Eagle-360: A Sphere Tire For Future Autonomous Vehicle

ABSTRACT

Though there have been significant changes to tire technology over the years, the
general size and shape of a passenger vehicles tire has remained the same for
decades.

However, Goodyear is ready for the next wave with the introduction of the
manufacturers Eagle-360 tire at March 2016s Geneva Motor Show.

Designed for use on future autonomous vehicles, the Eagle-360 is a spherical tire that
would be suspended from a car by magnetic fields. The closest analogy to this is the
way maglev trains levitate through the use of magnetic poles. Goodyear claims that
passenger comfort would be dramatically changed for the better while road noise
would be diminished. That makes sense, considering how the interaction with the road
surface is transferred to vehicle occupants because of the physical link between tire
and axle.

Beyond the benefits to passengers, the ball-shaped design lets the tire move in all
directions, obviously increasing a cars maneuverability to literally all directions. And
heres a big win: if all the tires are spheres, youd never have to parallel park again.
Simply pull up next to a space, and move over horizontally.

Its more than just a magnetic ball, though, as Goodyear has incorporated technology
that enables the tires to move as needed. Though thats a bit vague, the
manufacturer gave the example that when the tire detects hazards like black ice, it will
stop moving to reduce slip. Other sensors within the tire collect road condition
information and share it with other drivers.

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To extrapolate, the tires could even talk to road authorities to prepare them for road
risks, improve response time, or to create slow zones during emergencies.

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
The tire maker has revealed a new concept: spherical rubber tires that can move in
any direction. Goodyear has come up with this new idea. They have called it as Eagle
360 tire.Tire giant Goodyear has shown off an ambitious wheel concept that offers a
glimpse of what driving in the near future might look like. Doing away with the
conventional wheel and axle setup, Goodyear envisages cars being carried by four
spherical tires, which can swivel their tread in 360 degrees to help the vehicle move in
ways that today's cars never could.

They could also provide a smoother ride, enabling the car to move sideways in
instances like overtaking or lane changes, without requiring the nose of the vehicle to
turn.

Sensors in the tire could monitor road and weather conditions and communicate this
to other nearby vehicles in addition to keeping an eye on the quality of the rubber
tread. With the tires in theory being 3D-printed, Eagle360 could be customized to the
terrain that you usually drive in.

One of the most impressive features is the way these spherical tires could help cars
navigate in cramped spaces. Rather than being required to undergo a series of three-
part-turns and back-and-forth shimmying to get into a tight parking space, spherical
wheels that can move in any direction could let you just glide into any available spot
without changing the orientation of the vehicle.

The wheels wouldn't be mechanically connected to the rest of the vehicle, but instead
the body of the car would be suspended above its wheels by magnetic force.

Goodyear says the Eagle-360s shape could contribute to safety and maneuverability
to match the demands of autonomous mobility. As the multi-orientation tires would
move in all directions, they would be able to reduce sliding from potential hazards
such as black ice or sudden obstacles, contributing to greater passenger safety. The

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shape could also improve ride comfort, providing a smooth ride by creating a fluid,
lateral movement. A car could move around an obstacle without changing its driving
direction.

Turning 360 degrees which would be possible on spherical tires could also help
motorists tackle anticipated parking constrictions; less space will be needed to pull
into parking spots. Assuming public parking areas play the same role, Goodyear adds
that this could significantly increase the capacity of public parking areas without
increasing their size.

Chapter 2: WORKING PRINCIPLE

This sphere tires are not mechanically in contact with the body of vehicle. Instead
they are suspended with the help of Magnetic Levitation.

Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to

move vehicles without making contact with the ground. With maglev, a vehicle travels
along a guide way using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, thereby
reducing friction by a great extent and allowing very high speeds. In itself, maglev
technology includes no moving parts.

These tires move more smoothly and more quietly than normal
wheeled transit systems. The power needed for levitation is typically not a large
percentage of its overall energy consumption; most goes to overcome drag, as with
other high-speed transport.

