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TECHNOLOGY
Goodyear Debuts Self - Inflating Technology for Commercial Tyres
Commercial tyres operate at a higher air pressure, typically 850 kPa for commercial tyres vs. 250 kPa for consumer tyres. This is a much more challenging performance requirement for the pump system. The life of a commercial truck tyre is often extended by retreading, and the commercial truck AMT system is being designed to perform after the retreading process.
“We believe the Air Maintenance Technology application for commercial vehicle tyres will not only enhance the performance of the tyre, but will also provide cost savings to fleet owners and operators through the extension of tyre tread life and increased fuel economy” stated Goodyear’s Chief Technical Officer, Jean-Claude Kihn. “The progress we continue to make with this technology is ver y encouraging. We look forward to further testing of this concept.” Engineers at Goodyear’s Innovation Centre in Akron, Ohio, USA are credited with the development of the commercial application of this
concept and the supporting technology. Prototype tyres have been produced in Goodyear’s Topeka manufacturing plant in
K ansas, USA, and rigorous validation testing has confirmed that the AMT pumping mechanism works. Next year, an extensive fleet trial is planned to gather real-world information from customers.
A $1.5 million grant from The United States Department of Energy’s Office (DOE) of Vehicle Technology is helping speed up research, development and demonstration of the AMT system for commercial vehicle tyres. A further grant from the Luxembourg government for research and development will continue to help fund Goodyear’s efforts in researching and developing the AMT system for consumer tyres.
Over the past year, researchers at The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company have been working on a new Air Maintenance Technology application that can aid fuel savings and CO2 reductions while potentially improving performance and eliminating the need for external inflation pressure intervention. The commercial application of Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology made its debut at the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany. Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology mechanism allows tyres to maintain constant, optimum pressure without the use of external pumps, electronics and driver intervention. Proper tyre inflation can result in improved fuel economy, prolonged tread life and improved tyre performance. Customers should receive the following key benefits from Air Maintenance Technology-enabled tyres:
Improved Fuel Economy
Proper tyre inflation is key in the commercial market. It is estimated
that for every 0.5 bar (50 kPa) lost in tyre inflation, there is an estimated 1 per cent loss in km per litre.
While 1 percent may seem insignificant, it could cost a truck owner over £580 in fuel, based on a vehicle that has a fuel consumption of 35 l/100 km, runs 150,000 km a year with a fuel price of at least £1.11.
Prolonged Tread Life
AMT is expected to play a major role in prolonging tread life in the commercial tyre market. Tyres which are 10 percent under-inflated decrease tread life by 9-16 per cent. By utilising Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology, commercial vehicle fleet operators will be able to realise the full mileage potential of their tyres.
Optimized Performance
Tyre-related costs are the single largest maintenance item for commercial vehicle fleet operators with nearly 50 percent of all truck and trailer breakdowns involving a tyre in some way1.
Properly inflated tyres are also necessary to keep a
vehicle’s handling performance at optimal levels. Under-inflation means less evenly distributed pressure on the road. It also reduces the tread area that is in direct contact with the road and can impact the integrity of the tyre casing, which is key to the retreading process. Commercial trucks pose a different challenge for AMT as tyres are larger, have higher inflation pressures, drive longer distances and carry much heavier loads.
TIA Leads on Safer US Tyre Repair
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) board of directors has announced that it is continuing its proactive approach on improving safety for the motoring public by proposing to make improper tyre repairs illegal. TIA's proposal to states seeking to pass tyre repair legislation would extend the tyre industry's well- established best practices by making it:
1. Illegal to plug a tyre on the rim or install a patch on the inside without filling the void left by the object
2. Illegal to repair a puncture in the shoulder or an injury in the sidewall
3. Illegal to repair a tyre that has already been illegally repaired.
Ernie Caramanico, who is president of New York Tire Dealers Association, TIA board member and president of Amityville Firestone stated, "Inherently dangerous practices like plugging the tyre without inspecting the inside and installing a patch without filling the injury would become illegal and hopefully cease to exist. This would be an important step for the image of the tyre industry and the safety of the motoring public, so it makes sense for TIA to promote good legislation that
makes a positive impact without causing harm to anyone other than those who improperly repair tyres."
TIA is resolute on improving the safety of the motoring public with the goal of making a positive impact on tyre safety without exposing the tyre retailing industry to unnecessary liability. Legislating that improper repairs are illegal makes sense for the thousands of tyre service providers and makes it that much more difficult for the minority to continue repairing tyres outside the guidelines created by the industry. TIA plans on introducing the model tyre repair legislation in its home state of Mar yland.
"By making improper repairs illegal, the thousands of tyre retailers who follow industr y recommended practices will finally have definitive answers to the questions about why a tyre cannot be repaired. They will refuse to install illegal repairs and advise their customers to be cautious when dealing with automotive service providers who are willing to illegally repair tyres and endanger themselves and other motorists," stated Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior Vice President of Training.
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