Tire Cooling System Patented By Mercedes-Benz
Peter Parcon June 30, 2016
A water-cooling system designed for tires was patented recently by Mercedes-Benz, as indicated on a report from motor1.com. While wet tires are considered bane for vehicles since it can reduce grip, a careful application of water on the tires may enhance the performance of a vehicle.
The latest patent filed by Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, hints at the possibility of the use of sprayed water in enhancing the control of the temperature of a tire. The patent shows how water that is stored in a tank is used in cooling down hot tires. Tire temperature is monitored using sensors. Whenever the temperature reaches a specific threshold, water is applied by the system on the tires.
The main objective is to reduce the possibility that the tires will overheat due to strenuous situations during extremely hot days. In this situation, tire failure may happen. The patent application of Daimler indicates that safety in driving can be accomplished as the application of liquid into an overheating tired prevents it from bursting.
The same system can also spray warm water on the tires to reduce the buildup of snow and ice. It can also be used in the prevention of under-inflation due to cold weather. The water sprayed into the tires may be heated using the coolant of the vehicle to remove excess ice and snow on the tires.
The patent also indicates that sensors are used by the system in checking rainfall that may have cooled down the tires of a car. The system also collects melting snow and rainfall that may have been accumulated on the rear window and windshield of a car. The melted snow and rainfall will also be used in replenishing the reservoir of the system.
While it remains to be seen if the system will be manufactured, it is interesting to note the behavior of auto manufacturers in developing features to allow them to control all the aspects in the performance of a car.