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Chapter 3: MAGNETIC LEVITATION

Magnetic levitation, maglev, or magnetic suspension is a method by which an

object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used
to counteract the effects of the gravitational acceleration and any other acceleration.

The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are lifting forces: providing an
upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and stability: ensuring that the system
does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized.

Maglev transportation:-

Maglev, or magnetic levitation, is a system of transportation that suspends, guides and

propels vehicles, predominantly sphere wheels, using magnetic levitation from a very
large number of magnets for lift and propulsion. This method has the potential to be
faster, quieter and smoother than normal wheeled transit systems. The power needed

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for levitation is usually not a particularly large percentage and most of the power
needed is used to overcome air drag.

Applications of Magnetic levitation

(i) Transportation engineering (magnetically levitated trains, flying cars, or

personal rapid transit (PRT), etc.)
(ii) Environmental engineering (small and huge wind turbines: at home,
office, industry, etc.),
(iii) Aerospace engineering (spacecraft, rocket, etc.),
(iv) Military weapons engineering (rocket, gun, etc.),
(v) Nuclear engineering (the centrifuge of nuclear reactor),
(vi) Civil engineering including building facilities and air conditioning
systems (magnetic bearing, elevator, lift, fan, compressor, chiller, pump,
gas pump, geothermal heat pumps, etc.),
(vii) Biomedical engineering (heart pump, etc.),
(viii) Chemical engineering (analyzing foods and beverages, etc.),
(ix) Electrical engineering (magnet, etc.),
(x) Architectural engineering and interior design engineering including
household and administrative appliances (lamp, chair, sofa, bed,
washing machine, room, toys (train, levitating spacemen over the space
ship, etc.), stationery (pen), etc.),
(xi) Automotive engineering (car, etc.),
(xii) Advertising engineering (levitating everything considered inside or
above various frames can be selected).

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Chapter 4: EVOLUTION OF TIRES

Solid Rubber Tire

Composed of only firm rubber without the need for air, the solid rubber tire is used
mostly for slow-speed vehicles because of its poor shock absorption ability.

The Beginning of Tire History

In 1888:- Gasoline Cars and the Pneumatic Tire

In 1888, Benz invented the first gasoline car, equipped with unique metal tires
covered with rubber and filled with air, resulting in the pneumatic tire. The public,
which was accustomed to hard, metal tires, believed the pneumatic tire to be no
less than revolutionary. Popular use of the pneumatic tire began in 1895 and it was
featured in an automobile race from Paris to Bordeaux.

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In 1905:- Tread Tire

Tread is a part of a tire that comes in direct contact with a road surface. Made out
of thick rubber, tread protects carcass and breaker inside a tire. Road surface
friction coefficient increased with a development of the tread tire and today it is
produced in various patterns.

The Development of Tire Materials

In 1920:- Popularization of Automobiles and the Industrialization

of Synthetic Rubber
Henry Ford introduced the first conveyor belt assembly line to the world, marking
the start of the first stage of automobile popularization. He gave a hint of using
synthetic rubber in tyre industries too.

In 1923:- Balloon Tire

Balloon tire, a type of low-pressure tire is used in various types of

automobiles to increase its contact area to road surface with low
internal air pressure.

In 1931:- Successfully industrialized synthetic rubber

American company Du Pont successfully industrialized synthetic rubber.

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This development allowed tire industry, which had been dependent on natural
rubber, to crease tire quantity and quality, ushering in a turning point in tire
production.

Tire Structure Development

In 1940:- Structural Development of Automobiles and Tires to

Save Fuel

In order to relieve a burden of sky-high oil prices brought on by the oil shock, it
became popular to reduce the size and weight of existing car models. Many
manufacturers eventually employed the front-wheel drive method for their cars.
With a development of the tubeless tire in 1903, the resulting weight reduction
contributed significantly to the saving of fuel.

In 1947:- Tubeless tires

Tubeless tires are the pneumatic tires which do not require a separate inner tube.

