Eagle-360 earns Time 'invention' honor

AKRON (Nov. 22, 2016) — Time magazine has named Goodyear's Eagle-360 — a spherical, 3-D printed concept tire, one of its 25 best inventions of 2016.

The Eagle-360 is purely a concept tire — its “contact” with the vehicle is by an untested theoretical magnetic levitation process — but one that “showcases some of Goodyear's best innovative thinking and how the needs of future drivers can be addressed,” Jean-Claude Kihn, president of Goodyear EMEA said in March when the concept debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show.

In its commentary on the Eagle-360, Time acknowledged that: “To be sure, these tires won't hit pavement anytime soon: they're meant for self­-driving cars that are likely at least five years away.”

The magazine went on to quote Goodyear engineer Sebastiaen Fontaine: In order to shift the status quo, “we need different companies working with us, together.”

According to Goodyear, the conceptual Eagle-360's spherical shape is the key to its maneuverability, mobility and passenger safety. A video produced by the tire maker shows how the tires would rest below the vehicle, held in place by magnetic levitation similar to magnetic levitation trains.

Goodyear claims that this feature not only would increase the vehicle's maneuverability by allowing the tire to capitalize on its ability to rotate a full 360-degrees, but it also creates a quieter ride.

The tire's tread pattern mimics brain coral and is designed with multidirectional blocks and groves that work to work to ensure safe contact with the ground. The base of the grooves would employ still theoretical elements inspired by natural sponges, stiffening when dry and softening when wet to resist aquaplaning.

The feature also would absorb water from the roadway and ejects it from the tire's footprint using centrifugal force, Goodyear claims.

“We also hope it serves as inspiration for the automotive industry as we continue to find solutions for the future, together,” Mr. Kihn said back in March.

Each year, Time's technology editors review recent inventions and compile a list they say represents products “that are making the world better, smarter and — in some cases — a little more fun.”

Other inventions included in this year's list of lauded products were Nike Inc.'s Hyperadapt 1.0  self-lacing shoes, a folding bicycle helmet by Morpher and the Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle.

A full of the inventions selected for the award is available on Time's website.