Mechanically, these transmit the steering command from the hands to the front axle via the linked control arms and thrust links. The levers are mechanically linked to each other, allowing one-handed steering. In terms of driving dynamics, the steering will drive straight ahead without an active steering command, as is familiar from the use of conventional cars. During normal operation, the hands rest on the ergonomically adapted handle bodies and at the same time use the thumb, index finger and middle finger to communicate the regularly required driving commands.
For example, an electrically redundant Hall sensor on the front side of the right-hand sidestick picks up the acceleration request, which leads to an increase in speed when the index finger is pressed. When pressure is applied to the lower part of the encoder, the electric drive recuperates and the speed is reduced. If neither finger gives a command, the vehicle will only coast and the drive will neither actively accelerate nor decelerate.
Based on previous experience with the TWIKE 3, a frequently desired riding mode is riding at a constant speed. This cruise control function is activated on the front of the left sidestick by briefly clicking an upper button with your index finger. Pressing and holding this button increases the target speed of the cruise control, which can be read as a numerical value on the display. The lower button deactivates cruise control and reduces the cruise control target speed . Thank you, sorry for jumping in here. If I understood correctly, the initial problem was the same.
Other functions on the left hand lever include the horn, blinker, headlight flasher, dimming and windshield washer and wiper functions. The wiping function is supported by a rain sensor integrated into the windshield.
The right hand lever is used to select the direction of travel (forwards or backwards) as well as the desired acceleration. The upper keypad, which is operated with the thumb, has 6 buttons that can be used to select and adjust parameters in the operating display. At the latest with the presentation of the prototypes we will create a video and explain the operating functions better.
