Although the completely flat wheel is aerodynamic, it is also difficult to maintain cooling - especially during braking Now, however, an experimental new rim has cooling vents that can be opened as needed -- and they are activated by heat
The device is called active aero wheel, which was developed by the German technology startup compactive. It is designed to minimize the vortex that destroys the air flow formed by the wheels of traditional ventilated vehicles at high speed, while still allowing the heat generated during braking to be discharged.
The vent is in the form of five leaf flanges cut on the flat metal surface of the rim, which are flush with the rest of the surface most of the time. Attached to the back / bottom of each flange is a lightweight actuator that contains several shape memory alloy wires arranged longitudinally side by side.
As long as the things in the wheel remain cool, these lines will remain the default state. However, when heated, they shrink. When doing so, they pull the flange back to open it inward. This is a smart setting. The heat generated during braking will first open the vents, and then these vents allow the heat to be discharged. Once the wheels cool down again, the vents close again.
At present, compactive is inviting all parties interested in the commercialization of this technology for consultation.