combo for every model.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Eric the RC guy
10/10/2013 at 14:32

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Pretty much.


Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > Gasolinelollipop
10/10/2013 at 14:33

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Is the actual "Wheel" part of it? I figured it mounted to the wheel just like a pneumatic tire, although thinking about it there could be friction issues, since you don't have air pressure holding the bead.


Kinja'd!!! Gasolinelollipop > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:34

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I assumed it was. If not it would need some sort of adapter.

Edit: It looks like it may have a standard wheel in the middle. I thought it was more of a Tweel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweel


Kinja'd!!! timateo81 > TheOnelectronic
10/10/2013 at 14:54

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The compressed gas lobby is just too powerful. Convinced Congress to ban the technology until major safety concerns could be... aired .

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Kinja'd!!! TheOnelectronic > timateo81
10/10/2013 at 15:00

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*slow clap*