What is a brake system?
A brake is a mechanical device designed to restrain motion by
absorbing energy from a moving system usually by the means of
friction. It is used to slow or stop a moving vehicle, wheels, axle, etc.
The braking system is a complication device with a lot of parts, but its
working seems very easy. After all, pressing a single pedal will activate
all brakes on the four wheels. The slowing down is achieved by
hydraulic fluid, which is often bleed to get the best performance of the
breaking. Air is not allowed in the system else the component won’t
work well.
Most brakes are designed to use friction between two surfaces, they’re
pressed to convert the kinetic energy of the moving object into heat.
Though several methods of energy conversion are now employed. In an
automobile, friction brakes store braking heat in the drum brake or disc
brake which then gradually converts into the air.
On modern vehicles, the brake pedal is pushed against the master
cylinder. There is a piston that pushes the brake pad against the brake
disc, which slows the wheel down. On the brake drum, the cylinder
pushes the brake shoes against the drum to slow down the wheel.
Functions of the automotive braking system
Below are the functions braking system used in the automotive engine:
A brake system helps to stop vehicles within the smallest possible
distance. This is achieved by converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle
into heat energy.
It also functions on a mechanical device where motion occurs, the
brake is applied to stop it within a short period of time.
Components of the braking system
Below are the components used in the automotive braking system:
Brake pedal: the component of a brake system is used to activate the
brake by pressing it down by foot. It’s located in the middle of the
accelerator and clutch pedal inside the vehicle.
Fluid reservoir: The fluid reservoir is the housing where the brake fluid
or brake oil is store.
Fluid lines: The fluid lines are the pipes through which the brake fluid
flows in the vehicle.
Brake pads: The brake pad is a steel backing plate employed on disc
brakes. It’s often made of ceramic, metal, or other hard-wearing
composite materials.
Brake shoes: Brake shoes are two pieces of sheet steel joined together
so it can carry the brake lining.
Brake drum: The brake drum is a rotating drum-shaped component
used in the drum brake system.
Rotor: The rotor is a cast-iron brake disc connected to a wheel or axle,
sometimes made of reinforced carbon-carbon, ceramic matric, or some
other composite.
Brake lining: A brake lining is a heat-resistant, soft but also tough
material with high friction characteristics. It’s enclosed inside the brake
shoe.
Diagram of an automobile braking system:
Caliper: The caliper carries the brake pads and pistons.
Floating caliper or sliding caliper: the part moves relatively with the
rotor as it uses a piston on a single side of the disc to push the inner
brake pad into the braking surface. It then pulls the caliper body in to
apply pressure on the opposite side of the disc.
Fixed calipers: the fixed caliper does not move in relative to the rotor,
which works sensitive to imperfections. It uses one or more single pairs
of opposing pistons to clamp from each side of the rotor.
Master cylinder: the master cylinder converts the non-hydraulic
pressure from the driver’s foot into hydraulic pressure. it then controls
the slave cylinders at the opposite end of the hydraulic system.
Vacuum booster: this braking system component is used to improve the
master cylinder and increase pressure to which the driver foot supply
through the use of a vacuum in the engine intake. This is effective while
the vehicle’s engine is running.
Characteristics
The characteristic of a brake system includes peak force, continuous
power dissipation, fade, smoothness, power, pedal feel, drag,
durability, weight, and noise. Some other factors that are listed may be
considered as the characteristic of a brake system. Continue reading to
get to know them.
Types of braking system
Electromagnetic brake system
This is one of the rising design of the brake system, it uses an electric
motor that is contained in the automobile. The motor aid the stopping
of the vehicle. Electromagnetic braking system types are used in most
hybrid vehicles where electric motor charge the batteries and powers
the brakes. In some buses, a secondary retarder brake that uses an
internal short circuit and generator is employed.
Frictional brake system
The frictional types of braking systems are common in automobiles.
Their design is complex but serviceable and is typically available in two
forms; pads and shoes. Just as it’s named, friction is used in the braking
system to stop the vehicle from or device from moving. In its
components, a rotating device with a stationary pad and a rotating
weather surface. Band brakes contained shoes that constrict and rub
against the outside of the rotating drum. Alternatively, a drum brake
with shoes rotates and will expand to rub against the inside of the
drum.
Hydraulic brake system
The hydraulic braking system types are composed of master cylinders
that receive hydraulic braking fluid from a reservoir. Through
connections of an assortment of metal pipes and rubber fittings, the
system is attached to the cylinders of the wheel. The wheel features
two opposite pistons, located on the band or drum brakes. The
pressure pushes the piston apart, forcing the brake pads into the
cylinders, which cause the wheel to stop moving.
Air brake system:
The air braking system types are commonly found in heavy vehicles
such as trucks, buses, etc. just like other types, the brake pedal is
pressed. However, air from the atmosphere enters the compressor
through an air filter to the reservoir through an unloader value. It
further enters the brake chamber through a brake valve which is fitted
to control the intensity of braking. This results in braking.
drum and disc brake diagram: