Spherical wheels

Spherical wheels magnetic suspension provide maneuverability cars-the robots of future generations

Spherical wheels

Spherical wheels

Goodyear, which is a manufacturer of tires with a worldwide reputation, developed the design of the spherical tires, which will allow automated vehicles to move sideways as easily as the current cars can mix forward or backward. The use of suspension with spherical wheels allow to overcome the limitations of the possible directions of movement imposed by traditional design axis is the wheel, which remains virtually unchanged for nearly 4 thousand years.

The concept of spherical pendants, called the Eagle 360, was demonstrated by the company Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company within the 86 th International Motor show held in Geneva, Switzerland. Unfortunately, the representatives of Goodyear has not provided any technical details regarding the design of the suspension and drive train of a vehicle with spherical wheels. The only available information is that this is used for contactless suspension, uses the effect of magnetic levitation. And, based on these images, the spherical wheels are completely hidden under the bodywork of the car.

Magnetic suspension

Spherical wheels

Sensors on the car are a source of information about road surface and weather conditions. This information is passed to the control system of a vehicle, which controls the air pressure in the tires, the speed and direction of rotation. In addition, the design of the Eagle tires-360 used some ideas inspired in nature. These include the pattern of their tread, which resembles the surface of a spherical brain coral family Faviidae, which acts as its organic "sponge", providing maximum traction with the road surface under all conditions.

It should be noted that the high maneuverability, the ability to move sideways and turn on the spot are very attractive abilities for vehicles, designed for riding in urban conditions. Therefore, despite the lack of efficient technology of magnetic levitation, it is hoped that in the future those technologies will appear and the car will be capable of performing miracles, what did your car the main character of will Smith in the sci-Fi film "I, robot".