New stud technology And The Future of Traction
New stud technology is key to delivering high levels of performance and reduced damage to the environment.
Advancements in technology continue to reshape various industries, and the automotive world is no exception. Traction, the ability of a vehicle to maintain control and stability on different surfaces, is a crucial aspect of driving safety and performance. In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed significant strides in stud technology, promising to revolutionize the future of traction. But how is stud technology poised to enhance driving experiences, safety, and environmental sustainability?
The Importance of Traction
Traction refers to a vehicle’s tires’ grip on the road surface, allowing it to maintain control during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Adequate traction is particularly critical in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, where slippery surfaces can compromise vehicle stability and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Traditionally, winter tires with studs have been the go-to solution for enhancing traction on icy and snowy roads. These studs, typically made of metal, penetrate the road surface, providing additional grip. However, traditional metal studs have drawbacks, including road damage, noise pollution, and potential environmental harm.
The Emergence of New Stud Technology
To address the limitations of traditional studs, researchers and engineers have been diligently working on innovative stud technologies that deliver enhanced performance and sustainability. For instance, Smart Studs are a revolutionary concept in traction technology. These studs have sensors and microprocessors that can adapt to real-time road conditions. Using sophisticated algorithms, these smart studs adjust their grip and contact area to optimize traction based on surface conditions, temperature, and vehicle speed. The result is improved handling and reduced wear on the road surface, offering a win-win solution for drivers and the environment.
Additionally, researchers have been developing biodegradable studs made from sustainable materials in response to environmental concerns. These eco-friendly studs maintain their performance on icy surfaces while gradually breaking down over time. By reducing the long-lasting impact of traditional studs on roads and the environment, biodegradable studs offer a more responsible and sustainable option. How about Black Donuts?
Here are Ilkka Lehtoranta Insights on New Studs of Technology
CITYSTUD – Harsh to the Ice, Gentle to the Road
In the ever-changing landscape of the tire industry, where safety, environmental concerns, and performance on challenging roads take centre stage, studs have emerged as a promising solution. These offer exceptional control in adverse weather conditions, presenting a host of possibilities.
Studded tires have long been renowned for their unmatched traction on icy roads, but their use has not come without controversy. Questions have been raised regarding the impact on road pavement and dust generation, leading to concerns about their overall sustainability.
Black Donuts, has developed a ground-breaking solution – CITYSTUD. These innovative solutions feature small, cleat-like protrusions designed to be tough on ice while maintaining a gentle touch on the roads. In addition, these studs can be crafted from various materials, typically metal or hard plastic.
The actual breakthrough lies in the pin joint technique used in constructing CITYSTUD. This approach enables use of alternative stud body materials, such as polymers, instead of traditional aluminum. As a result, a wide range of materials, shapes, and even colors can be employed. Moving away from rigid metal enables a lighter and more road-friendly tire.
Ilkka Lehtoranta, a tire R&D expert at Black Donuts, explains that using lighter materials directly impacts road preservation. According to Lehtoranta, the company has harnessed a special plastic that boasts exceptional strength, recyclability, and remarkable lightweight properties. Moreover, these studs, made from recycled plastic, provide durable grip on icy surfaces. By offering lighter and more road-friendly studded tires, Black Donuts aims to address not only winter-related issues caused by traditional non-studded tires but also the challenges faced during rainy conditions.
Densely populated urban areas face a multitude of infrastructure, mobility, and environmental sustainability challenges. The introduction of CityStud technology to the tire industry marks a significant step towards tackling these issues. As this technology continues to evolve, its applications and benefits are expected to expand, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
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The article by Ilkka Lehtoranta can be viewed in the latest issue of Tire Technology International.
Tire Technology, July 2023 (pp. 66 in the e-magazine).
Tire Technology International: Rough and Ready
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