#SmartDrives

[hazycola]

My Dr sent a referral to PT for a mobility assessment for a power assist add-on for my wheelchair- I just called and apparently the office she sent it to closed the referral instead of finding somewhere else to send it??? And they didn't even tell anyone until I called to make an appointment, as instructed. Once again so so frustrated- Why is the healthcare system like this?

[wheelie-sick]

do I brave the hill to the bagel shop in my wheelchair or do I go with a rollator and suffer through walking? the horrible decisions I must make

[bugbyte]

I used my wheelchair for the first time in “real” snow today and it went well. When I got near the beginning of the year most of the hard snow was over and it was just wet out so I’ve been uncertain how it would handle when the weather turned snowy.

The biggest problem was honestly my hands. I use fingerless cycling gloves for grip and so I can check off grocery lists and stuff on my phone, but they were atrocious in this weather for obvious reasons. I also forgot that frostbite is a thing that happens and my push rims are aluminum so my hands were very very very cold and wet augh. I am looking into new ones for winter. These are things I never thought about when I picked a manual chair but I’m still happy with it.

I have a little motor called a Smartdrive that attaches to the back and is meant to take the strain off my shoulders, because they are terrible. It pushes me fully around on dry surfaces with no issue but this was new. I keep forgetting that it’s technically an assist motor so I can manually push and turn it on to, well, assist. It did so much better than I thought. With some difficulty I got through a pile of snow I shouldn’t have attempted (5 or 6 inches? Maybe?) and once I was on just thin snow it was great. It struggled on its own but pushing to speed it up was a breeze and basically no effort on my part.

I can’t find a gif of it but I am currently the “technology is incredible!” guy from Pokémon so just imagine that in this space.

Anyway, if you’re out there considering a Smartdrive and also live in a snowy climate, it’ll probably work ok as long as you’re on a reasonably well plowed or shoveled surface, and you can manually push a little when needed. The traction could be a little better but I can’t exactly complain because it worked better than I expected it to. It probably isn’t designed for this at all and in retrospect I hope it’s ok getting kinda wet, but I’ve been through rain and stuff and it seems ok. Time will tell I guess.

[toomanyacronyms]

Im guessing I have a couple more years until I can get an ME/CFS diagnosis and help for it, plus no doctor wants to do anything more than Ivabradine for my IST (eg. IV infusions), so I am pretty sure a message to my doctor saying that I can no longer continue like this and need a wheelchair is in order.

[meirmakesstuff]

Oh hey by the way if you have a SmartDrive I'm sure you also got the recall email but if you were thinking about ignoring it because you haven't had problems please let them send you the replacement speed control dial before it throws you off a curb without warning!

Seriously I've watched my wife get rammed into the side of their car, the dining room table, a wall...

[bharatpatel1061]

Electric Vehicle Ownership and Licensing in Canada

Content:

Owning an electric vehicle (EV) in Canada doesn’t change the licensing process, but there are a few things to note. Many provinces offer rebates or incentives for EVs. You’ll still need standard vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license.

Driving an EV may require adjustments in habits—like planning routes with charging stations in mind.

Use apps that map EV charging stations before long trips.

licenseprep.ca keeps drivers updated on green driving and EV-related regulations.

[nareshkumartech]

License Renewals Made Easy: Digital Tools Explained

Renewing a driver’s license used to mean long lines, stacks of paperwork, and plenty of waiting. Thanks to digital tools, that process has become faster, simpler, and much more convenient for Canadian drivers.

What Are Digital Renewal Tools?

Digital renewal tools include online portals, mobile apps, and automated reminders designed to streamline the license renewal process. Instead of heading to a licensing office, you can now renew your license from home, saving time and reducing hassle.

Benefits of Going Digital

Here’s why drivers are embracing digital renewal tools:

Speed: Complete your renewal in minutes instead of hours.

Accessibility: Renew anytime, anywhere with just a smartphone or computer.

Notifications: Get alerts when your renewal date is approaching.

Security: Digital systems use encryption to keep your data safe.

Need a step-by-step guide to renewing your license online? Visit licenseprep.ca for clear instructions and FAQs.

How to Get Started

To use digital renewal tools effectively:

Create an online account with your provincial licensing authority.

Verify your identity using secure login methods.

Follow the prompts to complete your renewal and payment.

Download your confirmation and track progress through your app or portal.

For more detailed guidance and troubleshooting, licenseprep.ca is a reliable resource.

With digital tools, license renewals have never been easier. By taking advantage of these modern conveniences, drivers can save time, stay compliant, and avoid last-minute stress.

[adamantvoyagerrune]

Digital Driving Licenses in Canada: Are They the Future?

