Intelligent Clutch System

Intelligent Clutch System (iCS) was developed based on the dry friction clutch with an electronic intelligent control system integrated with an electromechanical hydraulic actuator to automate the clutch operation and eliminate the clutch pedaling.

The iCS collects the signals of clutch position, shift intention, gear positions and CAN signals from the controller, judges the vehicle running state, the driver's intention and the clutch operating state in terms, and sends the execution commands to the actuator which controls the clutch separation and locking (including semi-locking) under various vehicle operating conditions, to ensure the vehicle can start stable, gear shifts smoothly, vehicle brakes without engine turning off.

 Introduction of iCS Functions:

1. Free the driver's left foot. With an iCS, a pedal is not needed for the clutch operation, which can greatly reduce driving fatigue.

2. The iCS is extremely good for the new drivers. It automatically matches the clutch position and the fuel pedal position, which reduces the operating skills of the vehicle, especially for beginners.

3. High reliability. With many years of applications in harsh environments, such as extremely cold, high temperature, high altitude and long distance durability test at various rough road conditions, the iCS now has a wide range of environmental adaptability and superior durability.

4. Excellent fuel consumption efficiency. The iCS improves energy transfer efficiency by reducing clutch slip and using the built-in computer program to optimize the clutch movement. It can also be combined with the start-stop technology to realize more fuel cut-off time duration during the coasting, to further reduce actual fuel consumption in real world.

5. Low cost solution for what can be gained. The iCS has a huge advantage of cost saving comparing with an automatic transmission.

6. Worry free about traffic jams. In the city's congested road conditions the drivers need high concentration on driving to avoid the risk of accidents. The iCS has an automatic moving function. When the brake pedal is lifted, the vehicle will move forward slowly, and this function can be canceled when the brake pedal is pressed. It is extremely convenient and useful in relieving fatigue when the drivers are under traffic jam.

7. Improved driving comfortability. The iCS computer helps optimize the transition of engine torque and clutch movement during gear shifting events, resulting reduced shocking and setback.

8. Engine never shuts off when breaking, no matter which gear the transmission is in.

9. Reduce driving difficulty. The driver only needs to move the shifter when a gear shift is desired, no need to operate the clutch.

10. Easy operation for Hill Start. When starting uphill, the driver just needs to lift the brake pedal and quickly push the gas pedal, no need to worry about the engine shut-off or vehicle sliding downhill.

11. Experiencing the fun of driving for both MT and AT vehicles . With the iCS, a vehicle has both the performance of a manual transmission and the characteristics of an automatic transmission. It allows the driver to fully enjoy the driving.

12. Retaining full engine power and torque of the vehicle. Small engine vehicles usually behave “softly” due to small engine power. With the iCS installed, one can shift at any speed during driving in full power and torque with smooth driving.

13. Some drivers are used to leaving the foot on the clutch pedals all the time while driving, which results in abnormal clutch wear. With the iCS, clutch lifetime can be greatly improved in such a situation.

14. With the help of iCS technology, various hybrid systems can be developed based on manual transmissions and it provides an optimal solution for vehicle fuel economy.

 OPS has developed a series of intelligent clutch system products for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, and construction machinery, etc. OPS has been working with different commercial vehicle OEMs and theses products have been successfully applied to their vehicles.

Below are some of the intelligent clutch actuators developed by OPS for light duty trucks, and pickup trucks.