"Transforming into Snow Tires When It Snows" Applied to Shape Memory Alloy Tires

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Unveil Tire Technology Integrated with Snow Chains

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia unveiled an integrated tire technology with snow chains using shape memory alloys on the 11th. This technology helps ensure safe driving by providing the effect of having snow chains installed with just the push of a button when driving on snowy roads in winter.

The module made of shape memory alloy normally resides inside the wheel and tire, but when it receives an electric signal, it protrudes outside the tire to function as a snow chain. The company explained that it was developed with the idea of addressing the complexity and low usability of installing or removing traditional snow chains.

[Photo by Yonhap News, Reuters]

This technology features a structure where grooves are made at regular intervals on the wheel and tire, resembling pizza slices, and modules made of shape memory alloy are inserted into each groove. It utilizes the characteristic of shape memory alloys to return to their original shape when electric current is applied.

The shape memory alloy inside the wheel is pressed by the force of a spring during normal driving and remains in an L shape. When the driver activates the function, current is applied, causing the shape memory alloy to transform into its original J shape, pushing the module outward beyond the tire.

When tire wear becomes severe and the surface lowers to the module height of the normal driving mode, the driver can easily recognize tire wear and avoid missing the replacement cycle. The company has filed related patents in both Korea and the United States. They plan to advance the technology, conduct durability performance tests, and consider mass production.