ASHA Gerodisc(TM) Breakthrough Traction Technology Promotes Safer Driving and Handling
16 February 1998
ASHA Gerodisc(TM) Breakthrough Traction Technology Promotes Safer Driving and Handling
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 16 -- Ask any safety engineer
which type of technology -- accident avoidance or occupant protection -- has
the greatest impact on safer driving and the answer is easy.
Avoiding an accident is the best way to prevent someone from being
injured. Until now, antilock braking systems (ABS) have been touted as the
key accident avoidance technology, while air bags used with seat belts are the
two best ways to reduce injury in an accident.
ABS will now have to share that exclusive platform with Gerodisc(TM), a
breakthrough traction technology developed by ASHA Corporation .
Robert Anderson, ASHA Managing Director of Automotive Components says,
"Gerodisc helps keep a vehicle moving, even if only one wheel has traction,
while reducing the chance for spinouts and loss of vehicle control on slippery
surfaces."
He adds that Gerodisc is compatible with all cars, vans, sport utility
vehicles, and trucks; and can be used on all types of vehicle platforms
front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive.
The self-contained hydromechanical device contains a continuously
operating fluid pump, piston, and set of clutches that fit inside the axle
carrier. It will limit wheel spin if a driver starts losing traction and
vehicle control on slippery surfaces by automatically sensing when a wheel
begins to slip. The increased wheel speed increases the pump's output
pressure that causes the clutches to engage and slow the spinning wheel. At
the same time the Gerodisc unit smoothly transfers the incoming driveshaft
torque to the non-spinning wheel to regain traction.
Gerodisc continuously monitors and maintains this torque balancing act.
It shifts torque from side to side on two-wheel drive vehicles and also front
to back on four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles regardless of which
wheel begins to spin and lose traction. Thus, providing a dynamic safety and
handling feature those passenger vehicles without Gerodisc technology do not
offer.
Anderson says that Gerodisc traction technology is now available for the
first time on a popular domestic 4x4 sport utility vehicle in both the front
and rear axles which gives the vehicle the ability to keep going even if only
one wheel has traction. ASHA's Gerodisc differential responds more quickly
and smoothly than a viscous coupling. Response time can be tuned to driving
conditions, enabling the use of this advanced traction system in the front
axle as well as the rear which is an industry breakthrough, according to
vehicle engineers.
"One of the safety and handling disadvantages of present four-wheel drive
traction control systems is torque steer," says Anderson. "This is an
unwanted and unexpected feedback of twisting force through the steering system
caused by the transfer of torque from the spinning to non-spinning wheel. It
causes the steering wheel to lurch in the driver's hands and can lead to
temporary loss of vehicle control."
According to Anderson, "Gerodisc technology's high sensitivity to changes
in wheel speed enables vehicle engineers to tune the transfer rate of torque
between spinning and non-spinning wheels to an optimum level for improved
vehicle handling and control."
Other drawbacks of conventional 4x4 and all-wheel drive systems can
include shifting gear levers, driveline vibrations, reduced fuel economy,
higher ground clearances, and a lack of durability. Gerodisc in comparison,
delivers passenger-car quality ride and durability, with transparent operation
that goes unnoticed, except for the improved handling and control over slick,
slippery pavement and muddy back roads.
The Gerodisc system is designed for all drivers, not just the driving
enthusiasts, or those who prefer sport utilities, pickup trucks, or luxury
vehicles. "It makes a minivan a 'go anywhere' type of vehicle, especially in
bad weather," says Anderson.
Oddly enough, when tested in high performance vehicles like the Camaro,
Mustang, and Corvette, drivers told Anderson the cars felt under-powered after
Gerodisc was installed.
"The reason for this," Anderson explains, "is that they equated squealing
tires during high-speed cornering with speed. When we showed them their lower
lap times, they began to realize that Gerodisc put the power into traction,
not smoke and noise."
In addition to improving vehicle traction, handling, and safety, Anderson
says Gerodisc will reduce weight, cost, and projected warranty exposure when
compared to present control systems.
ASHA Corporation, headquartered in Santa Barbara, develops advanced
technology products and automotive design and manufacturing techniques for the
global automotive industry. The stock is traded on the Nasdaq Small Cap
Market (Symbol ASHA).
Visit ASHA's Web site at http://www.ashacorp.com for additional
information.
SOURCE ASHA Corporation