If this self-inflating tire technology is as good as they say it is, and if it can be produced at a reasonable cost, this could be a real breakthrough in tire safety.
Czech Republic based CODA DEVELOPMENT s.r.o. is working on an integrated system that inflates the tire by using atmospheric air as you drive. The Self Inflating Tire (SIT) system consists of a tube chamber integrated into the tire wall that acts as a peristaltic pump, inflating the tire as it turns against the road, regardless of the speed at which the vehicle is traveling...
Once a pre-set pressure is achieved a managing valve automatically shuts down any further inflation, resulting in a simple, maintenance-free way to keep tire pressure at an optimal level without the use of externally stored compressed air.
Full story here.
Full story here.
ateixeira says:
06:06 AM, 03/28/08
As long as it's light and doesn't throw the balance off, this is a neat idea.