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When the driver touches the speed shift stick , an angular movement sensor senses the gear shifting intention. At the same time a movement sensor for gear selection senses the direction and which gear speed is being selected. From the signals sent by both sensors, a central processing unit determines the gear shift timing and the clutch engagement.
The system takes advantage of the precision of electronic signals to allow a complete clutch operation without the intervention of the driver. The gear selector with its levers is the same as those used in conventional manual transmissions.
In principle, the speed shift stick movement is sensed by two electronic devices (Hall effect sensors) that read the stick inclination with respect to its central resting position and also its forward or backward movement towards the speed slots or positions.
A central processing unit receives the analog signals from the position sensors and instructs a hydro-mechanical command unit to either engage or disengage the clutch, in tune with the speed gears shifting action the driver has started.
The hydro-mechanical command unit contains a servomotor coupled to a gear arrangement for a linear actuator activated by the continuous analog signals flow from the central processor. This linear movement impels a hydraulic power cylinder to move the main clutch actuator and uses brake fluid from the brake system.
The central processing unit also gets electronic inputs from the engine on rotation, from the ESP system, air conditioner and dashboard instruments in order to compute the exact timing for the right amount of clutch torque transfer and a smooth gear switch.
This system was developed to improve the driver comfort, especially in city traffic where the stop and go regime is the rule.