Self pumping wheels

[slparry]

wonder if this technology could be applied to motorcycle wheels? Looks quite a clever idea

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ ... -done.html

[oyster]

Did you notice the date of this article?

[slparry]

it's the 2nd of April

seems to be genuine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgDf4ZjWwqk

[bikesnbones]

I think I get how it works.
On a bicycle is one thing, but weather I would want a gadget like this permanently attached to my tyre valves at motorway speeds is entirely another.

[Gromit]

weather I would want a gadget like this permanently attached to my tyre valves at motorway speeds is entirely another.

^This^

[slparry]

I just thought maybe it could be incorporated into an alloy wheel spoke direct to the rim? Maybe

I believe 'Wings have a similar set up?

[woofboxer]

Is it that onerous to check your bike/bicycle tyre pressures now and then? Another gadget to free up 5 minutes extra a week to do what? Sit on one's arse no doubt

[slparry]

well I was thinking of the safety side. If you had a puncture the system could automatically pump air in to compensate .... or something

[Corvus]

well I was thinking of the safety side. If you had a puncture the system could automatically pump air in to compensate .... or something

And the good thing is, you'd have to ride faster to keep it inflated!

Occifer.

Eventually, given an hour or so, you'd have to slow down to stop. Now that would be funny.

[bikesnbones]

I remember reading an article in a magazine about 5 years where an expert claimed that suspension technology is so advanced now, that there is no longer any need for air in tyres.
I came across this which is interesting.
Bad news is that each tyre will cost £hundreds.
I wonder if this sort of technology could be applied to bikes.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/flat- ... 6594425850

[Herb]

well I was thinking of the safety side. If you had a puncture the system could automatically pump air in to compensate .... or something

Although that might mask the fact you have a small problem, until it then becomes a bigger, safety critical, problem.

Might have a use in trucks where fuel economy is critical by keeping the tyres at optimum pressure but surely the safety aspect is an issue.

[Corvus]

well I was thinking of the safety side. If you had a puncture the system could automatically pump air in to compensate .... or something

Although that might mask the fact you have a small problem, until it then becomes a bigger, safety critical, problem.

Might have a use in trucks where fuel economy is critical by keeping the tyres at optimum pressure but surely the safety aspect is an issue.

Now that's a sign of an engineer. Immediately thinking how else thie idea could be put to use.

And at the same time thinking why it couldn't, and how it would fail. People generally interpret that part of the process as pessimism. But they're not taking into account the next stage. Thinking of ways of preventing that failure.

[conkerman]

Think of the extra unsprung weight buggering up the steering as well.