Problem: Eddie Hewett, from Surrey, contacted IN2 Access with a unique problem – he and his brother built two “miniature Land Rovers” for their children built upon 24 volt mobility scooters. However, being heavy and powerful, he was concerned about safety. “We feel they could do some damage if the driver lost control,” he said. Safety edges fitted across the front and back could act as “bumpers” – cutting the power in the event of an impact, but would it be a straightforward installation?
(l to r: Eddie Hewett, his son George, niece Isla, and brother Dudley Hewett)
Solution: Derek Foreman, Sales Director at Oswestry-based IN2 Access & Control Ltd., worked with Eddie on a solution. They used a combination of BBC Bircher’s ClickLine safety edge front and back, connected to the electric motor drive system via BS02-E02 safety controller.
“As the models were based on 24V mobility scooter drive systems, they already braked as soon as power was disconnected so we just needed to design a manual reset system so that when the edge was released, the vehicle would not lunge forward again,” Derek explained.
Eddie located the reset button on the “dash” amongst the other buttons and switches. The manual reset was achieved by way of using a latching relay with two outputs: one for vehicle “Drive” and the other for “Reset LED” and dual reset inputs. A second relay was used to switch the system off when the edge monitoring BS02 controller was interrupted by an edge activation. In order to restore the drive system, the reset button had to be pressed before the vehicle would operate. This was also the case for initial startup, ensuring maximum safety.
“I was pleased with how the Land Rovers turned out and appreciate the support we received from Derek and IN2 Access,” Eddie says. “There were a few electrical niggles that needed working out, but Derek was able to help me troubleshoot, and guide me to a solution that worked. Everything is all fitted now and it looks great.”
“When I first heard Eddie’s request I thought what a great idea,” Derek said. “IN2 Access was happy to help find the right solution for this novel application. We had a few technical things to iron out as it’s never as straightforward as you have in your mind, but I’m glad we got there in the end. The end results look fantastic. I hope Eddie’s children know how lucky they are!”
“The children seem to be driving very responsibly, much to our surprise,” said Eddie. “We had a few little mishaps on the first day but they seem to have learned fine control of the throttle very quickly.”
For additional information regarding this case or for bespoke solutions to a unique problem, contact IN2 Access & Control via email sales@in2access.co.uk, telephone 01691 655150, or click the Live Chat link below.
This article can also be seen on the Door Industry Journal website.
ClickLine Safety Edge product link
BS02-0E2 controller product link
