Patent applications prove that car makers are constantly brainstorming new ideas to revolutionize the automotive business, and Daimler’s latest tire temperature control system is an example of innovative design.
The tire is arguably one of the most important components of a vehicle, acting as the link between the car and the road, providing traction and cushioning in the process. That’s why it’s very important to protect its qualities, especially from a safety view-point, as friction and other factors will eventually wear the component.
Daimler’s patent describes a system for preventing the tires from overheating or modifying friction between them and ice or snow.
The method works by using a reservoir that collects water around the windshield and rear window (rain water, melting snow and so on) to later utilize and apply it to at least one tire via a spray nozzle when the element is either too hot or faces grip issues.
For instance, heat-monitoring sensors are applied to each tire, and if the rubber’s temperature gets beyond a predetermined value, the system – using ambient temperature water – sprays the liquid on its surface in order to cool it. The same principle would help warm-up cold tires in the winter (using water heated by the vehicle’s coolant) and avoid the negative effects of very cold temperatures, providing grip and reducing the buildup of ice and now in the wheel well.
Daimler says the only disadvantage is that the amount of water in the system is limited by the size of the tank, and expenses could occur if the unit shall be refilled.
H/T Autoguide
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