We all love new technology, especially when it comes to our powersports vehicles. So when something significant like Can-Am’s Smart-Lok comes along, we are eager to learn more.
There was some information sent out when Smart-Lok was introduced but it was basic and just piqued our interest even more. How is it different than Visco-Lok? What are its advantages? What are Smart-Lok’s modes all about?
Smart-Lok, which was developed in conjunction with TEAM Industries, is featured on select Can-Am vehicles for 2019 but to be clear, Can-Am still uses Visco-Lok on some of its vehicles.
We posed several questions to Can-Am about the new Smart-Lok and our questions were tackled by Francois-Charles Dumas, project engineer, product development, Can-Am.
Before diving into the Smart-Lok technology, maybe a brief review of Visco-Lok would be worthwhile.
Dumas explained that Visco-Lok, which is a trademark of GKN Driveline, has been around since 1999 when it was developed for the first Can-Am ATV, the Traxter. “Since then it has been adapted to new applications, but its functionality remains the same,” Dumas said. “The main difference is in the engagement point. In 2010, with the introduction of Dynamic Power Steering for ATV applications, we had the opportunity to improve the reaction time with the QE version of the Visco-Lok.” QE means quick engage.”
In explaining how Visco-Lok works, Dumas said, “Visco-Lok is a speed-sensing, limited-slip differential. That means the differential has to ‘see’ a speed difference between left and right to engage. There is no sensor, the system is all mechanical. It is equipped with a pump and clutches. It’s a shear-type pump, so the more there is a speed difference, the more fluid is transferred from the reservoir to the piston side, applying pressure to the clutches. More pressure means more torque transfer from one side to the other. So, it is not a number of turns or a specific time that the wheel needs to spin, but a speed difference between left and right.”
Now on to Smart-Lok.
Dirt Toys: Give a history of Smart-Lok. Is it the next generation of Visco-Lok or totally new and different?
Dumas: The Smart-Lok is not the next generation because it’s another level entirely. With the electronic control, it is more than a speed-sensing, limited-slip differential. Many vehicle parameters are taken into account in every Smart-Lok decision. You can select the preferred mode, with a toggle switch, and it changes the way that the front differential module (FDM) treats the data. The Smart-Lok’s actuator applies pressure to the clutches based on the information received from the controller.
DT: How does it works, especially in different terrains/surfaces and in different modes (Trail, Rock, 2x4, 4x4 fully locked).
Dumas: Smart-Lok is a system providing “on the fly” optimal power transfer to the ground in every condition by fully or progressively locking the front differential. It is a speed-sensing differential. It has a speed sensor that monitors each of the front wheel’s speed. But it has a lot more. The FDM monitors other vehicle parameters to improve its reaction time or, in some cases, to prevent the wheels from spinning.
The TRAIL mode will give a similar behavior as Visco-Lok. The system needs to recognize a speed difference between the left and right side to take action and start to initiate the wheel synchronization. We call it a ‘reactive mode.’ That means it reacts to an event—wheel slip in this case. This mode is a good all-around setting for trail riding.
On the other hand, ROCK (all X rc packages), MUD (all X mr packages) and TRAIL ACTIV (all X rs and X ds) modes are more preventive. They don’t ‘wait’ for wheel slippage, but instead it basically prevents it. Based on the vehicle’s input, the system will start to pre-charge the clutches even before the wheels have begun to rotate. Wheel speed, vehicle speed, gear position, accelerator pedal position, engine torque and steering angle position are the key parameters that the system is constantly monitoring. The FDM is then able to detect the conditions in which you are riding and determine the driver’s intention. Having this information is crucial for the system to know when and how much pressure should be applied to the clutches. It can also identify when it should release the pressure.
The Smart-Lok setting can be chosen with the Differential Mode Switch located just beside the Driveline Switch (2x4/4x4/Front Diff Lock). It can be changed while riding.
Smart-Lok also offers a front differential lock setting. This mode will overwrite all other modes. The front differential will be locked and stay locked until the driver unlocks it, changes the mode or turns off the engine. Unlike other lockers, this system offers the driver the ability to lock and unlock while riding so no need to stop.
