Built-in sensors in the tyre of the future
Tyres that are aligned with the requirements of electric and autonomous driving in both individual and shared mobility scenarios are seen as a part of new technology solutions for the mobility of the future.
Newly-designed electrified tyres feature sensors built into the structure of the tyre. The sensors generate and evaluate data concerning tread depth, possible damage, tyre temperature and tyre pressure. The monitoring system transmits information on the condition of the tyres to a Web-based application, aimed at facilitating efficient mobility management for fleet operators.
The technology can also actively adjust tyre pressures by means of centrifugal pumps built into the wheel. As the vehicle accelerates, the centrifugal forces within the wheel act on the pump to generate compressed air. This technology aims to keep the tyre pressure within an ideal range and helps achieve a sustainable drop in carbon dioxide emissions. Any excess compressed air is stored in an integrated tank, which the technology then uses to adapt the tyre pressures to various driving situations.
The tyres have been developed by a division of Continental Tyre, Conti Connected, Autonomous, Reliable, Electrified (C.A.R.E).
Continental will also be presenting a SilentWheel concept, a modified wheel rim that aims to reduce the vibrations generated while driving and deliver an improved ride quality.
The electrification and connectivity of wheels and tyres aims to enable sustainable tyre management. In combination with the Web-based ContiConnect live application, Conti C.A.R.E. is said to form a flexible system solution that can provide a means of tyre management for modern vehicle fleets, including robo-taxi fleets, aimed at improving performance and optimising costs.