WORKING TO SET YOU FREE
PRESENTS
THE AUTOMATIC CLUTCH OPERATING SYSTEM FOR DISABLED DRIVERS
EXPANDED POSSIBILITIES FOR DISABLED DRIVERS
The Drivematic, an automatic clutch system for standard transmission vehicles, brings down yet another barrier for the driver with a physical disability. Automatic transmissions have almost always been the only option for drivers with a disability affecting the lower extremities. This is based on the assumption that clutching and shifting, even if accomplished by the use of levers would force the driver to leave the steering wheel unattended momentarily while accomplishing some other function. This is not acceptable from a safety or a liability standpoint.
The problem remains that some drivers who sustain an injury or other disability, such as truck drivers or equipment operators, rely on their ability to drive a manual transmission vehicle as a matter of survival in their careers. Others may prefer the control and performance of a manual transmission, or simply may not be financially able to purchase a new automatic transmission car to replace their fully functional manual vehicle. Most funding sources for vehicle modification do not pay for vehicle purchase, and the option of converting a manual to an automatic is a daunting and expensive undertaking. A logical and effective technological solution to this problem is now available with the Drivematic Automatic Clutch System.
Drivematic's unique design is simple enough to be serviceable and easy to install, yet sophisticated enough to handle a full range of driving conditions and styles. Operation is straightforward and requires little to no special training: A special switch in the shift lever knob detects the driver's hand, and an electronic servo unit disengages the clutch. This switch tells the system when the driver intends to put the transmission in gear, holding the clutch down until a slight pressure is applied to the gas pedal. This brings the clutch pedal to just below the "grab" (engagement) point in its travel. As soon as the driver begins to accelerate, a proportioning algorithm in the system's microprocessor, working in conjunction with an electric servo, combine the inputs of speed, accelerator pressure, and various pedal positions to produce a smooth, reliable clutching operation. Clutching style (quick/sporty to slow/smooth) can be tailored to match the habits and preferences of the client, so that the original "feel" and driving characteristics of the car are largely preserved. Users will benefit from eighteen years and three generations of product development fueled by customer feedback and field experience, and dependable service from Access Unlimited.
The Drivematic system represents a unique opportunity for vendors and evaluators alike to present an innovative, viable option for one sector of our clientele. Access Unlimited looks forward to expanding our network of certified vendors and informed evaluators for this new product. For further information, contact Access Unlimited at +1-607-669-4822 fax +1-607-669-4595 or write us at the following address:
570 HANCE RD.
BINGHAMTON, NY 13903
THE DRIVEMATIC SYSTEM- DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The Drivematic is an automatic power clutch operating system using the vehicle's existing clutch pedal and linkage. When used in conjunction with properly configured brake and accelerator controls, the Drivematic system frees a disabled driver from the necessity of clutch operation, clearing the way for safe shifting and continuous steering wheel control in a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.
Designed in the spirit of parallel operation, the Drivematic changes from automatic to normal mode with the touch of a switch. Able-bodied drivers experience no change in feel or function, while drivers with disabilities ranging from leg amputation to paraplegia can easily switch to automatic mode to meet their driving needs.
At the heart of the system is a electronic servomotor and a microprocessor which measures vehicle speed, clutch pedal position, acceleration/RPMs, brake pedal position, and shift lever position to perform all clutching functions efficiently and smoothly. . The servo actuates a cable which pulls the clutch pedal down.
Crucial to the system is a special shift lever knob equipped with power and system activation button. Automatic operation of the clutch begins when the driver grasps the shift lever knob and button. The switch activates a microprocessor which disengages the clutch fully to allow the vehicle to be put into gear. When the user begins to accelerate, the processor directs the servo to engage the clutch to the "grab" (engagement) point. Further acceleration causes further proportional engagement of the clutch, just as a non-disabled driver's foot would naturally do.