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Unlike pneumatic tires which use a separate inner tube, tubeless tires have continuous
ribs molded integrally into the bead of the tire so that they are forced by the pressure
of the air inside the tire to seal with the flanges of the metal rim of the wheel.

Increased Tire Safety

1970:- The Second Stage of Automobile Popularization and

Safety

Run-flat tire was developed in 1979, which is designed to enable the vehicle to
continue to be driven up to at 80 km/h without replacing with new tire when
punctured.

1980:- Run-Flat Tire

Even with scratches or holes caused due to obstacles or tire abrasion while
driving, and the resulting deflation, the run-flat tire is able to maintain a
constant driving speed. It protects the driver from various accidents that can
arise in emergency situations.

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Increased Tire Performance

Increased Tire Performance due to Development of the UHP Tire

With the transformation of the automobile from an effective method of

transportation into a symbol of personal financial power and freedom, people
became increasingly interested in driving performance. Driving performance
increased with the development of the UHP Ultra High Performance) tire, which
boasts superior cornering, drivability and braking, in accordance with new
development of tire technology.

UHP Tire

The UHP tire is defined as a tire with a rim diameter equal to or greater than 16
inches, an aspect ratio equal to or less than 55 and speed symbol higher than V
(max. speed is 240 km/h). UHP tire provides superior braking performance and
cornering performance at high speed

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In 2000:- The Development of the Eco Tuning Tire

With increasing interest in environmental conservation, a variety of eco-friendly

cars like the hydrogen car and electric car are being developed. Accordingly, tires
that increase fuel saving and thus help protect the environment are also in
development.

In future

Chip-in-tyre (Currently adopting)

By inserting a chip into the rubber, Goodyear-Dunlop claims that tyres will be able to
communicate with the car talking to the electronic control unit and anti-lock brakes,
for example to adapt to the road conditions. The battery less chip tells the car what

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kind of tyre is fitted, and relays air pressure and temperature to achieve optimum
braking and cornering performance.

Individual readings of tyre status will be displayed. The tech is set to debut on new
cars first, before being available on the aftermarket and the chip, fitted to the center
of a tyres tread, is claimed to be light enough not to disturb the balance of a wheel.

Twin Air Chamber

Expect to see it: 10+ years.

This concept, intended for SUVs, splits the tires air chamber into two. The idea is
that if one pocket punctures, drivers can continue their journey on the other at a
reduced speed. The two chambers sit side-by-side, and Goodyear-Dunlop claims a
benefit of the design is that the tire has a smaller contact area with the road, with the
two chambers separated by a wide groove. Plus, the maker says this groove helps to
bring about a reduction in the tires weight, and in turn rolling resistance and fuel
consumption. Despite the reduced contact area, the new design is also said to be as
safe as any other tyre.

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Self-inflating tires

By Goodyear-Dunlop, Expect to see it: 5-8 years.

Another Goodyear-Dunlop innovation called Air Maintenance Technology (or AMT)
packs an electronic part into a tire that regulates air pressure. It detects how much air
is in a tire and tops it up automatically if necessary. This would effectively eliminate
the need for drivers to pump up their own tires and as research has shown that
running tires at just a few psi under their recommended pressures can have a serious
impact on fuel efficiency, this could be a real breakthrough. The concept was first
earmarked for commercial vehicles, but AMT is likely to be extended to passenger
cars.

All-in-one tyre and wheel

By Bridgestone. Expect to see it: 3-5 years.

By ridding a tyre of air completely, manufacturers can remove the risk of drivers
suffering a puncture. On a normal car, this would severely compromise comfort,
although Bridgestone has this in mind for light, single-seater, electric-powered city
cars. The construction of the tyre does factor in some level of comfort, as the wheel is
spring-loaded all the way around with small spokes, and there is a shallow rubber
coating. Its also made of recyclable materials as Bridgestone hopes to be 100 per cent

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sustainable within 50 years. Still, the design is expected to wear slower and last longer
than an air-filled tyre.

