Space Drive system components

How the innovative Space Drive drive-by-wire system works

The experience gained with thousands of systems on the road around the world makes the Space Drive II system a true revolution in the field of drive-by-wire technology. This safe and reliable high-performance system offers the perfect combination of fully developed and sophisticated hardware and functional and individually applied software. What’s more, the system is multi-compatible thanks to an extremely wide range of interfaces (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) made by PARAVAN!

Space Drive head module - The Space Drive nerve centre

The head module is the “brain” of the Space Drive system. This module ensures that all systems function properly together when a vehicle is driven by an individual in a wheelchair, or by anyone else with a disability. Three central processing units (CPUs) that run in parallel use interfaces to control and monitor the links between the Space Drive system and vehicle systems. These CPUs also convert input-device commands into digital signals and operate the servo motors that control steering, acceleration and braking in real time. Fail-safe

Intelligent command centre

The Check Control unit is installed directly within the driver’s field of vision, which means the driver always has a complete overview of system operations. This unit also provides the driver with all system-relevant status information on Space Drive 2 at all times. Drivers can switch between various display colours if they wish to.

• Check Control is the interface between person and machine
• It allows the user to enter all relevant settings and it provides system information
• The new 7-inch touch-screen display has LED back lighting and is perfectly legible, even in direct sunlight
• Parameters can be set during operation – the process is easy and does not require a system restart

High-end automotive cables

The cable harness can be installed easily in various types of vehicles. Easy installation also means quick installation, which reduces costs. CAN interfaces ensure perfect communication between the vehicle and the drive-by-wire system. The cable harness consists of flexible multi-shielded quality cables. All electrical contacts are protected in a cable harness that meets the high standards of the automotive industry. Moreover, because the cables are coded, they can never be mixed up.

• Sophisticated – just like the rest of the technology
• All power and signal lines are extremely robust and highly flexible
• They can withstand tight curve radii as well as constant movement
• The braiding is tin-plated and thus corrosion-resistant as well as UV-protected
• All cables have practical automotive connectors

The units that drive Space Drive

Servo motors execute all control commands in the Space Drive II system. Two motors translate braking and acceleration impulses from the controls into active acceleration or braking, while a steering servo motor converts the most subtle steering movements made with the controls (e.g. mini-steering wheel, rotary steering or joystick) into active steering movements. The entire system, which is patented, is fully redundant and generates sufficient power for virtually any type of vehicle.

• Hydrodynamic disc motors for acceleration/braking and steering
• PNG screw caps with insulation netting
• 3-Fold sensor system designed for 50 million cycles
• 35% higher output with the same motor diameter
• Improved handling
• Optimised parameter configuration

Supplies the required energy

The Space Drive Bat Control unit functions as a second emergency power circuit that ensures the Space Drive system is always “wired”. This auxiliary system is completely independent of the main power circuit and can be charged separately.

• Double-fused emergency power circuit, electrically isolated
• Lightweight and compact
• Integrated charging device
• Integrated back-up
• Fully independent system solution; can be retrofitted in many vehicles
• Flexible installation

For convenient gear selection

This input device with keypad replaces the standard gear lever and thus simplifies the gear selection.

• Up to three further driving levels can be operated using the "D" button (depending on vehicle type).
• Gear Control can be installed separately or together with a steering, accelerating, or braking control element.
• Can be combined with PARAVAN Touch system
• Can be combined with PARAVAN Voice Control