EVOLUTION OF TYRES A LOT WE DIDN’T KNOW!
THE INVENTOR
The credit for the pneumatic tyres goes to John Boyd Dunlop. It was his idea that made automobile industry come into being, because his mega brains thought of the tyre we use today. The tyre brands have been increasing since then. The first patent was registered by a Scottish person, Robert William Thomson. However, the production never happened and hence Dunlop came up with idea of pneumatic tyres. It was the headache borne by a small Johnnie with his tricycle. As the patent of William, was already registered, the Dunlop’s patent was said to be invalid. He then realised that the rubber could handle wear and tear and is durable. Hence, he started the production and today we have 400 factories!
THE WHEELS
The earliest were the wooden wheels
Used on chariots and in very old times. Usually in mythological times, as wood was strong and durable. Nothing happened in any season, be it rain or summer or snow. Could easily tackle rocky terrains. The pressure of the chassis was well balanced.
IMPROVING THE WHEEL
A skilled worker known as wheelwright was the expert at the same. The leather tyre was introduced. Placed over the wooden wheels. Used on carts and wagons. Could take up the weight of the wagon easily.
It was forged in the fire and was made to fit on the wheel. Outer ring was used to tie the wheel segments together, which provided a guard against the wear down of tyres
PNEUMATIC TYRES
In 1888, Dunlop produced the first pneumatic tyres.
Realised that the rubber could take down the wear and tear Also, the rubber was road resilient and wouldn’t explode. It was suitable for cycles and light vehicles. The production increased and became wide spread.
VULCANIZATION Myriad engineering advances were made. Charles Goodyear came up with the idea of vulcanization. The best tyre brands still use the process. It is the chemical process of converting natural rubber into more durable material by adding Sulphur. The tyre brands exploded with this idea as the vulcanized material is less stick and also have superior chemical properties. Further in 1920, the synthetic tyres were introduced.
RADIAL TYRES In 1946, the radial tyre method of production was introduced. In this the tyre the cords are arranged at 90 degree to improve driving performance. Also, the fuel efficiency was taken into consideration of the introduction of these tyres. They focused on better performance and low fuel consumption.
A NEW JOURNEY
Today if we see, there is no end to the tyres. We have come a long way and the technology input has increased a lot. There are: Car Tyres SUV tyres Racing Tyres Performance Tyres A whole new list. Each differ in their designs, treads and also the making! Surely, it is a sign of growth and the comfortable drive we feel today!
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