Friction development for Autosock

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Friction
We developed the idea of making AutoSock out of a high-technology textile fabric with high friction propertiesaccording to new theories on the effect of electrostatic charging and pressures on friction.
Tribology/ Dry vs. wet friction
Tribology is defined as the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motionand of the practices related thereto.A tribological system consists of three parts:
Upper surface
Lubricant
Lower surface
In the case of friction on icy or snowy roads the upper surface is the tire or AutoSock, thelubricant is water film created by frictional melting and liquid layer on the ice/snow, and the lower surface is the icy or snowy road.
When the water film thickness is insignificant, we have dry friction; this is the case when brakinga car at -20ºC. When the water film separates the two surfaces, we have wet friction; this is thecase when a car water planes.
AutoSock wants to have as large an area as possibleunder the AutoSock with dry friction, since dry friction givesthe highest friction coefficient.
Snow vs. Ice friction







AutoSock has:
A surface pattern that makes the total contact area exposed to friction sufficiently large under both soft and hard snow or ice conditions
A combination of surface pattern, strength and elasticity that make the contact pointssufficiently sticky under hard snow or ice conditions To some extent we have a trade off between good friction properties on snow relative to ice. It is favourable to open up the structure in order to increase the total contact area exposed to friction on snow. At the same time the contact points need to be sufficiently sticky on hard ice. The contact configuration of a tire or AutoSock can be quite different on snow relative to ice.
The upper figures show the contact configurations of a tire on soft snow.
The figure to the left simulates compaction resistance, while the figure to the right simulates impact resistance.
The lower figure shows the contact configuration of a tire on ice where the macroscopic impact and compaction resistances are negligible.
Electrical parameters

The AutoSock is made of a special high friction textile fabric.In a frictional AutoSock sliding situation, electrostatic pressures can be defined in:
The air gaps between: a) the sock surface and the icy or snowy road, b) the sock surfaceand the water film, c) the water film and the icy or snowy road surface.
The interfacial contacts between: a) the sock surface and the icy or snowy road surface, b) the sock surface and the water film, c) the water film and the icy or snowy road surface.
The water film.
The dry friction process is dominated and characterised by accumulation of electrostatic chargesin the slider contact points. The frictional water film initiates discharge of potential differencesbetween the slider and the sliding surface due to the much higher electrical conductivity ofwater relative to snow/ice.
The topography of the slider and the sliding surface is decisive for the electrical contactconfiguration between the slider and the sliding surface.
The electrolytic conductivity of a melted snow/ice sample may indicate the rate of ions introducedto the interface between snow/ice and the slider by frictional melting and thereby the rate and ease of discharge between the slider and snow/ice through the frictional water film during braking. Larger frictional electrification should take place on snow/ice with low electrical conductivitycompared to snow/ice with high electrical conductivity.


Friction properties on ice and snow

AutoSock has been developed with good friction properties both on ice and snow. The AutoSock is characterised by:
A specially designed surface pattern that makes the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible both under dry and wet snow or ice conditions.
Hairs between and at the contact areas in order to increase the total contact area exposed to friction.
A surface pattern that makes the total contact area exposed to friction sufficiently large under both soft and hard snow or ice conditions.
A combination of surface pattern, strength and elasticity that make the contact points sufficiently sticky under hard snow or ice conditions.
Development of friction materials

The storyWhen Henry Ford had problems getting his car going under ice/snowy conditions, his wifeused to put a carpet in front of the tire, and Henry got going. The idea behind the AutoSockhas been to use textile in a similar, but more efficient way. One day Bård Løtveit found out he should friction test his own cotton shirt, and the friction properties turned out to be surprisingly good.
Was it possible to learn something from the cotton shirt?
We put Bård’s cotton shirt under our laser microscope.
The image shows the cotton surface of Bård’s shirt viewed through our microscope. We can see that the contact areas of the cotton surface are small and dense and that the total contact area is relatively large. Hairs on the cotton surface increase the totally exposed contact area to friction.


This image shows a rubber summer tire. The rubber summer tire has a large total contact area and small flexible points.



The image shows a sock with poor friction properties on ice. The totally exposed contact area to friction is too small under hard snow or ice conditions.



From testing these, we developed the idea of making AutoSock out of a high-technologytextile fabric with high friction properties according to new theories on the effect of electrostaticcharging and pressures on friction.
First Generation AutoSock

The contact area of the first generation AutoSock in the image is larger and stickier than for the previous sock. The grooves and roughness given by the surface pattern exposes the sock to more snow under soft snow or ice conditions, and increases the totally exposed contact area to dry friction under wet snow or ice conditions. At the same time the totally exposed contact area to friction is larger under hard snow or ice conditions than the previous sock.The hairs between the contact points increase the totally exposed contact area under all snow and ice conditions.

