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Techno Trends

The big ideas that are changing everything

Airless Tires

A new concept in tires was recently announced that could spell the end of flat tires. The Airless Concept Tire would not only eliminate flats, it would also save fuel and cut down on the 300 million tires that are scrapped each year in the U.S. alone.

The puncture-proof tire consists of a thermoplastic spoke structure that radiates outward from a central aluminum wheel and is wrapped with a rubber tread, which provides traction. The spokes support the weight of the vehicle and reduce road vibration, yet are soft enough to deliver a comfortable ride. Because rolling resistance is reduced, the tires also improve mileage. And the thermoplastic body can be easily melted and remolded, making them totally recyclable.

A 9.8-inch version is currently being tested on carts and forklifts in low-speed industrial applications, and a larger version (suitable for passenger vehicles) is in development.

For information: Bridgestone Corporation, 10-1 Kyobashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 10-,8340, Japan; Web site: www.bridgestone.co.jp/ or Bridgestone Americas, Inc.,535 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214; phone: 615-937-1000; Web site: www.bridgestone.com/index.html 

Daniel Burrus' Top Twenty Technology-Driven Trends for 2012