Digital driver’s licenses are beginning to roll out in select provinces. This blog explores how they work, where they’re available, and whether they're here to stay.

Highlights:

Pilot programs in Ontario and Quebec

Pros and cons of digital ID

Privacy and data security considerations

How to download and verify your digital license

Future possibilities for car rental and border use

[faggotisaacfloofs]

Furious about this whole smart drive thing

Mine broke before I had been using it 2 months from a bump in the sidewalk. Had to mail it to manufacturer even though a piece just needed to be glued back in to avoid voiding the warranty on this $7500 piece of equipment

It arrived at their facility on Nov 23rd and I have not heard a single thing since until today despite multiple inquiries. And today they told me they want $200 to re-secure the loose connection, and 0 timeline on how long that would take.

AND the dealer i bought it from (intermediary through all this) just offhand mentioned the recall in his email to me, ignoring the fact that HE WAS THE ONE WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO INFORM ME OF THIS RECALL A MONTH AGO.

They also don't even have replacement speed control dials, they just have some other button push thing that is much worse.

If you are considering Smart Drive, I have a better idea - simply don't!!!!!!!

Most expensive piece of plastic junk i have ever been in contact with.

[chronically-chaotic-cryptid]

Wow I forgot how much I hate being in town

[itshomobirb]

woohoo! had the wheelchair eval today!! felt really good about it, they all seemed very knowledgeable!!

and then i get home and google the model they picked out for me. and uh. well. people online don't like it.

[farooq22777]

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[dorleco]

Traction Control Systems and Chassis Control Logic

Introduction

Performance and safety are two constant cornerstones that drive innovation and design in the ever-changing field of automotive engineering. Automakers are always trying to find a balance between these fundamental components. Systems that guarantee the best possible traction and stability are becoming increasingly important as cars get quicker and smarter. In this context, Traction Control Systems (TCS) and Chassis Control Logic (CCL) play a vital role.

These technologies are essential parts of modern car architecture, not only accessories. They actively work to enhance safety, handling, and control in a range of driving scenarios. This blog examines the fundamentals, elements, features, advantages, and drawbacks of TCS and CCL — as well as how Dorleco is leading the way in these fields.

The Grip Guardian: Traction Control Systems (TCS)

What is Traction Control?

The Importance of Traction Control Systems

Wheel slippage is more likely with modern engines’ increased torque and power, especially on wet, gravel, or snowy conditions. By identifying and addressing wheel spin in real-time, TCS lowers this danger and promotes a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

Important Elements of Traction Control Systems

1. Sensors for Wheel Speed

Wheel rotation is continuously monitored by these sensors, which are installed on each wheel. TCS can identify traction loss in milliseconds by analyzing each wheel’s rotational speed.

2. Unit of Electronic Control (ECU)

The ECU serves as the system’s brain. It analyses sensor data and decides on repairs like cutting engine power or applying the brakes.

3. System of Brake Actuation

To regain traction balance, TCS selectively delivers braking force to one or more wheels that spin more quickly than the others.

4. Controls for Throttle and Ignition

To stop additional wheel spin in cars with electronic throttle control, TCS may lower engine torque by modifying ignition timing or throttle input.

How TCS Works?

lowering engine output (through ignition timing or throttle control) It reacts in one of two ways if it notices that one or more wheels are spinning significantly faster:

Lowering engine output (through ignition timing or throttle control)

Braking the wheels that are sliding

The driver is frequently unaware of the quick and smooth action, which significantly improves vehicle stability.

The Coordinator of Stability: Chassis Control Logic (CCL)

What is Control Logic for Chassis?

How Other Systems Connect with CCL

ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control. To prevent skidding, ESC recognizes and lessens understeer or oversteer. To maintain the vehicle’s intended course, it applies braking to individual wheels and lowers engine power.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking abruptly, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

Distribution of Brake Force Digitally (EBD)

EBD improves braking economy by dynamically adjusting braking power across all four wheels based on driving conditions and vehicle load.

System of Adaptive Suspension

Adaptive suspension, which is seen in high-end or performance cars, automatically modifies damping rates to strike a balance between road sensation and comfort.

Steering control and torque vectoring

In order to maximize power delivery and steering effort for increased agility and safety, CCL may incorporate torque vectoring and variable steering systems.

The Execution of CCL

CCL gathers information from a vast array of sensors, such as:

Accelerometers

Gyroscopes

Wheel-speed sensors

Sensors for steering angle

It continuously analyses this data and modifies the torque output, steering input, suspension stiffness, and brake distribution to maintain vehicle handling and balance.

