Bridgestone Corp. has developed new cooling fin technology that expands the vehicle application potential of run-flat tires.
The challenge facing run-flat technology was to devise a way to minimize the heat caused by deformation of the sidewall when driving on a sidewall-reinforced-type run-flat tire that has lost air.
The company's cooling fin technology uses disturbances in the airflow created by protrusions on the surface of the tire sidewall -– that face in toward the center of the wheel –- to cool the tire sidewall.
This advancement allows the development of run-flat tires for certain SUVs, CUVs, minivans and large passenger cars where the high tire cross-section causes a significant amount of heat to be generated on the sidewall when driving with low air pressure.
Previously, sidewall reinforced run-flat technology was limited for use with passenger cars. Bridgestone has filed for patents on this technology.
The company anticipates that in the future, this technology will enable the utilization of lighter sidewall-reinforcing rubber, thus reducing overall weight and enhancing comfort during normal driving.
It plans to push ahead with further research and development in this field and will showcase the technology at various academic conferences in Japan and other key technology markets around the world.
Bridgestone reports its tire development philosophy centers on bringing peace-of-mind to the driving public, as realized through an emphasis on the environment, safety and comfort. Run-flat tires are seen as the successful embodiment of this ideal.