Sphere tire

By GoodYear.

Goodyear unveiled its latest concept tire, Eagle-360, at the Geneva International
Motor Show. The spherical, 3-D printed tire highlights Goodyears vision for the
future and presents an inspiring solution for the long-term future when autonomous
driving is expected to be more mainstream.

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Chapter 5: TYPES OF TIRES

Summer Passenger

Extreme Performance Summer:-

You want extreme dry street performance and are willing to trade some comfort and
hydroplaning resistance to get it.

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Max Performance Summer:-

You want an unsurpassed blend of dry and wet street traction and handling and only
the finest will do.

Ultra High Performance Summer:-

You want an outstanding blend of dry and wet street traction and handling.

High Performance Summer:-

You want a good blend of dry and wet street performance when "re-tiring" your sports
coupe or sedan.

Grand Touring Summer:-

You want a good blend of dry and wet street performance along with responsive
handling and noise and ride comfort.

All-Season Passenger

Ultra High Performance All-Season:-

You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) and are willing to trade
some dry and wet traction and handling to get it.

High Performance All-Season:-

You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) to drive your sports
coupe or sedan in all weather conditions.

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Performance All-Season:-
You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) with a mixture of
performance and appearance at a reasonable price.

Grand Touring All-Season:-

You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) and responsive
handling along with noise and ride comfort.

Standard Touring All-Season:-

You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) along with enhanced
handling and treadwear, as well as good noise and ride comfort.

Passenger All-Season:-
You want all-season versatility (including light snow traction) along with dependable
tires that provide good wear and ride comfort.

Winter / Snow Passenger Tires

Studless Ice & Snow:-

For drivers wanting to maximize snow and ice traction from their winter / snow tires
without the inconvenience of using winter tire studs.

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Studdable Winter / Snow:-

For drivers wanting basic snow traction and/or the additional security provided by
adding optional winter tire studs to enhance traction on ice.

Performance Winter / Snow:-

For drivers wanting enhanced dry road handling from their winter / snow tires and are
willing to trade some snow and ice traction to get it.

Temporary/Compact Spare Tires

Temporary Spare:-
You need to replace Original Equipment temporary/compact spare tires.

Track & Competition DOT Tires

Racetrack & Autocross Only:-

For enthusiastic drivers wanting DOT-legal tires for dry conditions during racetrack,
time attack or autocross competition.

Wet Racetrack & Autocross Only:-

For enthusiastic drivers wanting DOT-legal tires for wet conditions during racetrack,
time attack or autocross competition.

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Streetable Track & Competition:-

For enthusiastic drivers wanting DOT-legal street tires that allow you to drive to, from
and at the racetrack on the same tires.

Drag Racing Radials:-

For enthusiastic drivers wanting DOT-legal street tires designed to provide drive-to-
the-strip-and-back versatility.

Summer Light Truck/SUV Tires

Street/Sport Truck Summer:-

You want a sport truck appearance and dry and wet road performance for your pickup,
crossover or sport utility vehicle.

Highway Rib Summer:-

Your pickup, van, sport utility vehicle or motorhome uses heavy-duty tires designed
to provide on-road traction in dry and wet conditions.

All-Season Light Truck/SUV Tires

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Street/Sport Truck All-Season:-

You want a sport truck appearance and year-round performance for your pickup,
crossover or sport utility vehicle.

Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season:-

You want a stylish appearance, sophisticated comfort and all-season on-road traction
for your upscale crossover, sport utility vehicle or luxury pickup.

Highway All-Season:-
You want pleasing comfort, predictable handling and all-season on-road traction for
your crossover, sport utility vehicle or pickup.

On-/Off-Road Light Truck/SUV Tires

On-/Off-Road All-Terrain:-
Your on-road and off-road travels include snow-covered roads, as well as gravel,
stone, soil and sandy off-road trails.

