When it comes to off-roading, it often comes in the form of a double-edged sword. For many, the art of rock crawling or blasting through the trails is a fun experience. However, newcomers might be intimidated by some of the core essentials.

Many automakers have introduced electronic assist features and other driving aids in an attempt to make the experience easier. Hyundai is also one of these automakers, and a new patent filing is providing a glimpse into how serious it is about making this task easier for everyone.

Hyundai’s new system promises to put less stress on your transmission

This is according to a newly filed patent the company issued with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a system that would prevent a vehicle from getting stuck while out on the trail.

The proposed system is designed for automatic transmissions and uses software to help control the lock-up clutch, which is the mechanical part of the transmission that links it to the engine. Usually, this is seen when the vehicle is cruising or at freeway speeds, as the system works to prevent energy loss.

In the case of Hyundai’s system, the software can detect when the vehicle is at risk of getting stuck. If it senses this, it can engage the lock-up clutch sooner, which reduces energy loss and slippage inside the torque converter.

This reduced slippage also helps cut down on heat build-up and prevents damage to the transmission. In trickier situations, the proposed system can delay or disengage the clutch entirely, allowing the torque converter to slip and provide momentum to help keep the equipped vehicle moving. In addition to the software, a suite of wheel speed sensors is also included to help deliver precise data to the system.

Hyundai’s system has multiple applications

The patent shows the system equipped to a Hyundai Ioniq 5 (presumably an XRT model). But while it shows that the system is capable of working in EVs, we suspect Hyundai is ultimately planning to use it in its upcoming lineup of body-on-frame pickups and SUVs with the latter being based on the Boulder concept.

These vehicles would have traditional gasoline engines, and the patented system would be able to perform at its best in these types of vehicles. The system could also work with a hybrid powerplant if Hyundai chooses to give these vehicles a hybrid variant.

Kia included too

With Hyundai and Kia often seen as competing brands under the same corporate umbrella, the inclusion of Kia suggests the company is exploring how to appeal to a wide range of buyers versus making the proposed technology exclusive to Hyundai vehicles only.

It will be interesting to see how Hyundai will make its proposed body-on-frame pickup and SUVs stand out. The Detroit Big Three command a large slice of the spotlight and the market, and the funky Santa Cruz failed to make a strong case for itself. These new trucks and SUVs will require the company to think outside the box and develop new technologies that reduce the hassle associated with off-roading. This tech could help achieve that goal, but it remains to be seen if it will help generate long-term success.