SmartBrake & SmartGas
SmartBrake & SmartGas
SmartBrake
The system is an addition to the existing brake system of the vehicle. The original brake system remains unaltered and operable by non-disabled drivers. SmartBrake enables the operation of the brakes by various hand controls using very little force. By means of electric signals from an input device, the driver can control the brake pedal of the vehicle. The system can be used in almost all sedans, vans or mini-vans.
Operation
SmartBrake becomes active as soon as the ignition is switched on. SmartBrake will first perform a start-check (self-test) to check whether all parts of the system function properly. SmartBrake consists of two almost identical branches which work continuously in parallel. This ensures that the brakes will always operate even if a component fails.
A custom specific input device sends a signal to the control units. Subsequently, the control units control the brake actuator. The brake actuator is mounted directly on the original brake pedal and is equipped with two motors.
When someone wants to drive without SmartBrake, it can be easily switched off at the start of a new journey. The system will then enter the sleep-mode and the brake actuator will no longer respond to the input device. A non-disabled driver can now safely operate the vehicle.
SmartBrake is mostly used in combination with SmartGas. This makes it possible to use a combined gas/brake input device, the gas and brake are operated with the same movement in the other direction.
Through the Microsoft Windows PC-interface the Mobility equipment dealer can tune the characteristics of the system to the vehicle and the requirements and capabilities of the driver.
Safety
SmartBrake is a fully redundant system. The system consists of two nearly identical parts which continuously work in parallel and check themselves and each other. A malfunction in one of the two parts can never result in a complete malfunction of SmartBrake. The other part ensures operability of the brake by the driver. Every fault is detected and relayed to the driver by an audio signal or a warning light.
SmartGas
This adaptation makes it possible to operate the original accelerator, or an alternative input device with a minimum of effort. SmartGas is suitable for the most type of cars with an original electronic accelerator.
Working
SmartGas is connected between the original accelerator pedal and the car's motor management. It simulates the signals from the original accelerator, to the motor management.
The input signal is provided by the original accelerator pedal, or by an alternative input device. The input device is selected automatically. After switching on the ignition, the driver selects his input device for the trip by operating the accelerator or the alternative input device first. A different input device can be selected by turning the ignition off and on again. While using the alternative inputs, the original accelerator is switched off and does not move. The operation is noiseless and there is no noticeable change to reaction time.
Safety
During braking, the output signals will be returned in the zero position. SmartGas only reacts again after the input device is put in zero position again. In this way, it is not possible to brake and accelerate at the same time. SmartGas meets all EMC requirements according to 95/54/EG, ISO 7637.
Input Devices
Accelerate/Brake Slider
This input device enables the driver to comfortably and easily brake and accelerate by hand with minimal effort. The accelerate/brake slider is standard supplied with a 3-pin device but is also available with an L-type or T-type orthatic. The driver can determine the desired brake and accelerator action by moving the device forwards or backwards. Maximum stroke for the brake is 90 mm and for the accelerator 50 mm.
The slider is equipped with a high-quality rail, enabling operation with very little effort. Operating force can be adjusted to the requirements of the user by mounting different springs. The direction of operation of accelerate and brake is selectable by software. The accelerate/brake slider is commonly used by quadraplegics.
The Accelerate/Brake Slider can be accompanied by switch module. Through this switch module, four switches can be actuated by turning or tilting the 3-pin device. Common functions operated this way are turn signals, window wipers and lights. The driver can now perform the most important actions required for driving with just one hand.
The operating force of the switch module can be adjusted by mounting different ball spring plungers. Two types of ball spring plungers are supplied to make three different combinations, light, medium and heavy, depending on the users’ requirements. To use the switch module, SmartControl is available as an interface with the vehicle electronics.
