Hyundai patents new tyre design with built-in snow chains

The patent for the built-in snow chains has been applied both in South Korea & the USA.

According to reports, Hyundai Motor Group has filed a patent for a new tyre design with built-in chains, which help improve traction in snowy conditions.

As per the patent, instead of manually installing snow chains in the winter, the new tech would deploy the chains at the press of a button, making use of what Hyundai calls “shape memory alloy”. The tech works by running an electric current through the alloy spokes built into the tyre’s rubber that have a “shape memory”. When the electric current is passed, the chains pop out of the grooves in the rubber and retract once the current is cut off.

The concept adds a layer of complexity to an otherwise simple design as it consists of a whole tyre & wheel assembly. However, the tech would also help provide a visual warning that the tyres are worn out as the alloy spokes would start to protrude out when the tyre is at the end of its usable life.

The patent for the built-in snow chains has been applied both in South Korea & the USA. Hyundai is even said to be considering production of the tech, if and once the tyres pass the tests and are cleared for mass production.

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