Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a serviceable non-pneumatic tire, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on June 11th, 2020, published on February 14th, 2023, and assigned serial number 11577550.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford has filed a number of tire-related patents in recent months, including one for a tire pressure loss detection and alert system, an adaptive tire pressure system, and a tire tread depth detection system, to name just a few. Recently, Goodyear also revealed that it is working on a non-pneumatic (or airless) tire dubbed NexTrek, and now, this new Ford patent introduces something similar – a serviceable non-pneumatic tire.
As this Ford patent points out, non-pneumatic tires are becoming an attractive alternative to traditional units, which have caused their fair share of headaches over the years years due to flats and blowouts. These types of tires utilize polymeric spokes instead of compressed air to support a vehicle, which connect the tread to the wheel. However, as Ford notes in the patent, there are some issues with current designs in regards to connecting these types of tires to wheels, as well as servicing them.
As such, this patent outlines an idea for a non-pneumatic tire that mounts to a wheel in a traditional manner, but features an outer flange and a locking ring designed to attach it to a wheel. Presumably, this would result in a more solid connection between wheel and tire, and allow owners to have the tire serviced if it becomes damaged. If non-pneumatic tires are indeed the future, as many believe, these will inevitably become important aspects that buyers look for.
We’ll have more on this and all filed Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
well, air isnt the worst part of the tire. and rubber/plastics still degrade and dry rot. so instead of blowouts/flats you will have collapsed tires. and a patch kit or can of fix a flat wont be able to get you home.
That being said, these will be great for off road tires. since you dont have to worry about sidewall punctures. but then, how are you going to “air down” tires like this for off roading? im guessing you would have to carry a full 2nd set to swap out.
Great idea as a replacement for the space saver spare (which everybody forgets to check pressure and is nearly flay when needed). Questionable for other applications.