Reserch and Developent for Autosock

Research and DevelopmentAutoSock AS has cooperated with leadingresearch institutes for the creation of theperfect AutoSock

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AutoSock is working with leading research institutes to carry out measurements and testing of prototypes, with the aim of better understanding the combination of friction and winter conditions.
Extensive research has brought AutoSock through a series of stages - from the first simple sock with a short lifespan beneficial only for specific conditions, to a robust sock suitable for most conditions.
Subsequent tests had a focus on the following aims:
Improve ice friction without compromising the snow friction properties.
Make use of 'state of the art' knowledge about ski base sliding friction theory and ski base structures.
Exploit ways to objectively and scientifically describe the surface texture of different AutoSock prototypes in order to increase understanding about the prevailing friction.

The frictional surface of an AutoSock combines the following sets of characteristics:
A surface pattern with a sufficiently high degree of coarseness to make the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible under dry, wet, hard and soft snow or icy conditions.
A combination of surface pattern, strength and elasticity that make the contact points sufficiently sticky under snow or icy conditions.

Autosock standard X30 Winter Traction Aid, For Passenger Tires

Today, I would like to review the autosock product with Autosock Standard X30 Winter Traction Aid, For Passenger Tires

Product Description

Autosock - the simple solution to maximise grip on snow and ice. The secret: high performance fibers. A perfect temporary winter traction aid for vehicles. Quick and easy to fit and remove. Proven to improve car's safety systems. Reusable. Approved by and sold to leading car manufactures

Product details

-Amazon Sales Rank:#488 in automotive

-Color: Orange and grey

-Brand: Autosock

-Model: Autosock X30

-Released on 2007-11-20

Features
-Easy-to-mount, self-centering alternative to tire chains
-Comfortable while driving; does not cause noise or vibrations
-Lightweight, easy-to-store, reusable, and machine washable
-Each set comes with two AutoSocks, user manual, storage bag, and gloves
-Only one set per vehicle required, even for AWD and 4WD applications

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Editorial Reviews

Unexpected winter weather can create driving conditions demanding more traction than conventional tires -- or even snow treads -- can provide. But tire chains are bulky to store and can be difficult to put on in cold, snowy weather. Now there is an easy-to-use alternative to chains: Designed in Norway, AutoSock is a new and innovative lightweight fabric-based, temporary traction aid for cars and trucks that is easy to mount and gets a grip on slippery surfaces as snow and ice. AutoSock, a high-technology textile tire covering, utilizes specially patterned fibers that optimize grip on slick surfaces by managing the thin layer of water on top of ice and snow. Through its weaving pattern and thousands of small fibers AutoSock clings to snow and ice, increasing vehicle traction, improving safety and adding to driver confidence.

With AutoSock, you won't experience the rattles and bumpy ride associated with tire chains, and it is approved for speeds up to 30 mph. AutoSock is easy to install following these simple steps: Stop the vehicle and apply the emergency brake, fit AutoSock to the drive wheels of the vehicle, starting at the top of the tire and working downwards. Then, stretch the elastic band over the top of the tire to the inside of the tire, tighten the crossing strap, and move the vehicle approximately 3 feet and pull the remainder of the AutoSock into position. AutoSock automatically self-centers when you begin driving. When you' re back on snow-free roads, slip the AutoSock off and slip it back into the included storage bag.
After use, AutoSock should be put back in the storage bag until the destination is reached. Then they can be machine-washed and put back in the bag, ready to go for the next snow or ice storm. Note: AutoSock is not meant for severe snow conditions, and cannot be substituted for chains for travel through mountain passes. The standard AutoSock accommodates non-performance tire sizes (typically OEM sizes for economy passenger vehicles). For performance tires, try AutoSock High Performance.

Customer Reviews

Great snow tire alternative Just got my AutoSock today and tried it out on a ice covered parking lot near me. Before I put them on my tires spun out and I slid when I braked but with them on it felt like there wasn't any ice at all, no problems starting or stopping. I can't wait to see how it'll work for the next snowstorm that comes around, I think I'll be all set.

Guide Autosock:Throw Away Those Hard-to-Install Snow Chains

Throw Away Those Hard-to-Install Snow Chains
Recently, The Auto Channel’s Mark Fulmer had the opportunity to travel to Lake Tahoe to test out AutoSock®, an innovative automotive accessory that provides cars and trucks with the traction needed for sudden and unexpected winter driving conditions such as snow and ice. Ably assisted by his lovely wife, Susan, Mark demonstrates how easy it is to use AutoSock and how great it works.