Once movement and speed are detected, the system changes how quickly the clutch is engaged and disengaged to give a natural feel and response to clutch performance. The response of the clutch is in direct proportion to the action on the accelerator, both in acceleration and deceleration, much the same as the instinctive reaction of an able-bodied driver. When the vehicle slows down, the same valve acts to disengage the clutch and prevent the engine from stalling. Clutch response can be tailored to suit the weight and torque characteristics of the particular vehicle.
As the clutch wears normally through its lifetime, or as consumers' preferences for performance change, the clutch engagement point can be adjusted in real time on the dashboard of the vehicle. This minimizes the need for service and maximizes the user's control over the performance of the system.
ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DRIVEMATIC SYSTEM
Q: WHO CAN DRIVE USING THE SYSTEM?
A:
PARAPLEGICS, AMPUTEES, AND PERSONS WITH FULL KNEE REPLACEMENTS ARE THE PRIMARY USERS OF THE SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, CERTAIN LOW LEVEL QUADRIPLEGICS, AND PERSONS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES MAY BE CAPABLE OF USING THE SYSTEM, SUBJECT TO AN EVALUATION. NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES ALSO EXIST FOR SALES TO ABLE-BODIED DRIVERS WHO SEEK THE CONVENIENCE OF CLUTCHLESS SHIFTING.
Q: ON WHAT TYPES OF VEHICLES CAN THE DRIVEMATIC BE INSTALLED?
A:
VIRTUALLY ALL MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES, FROM TRACTOR TRAILERS AND VARIOUS TYPES OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO SEDANS AND PICKUPS, CAN BE OUTFITTED.
Q: IS THIS A NEW PRODUCT?
A:
NO. THE DRIVEMATIC HAS BEEN IN USE FOR OVER 18 YEARS. IT IS CURRENTLY IN ITS THIRD GENERATION OF DEVELOPMENT.
Q: WOULD A DRIVER BE LIMITED TO A PARTICULAR BRAND OF HAND CONTROL ?
A:
ALTHOUGH A PUSH-ROCK "SURE-GRIP" CONTROL IS MOST CONVENIENT AND RECOMMENDED, A VARIETY OF CONFIGURATIONS AND BRANDS CAN BE USED PROVIDED THE USER UNDERGOES PROPER EVALUATION AND/OR DRIVER TRAINING.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A DRIVEMATIC COST?
A:
BETWEEN $8500 (MOST CARS) AND $10,500 (MOST TRACTOR TRAILERS) AS OF 2008 HOWEVER SOME SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE FOR PARTICULAR MODELS. HAND CONTROLS FOR PARAPLEGICS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AND ADDITIONAL FEE.
Q: WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A DRIVEMATIC?
A:
ACCESS UNLIMITED HAS OVER 500 DEALERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO CAN SELL THIS PRODUCT, HOWEVER ALL US AND CANADA INSTALLATIONS MUST BE DONE IN BINGHAMTON, NY. VEHICLE SHIPPING SERVICE AND LOGISTICS ASSISTANCE ARE AVAILABLE. INSTALLATION IS AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL NON-US COUNTRIES; PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR ACCESS UNLIMITED SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE WORK IS TYPICALLY INVOLVED IN AN INSTALLATION?
A:
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE OF LUBRICATION AND CHECKPOINTS, PLUS A USER-ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT POINT, THE DRIVEMATIC IS RELATIVELY MAINTENANCE-FREE. DUE TO THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THE BASIC MACHINERY, SOME UNITS MAY ATTAIN VERY HIGH MILEAGE AND HOURS, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO CABLE REPLACEMENT
Q: ARE THERE ANY WARRANTIES FOR THE CONSUMER OR INSTALLER?
A:
THE DRIVEMATIC CARRIES A ONE-YEAR PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY BOTH FOR CONSUMER AND INSTALLER, WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE.
Q:
IS AN EVALUATION NECESSARY FOR A DRIVEMATIC INSTALLATION?A:
AS ALWAYS, AN EVALUATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR SAFETY AND LIABILITY PURPOSES.
* THIS WOULD GENERALLY BE DUE TO A LINKAGE PROBLEM RATHER THAN THE HARDNESS OF THE OEM CLUTCH