Types of Braking Systems – Braking System Types and Function in Detail

The braking systems in the automobiles across the globe have come a long way. Since the development of wooden block brakes in the 1800s, the vehicles of today inherit different and highly-advanced braking frameworks. The evolution of the braking systems from the simple calliper to complex electronic brake system have resulted in enhanced safety and reduced the risk of vehicle collisions worldwide. 

Today, keeping in mind the vehicle characteristics and road conditions different set of braking systems are incorporated. Be it any kind of braking – plain or sophisticated – the objective behind the development of these braking systems is to make the controlling of an in-motion vehicle workable for humans in every era. 

 

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So in the following article, we will learn about the types of braking systems made available by the innovators to ensure maximum protection and efficiency for modern motorists.  

 

How does braking system work?

The mechanical device – the brake is meant to control and cut down the speed of any rotating parts – like wheel or axle – of an electrical and mechanical instrument. Its key attribute is to determine maximum decelerating effect called the peak force. Using the friction on the two surfaces of the automobile, it transforms the kinetic energy into heat, which sometimes causes braking system failure due to excessive heat generation.

 

Hydraulic Braking System

Invented in the early 1900s, the hydraulic braking mechanism functions on brake fluid, cylinders, and friction. By internal pressure application, the glycol ethers or diethylene glycol forces the vehicle’s brake pads to halt the wheels from advancing.

 

Quick facts about the hydraulic braking system

• Compared to some other types and forms of braking, the force produced in the hydraulic braking is greater.
• Being an important braking system, hydraulic braking has very fewer chances of brake failure as it has a direct connection with the actuator and the brake drum/disc. 

 

Electromagnetic Braking System

Most of today’s contemporary cars and hybrid vehicles can be seen donning the electromagnetic braking system. As the name suggests, the electromagnetic braking uses the basis of electromagnetism to obtain frictionless braking, which makes them more durable in the long run. The first choice of the hybrid vehicles, compared to the common quick magnetic brakes, it works without friction and lube. The compact size braking system, also used in trains, works when a magnetic inflow is passed in a spot perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheel. This creates swift current flow in a direction opposite to the wheel rotation, which generates opposing energy to the rotation of the wheel and the wheel is decelerated. 

 

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Quick facts about the Electromagnetic braking system

• Besides being rapid and cost-effective, it also involves no upkeep cost like a periodic replacement of brake shoes, etc.
• With electromagnetic braking, safe delivery of heavy loads at high speeds is made possible.
• Unlike other forms of braking systems, where massive heat is produced via brake shoe, very less amount of heat is triggered which translates into least chances of brake failure.

 

Servo Braking System

Servo braking is more of a braking system booster. In this type of braking system also known as vacuum or vacuum-assisted braking, the pressure applied to the pedal by the motorist is amplified. The vacuum generated in petrol-fuelled powertrains is used by the air intake system in the powertrain’s intake pipe, while the diesel powertrains use a vacuum pump.

 

Quick facts about the Servo Braking System

• The braking system boosters are functional with the hydraulic brake system. And the vacuum boosters practically improve the braking force.
• When the brake pedal is pressed it releases the vacuum on the side of the booster. The air pressure disparity thrusts the diaphragm for braking at the wheel.

 

Mechanical Braking System

One of the most widely used braking systems, under mechanical braking technique the energy is absorbed and is converted to heat. Here, the primary aim is to generate enough force to hold up the rotating shaft and eventually make the vehicle stop. And disperse or soak up the heat produced during the braking process. All the mechanical brakes have two surfaces rub against each other and generate frictional forces.

 

Owing to the frequent friction, the mechanical brakes tend to wear and their durability relies on the usage of material at the shoe or pad. The mechanical braking system is used in the hand brake and the emergency brake of many vehicles. To bring a vehicle to halt, its braking aspect involves many components such as cylindrical rods, fulcrums, springs, etc. 

 

There are two types of brakes found under mechanical braking – Disc and Drum.

 

• Disc brake

Developed using cast iron or sometimes carbon-carbon or ceramic-matrix composites, the disc brake is attached to the wheel or the axle. To stop the rotating wheel, the brake pads come together from opposite directions and are pressed against both sides of the disc, which results in friction making the vehicle to decelerate or halt.

 

• Drum brake

The traditional brake found in nearly every automobile, even in most motorcycles, instigates friction by a set of shoes or pads hard-pressed against a rotating drum-fashioned component known as the brake drum.

 

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