Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. on Monday unveiled a snow chain integrated tire technology that can automatically attach snow chains to vehicle tires with the push of a button. The companies plan to test durability and performance before mass production.

Hyundai Motor and Kia revealed the development of a snow chain integrated tire using shape-memory alloy technology.

In a concept video, metal components that function as snow chains are concealed within the tire’s structure during normal conditions but protrude to the tire’s surface when the snow chain mode is activated. Upon deactivation, these metal components retract back into the tire, returning to their concealed state.

The tire consists of shape-memory alloy, enabling the alteration of tire shape from within the tire itself, which eliminates the need for manual snow chain installation outside the vehicle.

According to a concept drawing, the metal responsible for the snow chain function is linked to a shape-memory alloy fixed onto the wheel. Under typical conditions, the shape-memory alloy remains in an L shape, preventing the metal from protruding outside the tire.

However, pressing a button inside the vehicle applies an electric current, which causes the shape-memory alloy to revert to its original J shape, pushing the metal components outside the tire.

Hyundai Motor and Kia said that the snow chain integrated tires make it easier to monitor tire wear compared to regular tires.

While conventional tires require drivers to estimate abrasion by examining grooves, these tires allow for visual inspection of the snow chain metal’s position, facilitating better recognition of the need for tire replacement.

Hyundai Motor and Kia already filed patents for this technology in Korea and the United States. They intend to conduct further development before considering mass production.

By Park Je-wan and Minu Kim

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