On-/Off-Road Commercial Traction:-

Your truck uses heavy-duty tires to provide off-road traction at work jobsites and
recreation areas, as well as in snow.

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Off-Road Maximum Traction:-

Your off-road challenges include deep mud, loose soil, slippery rock and the toughest
trails.

Winter / Snow Light Truck/SUV Tires

Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow:-

For drivers wanting to maximize snow and ice traction from their winter / snow tires
without the inconvenience of using winter tire studs.

Light Truck/SUV Studdable Winter / Snow:-

For drivers wanting basic snow traction and/or the additional security provided by
adding optional winter tire studs to enhance traction on ice.

Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow:-

For drivers wanting enhanced dry road handling from their winter / snow tires and are
willing to trade some snow and ice traction to get it.

Trailer Tires

Trailer Tires:-
You want heavy-duty, special trailer service tires for your boat, camper or utility
trailer.

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Chapter 6:- Characteristics of Eagle360: Sphere tire

Customized design based on location and driving habits.

Customization enabled by 3D printed tread-design
Connected to car by Magnetic Levitation which suspends the tire from the car
by magnetic force.
Bio mimicry-inspired (brain) design delivers sponge like groove design which
softens when wet to create deeper grooves for aquaplaning resistance. The
absorbed water is ejected through centrifugal force.
Grove design stiffens when dry to deliver performance.
A layer of foam under the tread ensures a large contact patch with the load.
Active technology allows the tire to move as needed, reducing sliding from
potential hazards.
Provides a smooth ride by creating a fluid, lateral movement.
Overtakes an obstacle without changing its driving direction.
Sensor register road condition and adjust speed of the vehicle.
Road and weather conditions are also communicated to other vehicles.
Tires reposition to prepare for the road ahead
Sensor register the wear of the tires.
Tires reposition to optimize wear and extend mileage
Less space is needed to park.

Chapter7: ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages:

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1. Enhanced comfort for the passenger due to non-mechanical suspension

2. It can rotate in any direction at any time.
3. Parking the vehicle made easier.
4. Wherever the consumers are, the tire condition can be tracked by service
centers through 3D printing it. So automatic fault fixing can be achieved
online.
5. Overtaking of other vehicles without any disturbance to upper body.
6. Provides data of ambient road condition to the computer of vehicle to take
decision.
7. Active wear technology will measure and optimize the wear of the tire. Hence
the tire will reposition to have an even wear across the whole sphere. This will
increase mileage and safety subsequently.
8. It conveys information about the surrounding to itself as well as its neighbor
vehicles.
9. The tire body adjusts to the humidity of road surface.
10. Larger contact surface area between tire and road, this provides good grip to
vehicle .

Disadvantage:

1. The only disadvantage is that it is costly.

Chapter8: CONCLUSION

After completing the study on this technology of sphere wheel, I could understand the
working principle which is the Magnetic Levitation.

I could figure out what are the improvements obtained by developing this innovation.

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In present world, autonomous technology is adopted in order to save time and

improve safety.Eagle-360 is specially designed to achieve this. Study says, 85million
autonomous vehicle will be sold by 2035.

Goodyear sphere wheel has lots of advantages and characteristics which will be the
most wanted requirements in future

So I wish to conclude this study by saying that I could gain the knowledge effectively
and share as an article which will explain the entire concept briefly.

Chapter9: BIBLIOGRAPHY

Applications of magnetic levitation from,

The Most Important Maglev Applications
Journal of Engineering Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 537986, 19 pages

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J.R. (1989). "Attractive levitation for high-speed ground transport with

largeguideway clearance and alternating-gradient stabilization". IEEE
Transactions on Magnetics.

About Eagle-360 sphere tires: http://www.freepressjournal.in ,

http://www.tyrepress.com/ and http://news.goodyear.eu/
About Magnetic levitation: http://giapjournals.com/ and http://wikipedia.com/
Evolution of tires from: http://www.hankooktire.com/
Types of tires from: https://www.tirerack.com/

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