Michelin dreams in 3D for its 'Vision' of future car tires

Montreal — Tire making giant Michelin has a new concept tire and wheel, one that wouldn't require air but instead would use 3D printing to create a complex structure that would provide both structural strength and flexibility.

The Vision concept, unveiled by Michelin at its Movin' On conference in Montreal June 13-15, also would use 3D printing for tire treads, allowing consumers to easily switch their tires for winter conditions or smooth pavement.

While the company did not reveal specifics about what material it would use, it referred to making the Vision an "organic tire developed from biosourced, biodegradeable materials."

The French firm, with North American headquarters in Greenville, S.C., also said the Vision is "a dream within reach" because it draws on a "convergence of innovations" the company's research groups already have studied.

"In managing research and development at Michelin, I often get the question, how do we select our plans for disruptive technologies?" Terry Gettys, executive vice president of research and development said at the Movin' On news conference. "We try to deliver on this proposition: better solutions for sustainable mobility."

Michelin's Corporate Innovation Board began working on the Vision concept in the fall of 2016. The tire's interior architecture uses a complex pattern which looks similar to natural items such as coral reefs, which would be capable of supporting the vehicle. Since it does not need air, the Vision can neither explode nor blow out.

Sensors equipped within the Vision can provide real-time information about road and tire conditions, so users can adjust the tread as needed.

In a promotional film, a young couple gets into their car, which asks them where they are going. They select a destination in the mountains.

"You'll need winter tires," the vehicle tells them.

The couple stops at a recharging station, which uses 3D to create a winter tread for their tires, on the spot, before they drive off into the mountains.

Michelin already has one airless tire on the market now. The Tweel was originally launched as a concept, and uses a complex structure made of polyurethane to provide both tire and wheel. The Tweel is currently produced for non-automotive tires, such as lawn mowers and golf carts.

Movin' On 2017 is the 13th mobility conference Michelin has sponsored since 1998, but the first to be called Movin' On. The first 12 conferences, held at various places around the world and called Challenge Bibendum, were like the latest event in that they offered various presentations, discussions and proposed solutions to the world's mobility problems.