Zhang Bo: Behind these technological patents lies his decade-plus story of innovation.

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The Story of Zhang Bo, Chief Engineer at Huibei Tri-Ring Clutch Co., Ltd

　　He has successively led and undertaken more than 40 new-product development projects, securing 20 utility‑model patents and one Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Achievement Award. The high‑tech products he spearheaded—such as wide‑angle vibration dampers and dual‑mass flywheels—have, through mass production and widespread application, strengthened the company’s leading position among domestic brands in the industry. In 2015, his patented inventions—the “Steel‑Back Bearing‑Type Dual‑Mass Flywheel” and the “Driven‑Disc Assembly Compatible with High‑Power Engines”—each earned a silver medal at the 21st National Invention Exhibition. In 2011, he was recognized as a Model Worker of Huangshi City; in 2014, he was named one of Huangshi City’s Ten Outstanding Young People; and in 2016, upon recommendation by the company’s Party Committee, he was elected a member of the Huangshi Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Moreover, he initiated the establishment of the company’s Science and Technology Association, dedicating himself to science popularization efforts; in 2017, the company was designated a “Science Popularization Demonstration Enterprise” by Xialu District.

Who is he?

Zhang Bo

　　In 2001, he graduated from Hefei University of Technology with a major in Metallic Materials and Heat Treatment. He then joined Huibei Tri-Ring Clutch Co., Ltd, where he successively held positions including technician, head of the R&D Department, product director, deputy chief engineer, and chief engineer. Through years of dedicated study and practical experience, he has achieved remarkable accomplishments in clutch design and manufacturing, making outstanding contributions to the company’s technological advancement and overall development.

　　In January 2016, the company established the Zhang Bo Model Worker Innovation Studio. Under his leadership, the technical team devoted itself to product R&D and technological improvements, successfully developing new technologies and products such as wide-angle vibration dampers, dual-mass flywheels (flywheel vibration dampers), and torque limiters. Notably, a breakthrough in dual-mass flywheel technology enabled the company to become the first domestic independent brand to achieve mass production of this product. Since October 2016, monthly output of flywheel vibration damper products has reached 12,000 sets, with an annual output value of RMB 6 million. Through the development of these new technologies and products, the company generates over RMB 60 million in annual revenue from new‑product sales. Under his guidance, the company has been recognized as a national high‑tech enterprise and a provincial‑level technology center, while its testing center has obtained national laboratory accreditation. As a technical leader, he has mentored more than 20 young core personnel for the technology center, one of whom has been awarded the “Dongchu Craftsman” honor.

(The person on the far right in the above photo is Zhang Bo.)

He is a keen learner who constantly strives for improvement.

　　Since beginning his career, Zhang Bo has consistently engaged in hands-on work and maintained a humble attitude toward learning, earning high praise from company leadership and colleagues. In July 2003, he was dispatched by the company to France for technical exchanges and subsequently participated in numerous management training programs, receiving unanimous acclaim from his instructors. In 2005, he obtained the title of Intermediate Engineer; in 2010, he traveled to Brazil to attend an automotive exhibition and established valuable contacts with major Brazilian automakers, laying a solid foundation for Tri-Ring Clutch’s integration into international markets. Proactively bridging the gap between R&D and market needs, he frequently accompanied the sales team on out-of-town negotiations, assisting them in resolving and clarifying technical issues to ensure smooth business operations. Following his appointment as Head of the R&D Department, he has remained committed to studying political theory and specialized disciplines, humbly seeking advice from peers to build on strengths and address weaknesses, while regularly engaging directly with production teams to resolve operational challenges.

　　He is unafraid to take on tough challenges, and his management skills are outstanding.

　　As a technical leader, he is tasked with guiding a team that can tackle tough challenges and help the company overcome difficulties. Through deliberate cultivation and rigorous training by the Party organization, he has steadily matured in both his thinking and his work, emerging as a young cadre who excels across ideological, political, and technical dimensions. This has earned him considerable authority within the technical team, built a strong reputation among colleagues, and established him as a core pillar of the technical workforce. He has also effectively assimilated the valuable experience gained through his technical work, turning it into an integral part of his own capabilities and further amplifying it to inspire and elevate his peers. By fostering a culture of mutual learning throughout the technical team, he has played a pivotal role in leading and driving collective progress. With an extensive array of clutch product models and a workforce whose design expertise varies widely, he vigorously implemented effective methodologies such as the “Clutch Design Workflow Chart” and the “Clutch Performance Grading System,” significantly enhancing the design and development capabilities of the company’s engineers.

　　He is persistent and devoted to the company.

　　Back then, more than twenty university graduates were hired into the company alongside Zhang Bo; many of them gradually left, heading to big cities in search of higher salaries and better benefits. Yet Zhang Bo not only stayed but also poured his heart and soul into his role, delivering outstanding results and dedicating his youth wholeheartedly to the company, setting a shining example for younger colleagues. During his tenure as department head, he spearheaded and participated in the design of clutches for Chongqing Changan’s Benben series, as well as for Dongfeng Peugeot‑Citroën models such as the Picasso and the Xiali, providing robust support for the company’s strategic development. The Changan 180DBV now boasts monthly deliveries of up to 10,000 sets, while the clutch supplied for Dongfeng Peugeot‑Citroën’s TU5JP4 engine reaches 12,000 sets per month. Together, these two new products generate annual output value exceeding RMB 30 million.

　　He unites his colleagues and cultivates a positive public image.

　　In his daily life, Comrade Zhang Bo is always eager to help others and has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm in all donation and material‑support campaigns organized by our company. He has also spearheaded the organization of cultural, sports, and social activities that appeal to young employees, while closely monitoring staff morale and extending care and support to those facing financial hardships. In recent years, he has repeatedly participated, in an expert capacity, in the evaluation of scientific and technological achievements, upholding objectivity and impartiality, thereby earning a strong public reputation and receiving high praise from superiors and relevant authorities.