Automotive brake system Elaborated by: Juan Sebastian Mejia Angel Danian Amaya Guzman 1 Teacher : Paula Andrea
What is Braking System ? The braking system in an automobile serves as a fundamental pillar of both safety and control. Its intricate mechanisms and components are designed to effectively slow down or halt a vehicle, translating kinetic energy into heat through friction. Brakes are essential for navigating traffic, negotiating corners, and responding to sudden obstacles on the road. With advancements in technology, various types of braking systems have emerged, each tailored to cater to different vehicle models and driving conditions.
Working Principle of Braking System A brake constitutes a mechanical device engineered to impede motion by absorbing energy from a moving system, typically utilising friction . It serves the purpose of decelerating or halting the motion of vehicles. While complex in its components, the braking system may seem deceptively simple in its operation, triggered by pressing a single pedal that activates brakes on all four wheels
Working Principle of Braking System Brake systems come in two primary variants: disc brakes and drum brakes . Disc brakes find application on the front wheels of vehicles, while drum brakes are typically fitted to the rear wheels. However, some contemporary high-end vehicles incorporate disc brakes on all four wheels.
Functions of Braking System The braking system in automotive engines performs the following functions: Halting the Vehicle: The brake system is responsible for bringing vehicles to a stop in the shortest distance feasible by converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy. Mechanical Control: Operating as a mechanical mechanism, the brake system intervenes in motion to swiftly and effectively halt a moving entity within a brief span of time.
Components of Braking System Below are the components utilised in the automotive braking system: Brake Pedal: This component, located between the accelerator and clutch pedals inside the vehicle, is pressed by the foot to activate the brakes. Fluid Reservoir: The fluid reservoir houses the brake fluid or brake oil used in the braking system. Fluid Lines: Fluid lines consist of pipes through which brake fluid circulates within the vehicle. Brake Pads: Employed in disc brakes, brake pads are steel backing plates often composed of materials like ceramic, metal, or durable composites.
Brake Shoes: Brake shoes are composed of two connected pieces of sheet steel that support the brake lining. Brake Drum: A rotating drum-shaped component integral to the drum brake system. Rotor: The rotor, often made of cast iron or reinforced materials like carbon-carbon or ceramics, serves as a brake disc connected to a wheel or axle. Brake Lining: Encased within the brake shoe, brake lining is a heat-resistant material with high friction properties, offering a balance of softness and toughness.
Types of Braking System Electromagnetic Brake System: This emerging brake design integrates an electric motor within the vehicle to facilitate stopping. Such systems are utilized in hybrid vehicles, where the electric motor charges batteries and powers brakes. Certain buses employ a secondary retarder brake utilizing an internal short circuit and generator.
Hydraulic Brake System : Hydraulic brakes employ master cylinders receiving hydraulic fluid from a reservoir . The system is connected to wheel cylinders through metal pipes and rubber fittings . Brake pressure pushes pistons apart , engaging brake pads and halting wheel movement .
Air Brake System : Found in heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, air brakes utilize air compression. Atmospheric air enters the compressor through a filter, travels to the reservoir via an unloader valve, and reaches the brake chamber through a brake valve. This setup enables controlled braking intensity.
Parking and Emergency Brake System: These systems operate mechanically through levers and cables, controlled by force or buttons in newer vehicles. Designed for parking on inclines or emergencies, it can bypass normal brakes when they malfunction. The mechanism involves cables, levers, and equalizers to exert force on brake shoes, facilitating gradual deceleration and stopping.
Drum Braking System: The drum braking system is a conventional method of slowing down or stopping a vehicle. It operates by utilising friction between brake shoes and the inner surface of a drum-shaped component attached to the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes against the drum, creating friction and causing the vehicle to slow down.
Disc Braking System: The disc braking system is a sophisticated and widely used method for achieving effective vehicle braking. It relies on a disc or rotor attached to the wheel, which is clamped between brake pads when the brake pedal is engaged. This clamping action generates friction that slows down the vehicle. Disc brakes offer several advantages over drum brakes, including better heat dissipation, reduced fading during prolonged use, and improved overall performance in various conditions.
Regenerative Brake System: Regenerative Brake System: The regenerative brake system represents an innovative approach to braking that harnesses the energy typically lost during braking. Primarily used in hybrid and electric vehicles , this system converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the vehicle's battery for later use. When the driver applies the brakes, the electric motor switches to generator mode, capturing the energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat in traditional braking systems.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is a pivotal advancement in automotive safety, designed to prevent wheels from locking up during braking and maintain steering control even in emergency situations. ABS accomplishes this by rapidly modulating brake pressure on individual wheels, allowing them to rotate and preventing skidding on slippery or uneven surfaces. By providing controlled and consistent braking, ABS minimises the risk of loss of control and helps drivers maintain stability and steer around obstacles.