Hankook Exhibits Airless Tire Concept at CES 2022

Hankook Tire & Technology will showcase its non-pneumatic tire (NPT) ‘i-Flex’ in a joint entry with Hyundai Motor Co. at CES 2022, being held in Las Vegas from Jan. 5 to 8.

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor Co. will unveil the Plug & Drive (PnD) Module for the first time. It is based on robotics technology that enables Mobility of Things (MoT), an ecosystem in which all objects are mobile. Hankook Tire’s i-Flex is fitted to maximize characteristics and functions of the PnD module.

The i-Flex is a futuristic non-pneumatic concept tire featuring biomimetic design. It is 10-inch in size with a diameter of 400 mm and a width of 105 mm. Because it has no air in it unlike conventional tires, safety can be better secured in accidents caused by punctures. Furthermore, it does not require air pressure maintenance, making it an optimal solution for autonomous vehicles.

The i-Flex was developed through rigorous biomimetic studies and testing. In order to absorb road shocks and bear a load, it adopted the design of a multi-layer interlocking spoke inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms. The multi-layer interlocking spoke structures the cell in three-dimensional for better shock absorption while allowing hexagonal and tetragonal cell structures of different rigidity join together for more stable load support.

In addition, a C-shaped concave profile has been applied to secure a maximized contact patch, enabling safe driving.

Hankook Tire has been working on non-pneumatic tire technology since 2010. The continuous effort led to the birth of the i-Flex, an airless tire with safety, low maintenance and sustainability, serving as an ideal solution for future mobility.

Source: Business Korea