Total control on steep gradients
TORC™ enables the driver to set a predetermined speed on a dial in the car and set off across a rough terrain. The
TORC™ system controls the engine speed and the torque supplied from the transmission to the road wheels to maintain a constant speed, even when the vehicle climbs over the brow of the hill and starts to descend a steep gradient. A vehicle with a conventional transmission would accelerate on a downhill gradient and the driver would have to quickly apply the brake to maintain a constant speed.
If an obstacle is encountered on a steep gradient (either uphill or downhill) the vehicle can be held stationary by depressing the ‘Hill Hold’ button; this maintains torque at the wheels and hence vehicle control, with no need to apply the brakes. A negative speed can then be set to reverse the car; there is no need to engage reverse gear. With a conventional system the driver would have to apply the foot brake, engage reverse gear and then quickly move the foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Vehicle position control
TORC ™ is the ultimate low-speed, centimetre-by-centimetre control. The driver uses a simple interface to set the distance the vehicle is required to move in metres. The vehicle will then move slowly until it reaches the required position.
Anti-roll back
Any time during normal driving this feature can be engaged, or it can be installed in a vehicle as an automatic feature. With anti-roll back engaged, regardless of incline, the vehicle will not roll back as the driver releases the brake or takes his foot off the accelerator. This provides ease of operation with built in safety.
Benefits and applications of TORC™
Off road driving
- complete speed control when driving over a rough terrain.
- an added value feature for 4WD cars and SUVs.
Towing- Vehicle position control allows precise manoeuvring to line up with a trailer.
Parking- Linking the vehicle position control to parking sensors will keep the vehicle a set distance away from all obstacles.
Off-highway – agricultural and construction applications- The ability to shuttle backwards and forwards at low speeds without changing gears is particularly useful when carrying out operations such as moving a pile of crops or material. It provides ease of use and increases the speed of work. Because no clutch is required to change direction, the IVT will have a longer life in this application than a conventional transmission incorporating a slipping clutch or torque converter.
Torque control at the wheels is an advantage with ploughing and other soil engaging activities. Accurate low speed control, combined with vehicle position control, enables accurate planting and spreading.
- Reduced brake wear
The IVT can control vehicle speed on an incline without brake operation.
A movie showing TORC™ in action can be found in the related links section below.
