The Dakar Concept Tire Was Designed For the Hankook Tyre Design Challenge
Rahul Kalvapalle — December 30, 2014 — Autos
References: zukunft.hankookevent.de & gizmag
The Dakar concept tire is a student-designed tire concept that claimed first place in the Hankook Tyre Design Challenge organized by Korean tire manufacturer Hankook. The Dakar and other concepts were submitted by student contestants.
The Dakar concept tire, as its name suggests, is intended for use in endurance races like the Dakar Rally. These kinds of races require vehicles to perform both on and off the road. Rather than incorporating a conventional tread comprising a continuous piece of rubber, the Dakar tire is made of a number of individual and interlocking hexagonal blocks, each of which holds its own air.
When driving on road, the hexagonal blocks snuggle up against each other, making for a smooth tread with minimal rolling resistance. When the vehicle goes off road however, the blocks spread apart to create a much knobbier tread with improved traction.
If any of the blocks gets punctured or otherwise damaged, it can be quickly replaced without having to replace the entire tire.
The Dakar concept tire, as its name suggests, is intended for use in endurance races like the Dakar Rally. These kinds of races require vehicles to perform both on and off the road. Rather than incorporating a conventional tread comprising a continuous piece of rubber, the Dakar tire is made of a number of individual and interlocking hexagonal blocks, each of which holds its own air.
When driving on road, the hexagonal blocks snuggle up against each other, making for a smooth tread with minimal rolling resistance. When the vehicle goes off road however, the blocks spread apart to create a much knobbier tread with improved traction.
If any of the blocks gets punctured or otherwise damaged, it can be quickly replaced without having to replace the entire tire.
Trend Themes
1. Endurance-race Tires - The concept of using tires designed specifically for endurance races like the Dakar Rally provides disruptive innovation opportunities for the motorsports industry.
2. Modular Tread Designs - The development of tires with modular tread designs, such as the hexagonal blocks of the Dakar concept tire, opens up disruptive innovation possibilities for the tire manufacturing industry.
3. Replaceable Tire Blocks - The idea of using replaceable tire blocks within a tire, as seen in the Dakar concept tire, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the automotive industry by reducing the need for full tire replacements.
Industry Implications
1. Motorsports - The motorsports industry can take advantage of the advancements in endurance-race tires to enhance vehicle performance and safety in off-road competitions.
2. Tire Manufacturing - The tire manufacturing industry can explore the use of modular tread designs to create customizable and adaptable tires for various road conditions, improving traction and efficiency.
3. Automotive - The automotive industry can consider implementing the concept of replaceable tire blocks to minimize maintenance costs and increase convenience for vehicle owners.
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