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September 14, 2017 02:00 AM

Michelin, Maxion debut 'flexible' car wheel

Tire Business Report
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    This view of the Maxion Flexible Wheel, featuring Michelin Acorus Technology, shows (from to right) the tire, Acorus rubber flange, Maxion wheel body, Acorus rubber flange, and optional wheel cover or trim.

    FRANKFURT, Germany—Michelin and Maxion Wheels developed a car wheel they claim can improve ride and comfort by absorbing impacts from potholes. Key to the product's success is the incorporation of flexible rubber flanges.

    The partners debuted the product at Frankfurt Motor Show.

    The wheel, dubbed Michelin Acorus, is compatible with all tires on the market, Maxion said. It comprises an alloy rim that is narrower than normal, two rubber flanges and an optional cosmetic insert to protect the alloy wheel.

    The name Acorus is taken from Acorus Calamus, a wetland plant that looks like a reed and which is featured in a French fable "the oak and the reed" with the wisdom that "a reed bends but does not break."

    In tests with a 285/30R21 tire driven through a pothole, the standard rim version punctured the tire at 17 mph, whereas an Acorus flexible wheel with did not puncture or sustain damage at any speed, the development partners said.

    Florent Menegaux, Michelin's chief operating officer, pointed out that the new design is particularly useful today as the vehicle industry specs larger and larger wheels on their cars.

    This cutaway of the Michelin-Maxion Flexible Wheel shows the flexibility, durability and robustness of the new innovative wheel. The Acorus rubber flanges are in yellow. Pictured from left to right: normal state; loaded state; and deflected state.

    "…large shiny alloys are an integral part of all modern car designs," Menegaux said, "However, the resulting low profile tires with short sidewalls are much more susceptible to damage on today's deteriorating roads with myriad potholes."

    Maxion Wheels CEO Pieter Klinkers called the development a "game changer for wheels," offering safety, economy and comfort.

    Maxion and Michelin also claim the new design reduces noise levels and improves comfort in low-profile fitments.

    Michelin is working in partnership with Maxion Wheels to bring the flexible wheel to market. It initially will be available in 19-inch and larger rim diameter sizes to premium auto makers, the partners said.

    Michelin said the Incubator Program within its research group helped shorten the design's development time.

    Maxion Wheels is a division of Iochpe-Maxion S.A., a wheel manufacturer for passenger cars, light trucks, buses, commercial trucks and trailers.

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