Link products: http://astore.amazon.com/autosock-20
Made from high technology textile, AutoSock takes just moments to install, providing drivers with quick and easy grip when surprised by winter conditions.

"We're bringing a unique, useful product to America that has been proven by hundreds of thousands of drivers across Europe," said Garry E. Rainy, U.S. contact for AutoSock. "AutoSock extricates drivers from unforeseen challenges caused by inclement weather. AutoSock provides convenience, safety and peace-of-mind to drivers. When the weather is bad, AutoSock brings you home." AutoSock was awarded the prestigious International Grand Prix for technical innovation at Equip Auto 2005 by an international jury consisting of 75 journalists from 21 countries. The award has been given annually since 1985 for the most innovative concepts, products and services produced by automotive equipment makers.

AutoSock is manufactured from high technology textile containing a unique fiber pattern that optimizes grip on slick surfaces. Used on the drive wheels of both two and four-wheel drive vehicles, AutoSock is vailable in sizes to fit most cars and light trucks. AutoSock is easily installed and removed, even in cold and difficult weather, and even on vehicles that are already stuck.

Other AutoSock features include:

• Drivable at up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

• Noise-free, vibration-free

• Lightweight, easily stored

• Quick, simple installation and removal

• Self-centering during installation and use

• Reusable, machine washable

• Environmentally safe, recyclable

• Non-damaging, even to alloy wheels

• Fits almost all passenger cars and many light trucks

• Approved by leading test and certification bodies

• Approved by leading European auto makers

• Works on vehicles with low tire clearance

• Compatible with all electronic safety systems, such as ABS and ESP

• 90% customer satisfaction rating

• MRSP $79-$99 (US) depending upon tire size

• 2 Year Warranty on defects and workmanship

Reviews: Autosock

Sample Review for Autosock



Links:http://astore.amazon.com/autosock-20


1.Great snow tire alternative, December 21, 2007
Just got my AutoSock today and tried it out on a ice covered parking lot near me. Before I put them on my tires spun out and I slid when I braked but with them on it felt like there wasn't any ice at all, no problems starting or stopping. I can't wait to see how it'll work for the next snowstorm that comes around, I think I'll be all set.

2.Looks good to me, October 11, 2002
Take a look at the screenshots at Civilization3.com to get more info. There are much needed inprovements in this expansion pack like constructable airfield/military bases and new guerilla units so you can finnally wage a secret guerilla war on your enemys. There are also sentry and radar towers so you can take a peek at where a hostile nation's troops are. One thing I hope will be improved is the Tactical AI so that I dosen't just send in units to be slaughtered as their built but amasses forces to launch counter-attacks and offensives.
By: D.F. Mittleman"Dan M."

Guide:Autosock How to Install

Links for Autosock: http://astore.amazon.com/autosock-20

Instructions:

It could hardly be easier! Park the vehicle and engage the hand brake. The vehicle must not be on a slope during fitting. AutoSock should be fitted to the driving wheels. Use the accompanying gloves and begin mounting from the top of the tire and downwards. Stretch the elastic band over the top of the tire, so that the band is on the inner side of the tire. Then pull the crossing strap in order to adjust the AutoSock into correct position; as far down as possible until the front panel becomes centered. Once in the proper position, with only the lower part not over the tire, move the vehicle approx. 1m and pull the remainder into position. The AutoSock will automatically self-center when you start driving.

Warning:

AutoSock should only be used on ice and snow, and should be removed immediately once the conditions no longer requires it to be used, or when the vehicle is parked. When starting up, no one should be behind the vehicle because stones and lumps of ice, etc. could be thrown backwards with great force. Display extra caution when fitting and driving with AutoSock!

credit by autosock.us

Autosock Product Advantage

link product: http://astore.amazon.com/autosock-20

Product Advantage
1.Perfect temporary winter aid for vehicles.
2.Easy to mount and dismount even in cold and difficult weather.
3.Comfortable while driving - maximum speed 50 km/h.
4.Does not cause noise or vibrations.
5.Lightweight and easy to store.
6.Self-centering.
7.Reusable and machine washable.
8.Environmental and recyclable.
9.No damage to alloy wheels.
10.Approved by TÜV and GS.
11.Fits almost all passenger cars.
12.Approved by leading car manufactures.
13.Works on all vehicles with low clearance between the tire and the body, as well as with all electronic safety systems (ESP, ABS).
creditby: autosock/us