Principal Advantages of TCS and CCL

Traction control systems’ (TCS) advantages

Improved Traction

keeps traction on slick conditions, such as wet roads, snow, or ice.

Enhanced Speed

Allows for smoother and more effective acceleration by preventing wheel spin.

Consistency When Turning

Controls torque delivery to lessen the chance of losing control when cornering.

Improved Off-Road Management

provides substantial advantages in rough terrain by efficiently controlling wheel slide.

Automated Intervention

TCS enhances overall safety and confidence by operating in the background without requiring driver engagement.

Chassis Control Logic’s (CCL) advantages

Excellent Car Handling

Uses synchronized system inputs to improve lane changing, turning, and cornering behaviour.

Increased Braking Effectiveness

EBD and ABS work together to prevent wheel lock and shorten stopping distances.

Modes Selectable by the Driver

Enables the driver to customize the dynamics of the car by choosing between comfort, sport, or eco modes.

Decreased Tire Damage

Uneven tire wear can be lessened by distributing force evenly across the wheels.

Reduced Risk of Rollover

regulating lateral dynamics, CCL, which is essential for SUVs and trucks, helps avoid rollovers.

Challenges and Limitations

Limitations of the Traction Control System (TCS)

Decreased Engine Performance In performance automobiles, a drop in engine power during intervention may feel slow.

Not Suitable for Every Off-Road Situation

Intentional wheel spin is required in certain off-road situations — TCS can hinder advancement.

Inaccurate Positive Results

may turn on unnecessarily when driving aggressively but carefully.

Increased Expense and Difficulty

increases the cost of the vehicle and the amount of maintenance needed because of the extra hardware.

Limitations of Chassis Control Logic (CCL)

Complexity of the System

The complexity of diagnosis and repair is increased when numerous systems are integrated.

Dependency on Sensors

Curve of Driver Adaptation

System interventions could be too obtrusive or foreign to certain drivers.

Energy usage

Particularly in non-EV cars, electronic technologies may result in higher fuel or battery consumption.

Applications in the Real World

From sedans and SUVs to sports cars and commercial vehicles, TCS and CCL technologies are becoming more and more commonplace in most contemporary automobiles. These devices complement autonomous driving capabilities in premium and performance cars to improve control in challenging circumstances.

Regenerative braking in EVs provides even more traction and stability by seamlessly integrating with TCS and CCL.

These solutions improve operational safety in commercial fleets by lowering accident rates and vehicle downtime.

Advanced TCS and CCL Solutions from Dorleco

Furthermore, Dorleco’s next-generation chassis control logic and traction control systems are revolutionizing vehicle dynamics.

Our products use clever algorithms and smoothly interface with vehicle control units (VCUs) for:

Wheel slip detection in real time

Improvements to predictive control

Improved aid for drivers

Adaptable driving modes

Why opt for Dorleco?

Strong E/E Software Proficiency

In addition, our own development team creates control systems that are both scalable and modular.

Superior CAN Interfaces

Our CAN keypads and CAN displays provide efficient human-machine communication with vital control systems.

Worldwide R&D Assistance

Dorleco produces innovation that is both locally relevant and globally compliant through teams in the US, India, Germany, and Canada.

With every vehicle, Dorleco enables OEMs and Tier 1s to provide unmatched safety, comfort, and control.

Conclusion

Advanced control systems are becoming more and more necessary as vehicle technology advances. Today’s drivers want safety, performance, and dependability, and traction control systems and chassis control logic are no longer optional equipment.

Although there are certain difficulties with these technologies, they are greatly outweighed by their advantages. The foundation of intelligent vehicle control is made up of Traction Control Systems and CCL, which reduce tire wear, improve off-road capabilities, and minimize skidding and cornering.

We at Dorleco are honoured to be a part of this development. Our cutting-edge technology , Engineering services, Engineering Staffing Solutions not only fulfil but also surpass contemporary performance and safety requirements, propelling the development of intelligent, dependable, and superior cars in the future.

[bugbyte]

Finally gave my Smartdrive a lil bath. The rock salt had finally built up and I couldn’t put it off anymore.

I put like an inch of water plus a splash of vinegar and dish soap in the bathtub and rolled it through a bunch like a big puddle (power off of course), then drained and refilled with clean water and repeated.

Looks pretty clean, hopefully it got into all the interior nooks, but quite a bit of junk came out so it was probably more past due than I wanna admit.

Anyway thanks to folks on here for telling me to do this a while ago, and if you also use a Smartdrive around rock salt and deicers in the winter, give that poor thing a wash. Here’s your reminder.

Yay for learning new things. Now I gotta go out and try it in the world. It was like summer nice out today so if that continues there may be adventure.

[simpliinsure]

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