1. Scope--This SAE Recommended Practice establishes a uniform procedure for assuring the manufactured quality, installed utility, and service performance of certain automotive adaptive products, other than those provided by the OEM, intended to provide driving capability to persons with physical disabilities. These devices function as adaptive appliances to compensate for lost or reduced performance in the arms or legs or both, of the driver. Some of the devices are designed to transfer foot functions to the hands, hand functions to the feet, or functions from one side of the body to the other.

1.1 Inclusions--This document is specifically concerned with those mechanical and electrical products that are intended by the manufacturer to:

a. Be installed within the occupant space of the vehicle

b. Be operated by a vehicle driver with a physical disability

c. Be added to, or substituted for, the vehicle control pedals, wheels, levers, knobs, and switches

d. Allow normal operation of vehicle primary controls (see 1.3.1), by a driver who is not disabled, without reconversion or special training and

e. Rely on the operator as the only source of activating force

1.2 Exclusions--This document specifically excludes any automotive adaptive product which does not satisfy 1.1, or which, in order to be installed in the vehicle, requires the removal or alteration of a vehicle component that is normally mounted outside the occupant space (on the fire wall, chassis, or engine). Also excluded are accessory controls (see 1.3.2).

1.3 Classification--This document establishes three control groupings, based on the potential safety consequences of product failure. The groups are listed in descending order of importance to safety.

1.3.1 PRIMARY CONTROLS--(Reference SAE Definition)

1.3.1.1 Group A--Those controls, operated by the driver which directly affect the direction and rate of the moving vehicle, including the steering, brake, and throttle controls. All sections of this document are applicable to Group A primary controls.

1.3.1.2 Group B--Those controls, operated by the driver, which are essential to the coordinated and safe operation of the vehicle in traffic situations. This includes ignition/starter switch, gear selector, parking brake, turn indicator lever, hazard flasher, horn, wiper/washer, defroster control, mirror, and headlight dimmer. All sections of this document, except 5.4, apply to Group B primary controls.

1.3.2 SECONDARY CONTROLS--Those controls not related to vehicle movement, operable by the driver or passenger, that regulate the environment of the vehicle, including heater/air conditioner, window regulator, vent, sun visor, seat positioner, radio, door lock, cigarette lighter, courtesy light, and any controls associated with wheelchair lifts, door openers, wheel chair restraints, etc. This document is not intended to be used for accessory controls, but many of the design and operating principles are applicable.

1.4 Vehicle Type--The vehicle on which adaptive controls will be installed is usually a sedan, light truck, or van-type vehicle, chosen because of spatial and functional criteria covered by other SAE Recommended Practices. In most cases, the vehicle will be equipped with such OEM options as power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission. Other useful options can include power seat, power windows, power door locks, tilt steering wheel, remote control mirrors, and automatic speed control.

1.5 Purpose--The purpose of this document is to provide criteria and methods to evaluate control system design, installation, operation, maintenance, and performance.

1.5.1 UTILIZATION--This document may be used as a basis for product evaluation conducted by private and governmental officials engaged in the provision of such equipment for eligible beneficiaries, as well as by manufacturers of the subject equipment.

1.5.2 CONDITIONS--This document is concerned with the proper performance and reliability of the product.

Customers who purchased SAE J1903
also purchased

• AIAG APQP : Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan-Edition 2; To Purchase Call 1-800-854-7179 USA/Canada or 303-397-7956 Worldwide
• AIAG FMEA ERTA : POTENTIAL FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS-Version 4; To Purchase Call 1-800-854-7179 USA/Canada or 303-397-7956 Worldwide
• AFNOR NF ISO 11452-3 : Road vehicles - Component test methods for electrical disturbances from narrowband radiated electromagnetic energy - Part 3 : transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell
• BSI BS EN ISO/IEC 7498-1 : Information Technology - Open Systems Interconnection - Basic Reference Model: The Basic Model

See More Documents