The first consideration is the danger of a flat tire, with an inner spare you could drive to safety. The second consideration is of course...not having to 'change' the tire in traffic and dangerous conditions. Thirdly there would be no need for a "spare" compartment, therefore more space for the vehicle.
I propose a "solid" rubber tire built into the wheel for the "tire" to mount upon. The use of "solid" rubber for general purpose has been discounted because of the "cost" and also the efficiency of "air pressure" for stability and comfort,(among other things). So this inner tire is for safety only.
I think there might be negative response from the auto assistance community, of course, it would cut down on their calls for "flat tires". But, the safety far outweighs this inconvenience, besides, everyone will still have to have their tires "fixed", because you won't be able to "drive" on the flat.
(also, people will still need roadside assistance for various reasons.)
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In this case you run into the problem of what to do with the deflated tire around the solid inner tire. Not a large design obsticle, but the general idea is sound. I don't think triple A, or anyone would be too worried about the impact this product would have on their business. Run flat tires, and steel inner tires have been around for a while. A solid Inner tire may be a affordable alternative to the run flat system. The steel plate disks are also require professional installation, not to mention bad for the road. Now that I think of it, a solid rubber inner tire may ad to the integrity of the vehicle. My front tire lost some air preasure when I hit a big pot hole last month. If I had a tire like this, it might not have done as much damage.
One of the issues you face is that rotational momentum requires a massive amount of energy to turn weight on the wheel rim, vs, in the trunk. Additional weight on the wheel rim means wasted energy (poor gas milage). Perhaps afoam-fill sort of gas canister can be fitted at the hub, that if there is a deflation/puncture, foam and compressedgas fill the tyre automatically.
I like the basis of the idea... but the solution needs to be more elegant and practical.
I have taken over the design (patent number 5,800,643) of a Pneumatic Inner Tire (several operating prototypes) that provides the run-flat capabilities talked about here.
The design is not a Pneumatic Tire per se, i.e., not the way one envisions a Pneumatic Tire. The design and patent can be viewed at the US Patent and Trade Office website. www.psto.gov (The diagrams will probably NOT be viewable, as the US-PTO uses a "International Standard" format for graphics that most individuals do not have.)
I would be interested in any feedback any WhyNot member may have.
Another of the problems you would encounter with a solid tire or a solid core inside the pnuematic tire is heat build-up. Ditto for foam core tires.Your automobile tires are constantly flexing, which generates heat.At some point that heat would cause the tire to fail. . .
Google: "run flat" tire