Are wearing snow tires and chains a memory? New technology from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Reduces Winter Inconveniences
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Are wearing snow tires and chains a memory? New technology from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Reduces Winter Inconveniences

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Technology using shape memory alloy properties
“Patent applications in Korea and the United States”

‘Snowchain integrated tire technology using shape memory alloy’ unveiled by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors on the 11th. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors

As winter approaches, the day is coming when we will make memories of visiting a service center to install separate snow tires or hastily installing snow chains. This is because technology has emerged that allows you to drive safely by pressing a single button when you encounter snow while driving in winter.

Hyundai Motors and Kia on the 11th ‘Snowchain integrated tire technology using shape memory alloy’ unveileddid. This is a technology in which a chain module made of shape memory alloy is normally hidden inside the wheel and tire, but when it receives an electrical signal, it pops out of the tire and acts as a snow chain.

According to Hyundai Motor and Kia, this If the technology is applied, the car can ‘automatically’ install and remove the chain with just one push of a button. Both installation and disassembly are much more convenient than complicated snow chains.Hyundai Motor and Kia explain that it will be over.

The technical principle is as follows. The core structure is to create grooves at regular intervals in the wheel and tire and insert modules made of shape memory alloy into them one by one. This uses the shape memory alloy characteristic of returning to its original shape when an electric current is applied.

The shape memory alloy inside the wheel is pressed by the force of a spring during normal driving and is shaped like the letter ‘L’. When the driver activates the function by pressing a button, an electric current is applied and it changes into its original shape, the letter ‘J’, and is pushed out of the tire. push out

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors applied for related patents in Korea and the United States, respectively. The company plans to review whether to mass-produce it after advancing technology development and testing durability and performance. An official from Hyundai Motor and Kia said, “Everyone has experienced a vehicle slipping on snowy roads, but there were many difficulties installing and dismantling snow chains. We will continue to strive to develop safer and more convenient technology from the customer’s perspective.”

Hyungjun Kim reporter