Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Tweel shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Tweel offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Tweel at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Tweel? Wrong! If the Tweel is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Tweel then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Tweel? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Tweel and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Tweel wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Tweel then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Tweel site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Tweel, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Tweel, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
The
Tweel (a portmanteau of
tire and
wheel) is an experimental tire design being developed at Michelin. The tire uses no air and therefore cannot burst or become flat. Instead, flexible polyurethane spokes are used to support an outer rim. Handling gains have been cited as a reason to adopt this type of Automobile tire. If problems with the
prototypes (such as excess vibration and noise at higher speed) are resolved, the first applications for the tire may be in the
military where a flat-proof tire would be advantageous to maneuvering vehicles in difficult or dangerous areas.
Currently, the Tweel is being used for low-speed, low-weight applications, such as wheelchairs, motorbikes and construction equipment (for example, a
skid loader). Tests on production cars have shown it is within 5% of a conventional tire and wheel's rolling resistance. If Michelin's prototypes go as planned, models for cars may appear around 2016.
The Tweel has been presented in a variety of applications. Eventually it may be able to outperform conventional tires since it can be designed to have high lateral strength (for better handling) without a loss in comfort.
Design
The Tweel consists of a cable-reinforced band of conventional "tire" rubber with molded tread, a shear band just below the tread that creates a compliant
contact patch, and a series of energy-absorbing polyurethane spokes. The rectangular spokes can be designed to have a range of stiffnesses, so engineers can control how the Tweel handles loads. The inner hub contains a matrix of deformable plastic structures that flex under load and return to their original shape.
See also
External links
- machinedesign.com
- Michelin | Press Release
- CBS News | Reinventing The Wheel (video Windows Media Video)
- Radical new wheel technology ( Gizmag.com.au)
- Rubber Spokes Give Bounce to Airless Safety Tires (May, 1938)
The
Tweel (a
portmanteau of
tire and
wheel) is an experimental tire design being developed at
Michelin. The tire uses no air and therefore cannot burst or become flat. Instead, flexible
polyurethane spokes are used to support an outer rim. Handling gains have been cited as a reason to adopt this type of
Automobile tire. If problems with the
prototypes (such as excess vibration and noise at higher speed) are resolved, the first applications for the tire may be in the
military where a flat-proof tire would be advantageous to maneuvering vehicles in difficult or dangerous areas.
Currently, the Tweel is being used for low-speed, low-weight applications, such as wheelchairs, motorbikes and construction equipment (for example, a skid loader). Tests on production cars have shown it is within 5% of a conventional tire and wheel's rolling resistance. If Michelin's prototypes go as planned, models for cars may appear around 2016.
The Tweel has been presented in a variety of applications. Eventually it may be able to outperform conventional tires since it can be designed to have high lateral strength (for better handling) without a loss in comfort.
Design
The Tweel consists of a cable-reinforced band of conventional "tire" rubber with molded tread, a shear band just below the tread that creates a compliant contact patch, and a series of energy-absorbing
polyurethane spokes. The rectangular spokes can be designed to have a range of stiffnesses, so engineers can control how the Tweel handles loads. The inner hub contains a matrix of deformable plastic structures that flex under load and return to their original shape.
See also
External links
- machinedesign.com
- Michelin | Press Release
- CBS News | Reinventing The Wheel (video Windows Media Video)
- Radical new wheel technology ( Gizmag.com.au)
- Rubber Spokes Give Bounce to Airless Safety Tires (May, 1938)
