BRAKE SYSTEM

 THE BRAKE SYSTEM

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 

👉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

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 : 

Piston: The piston is a moving component contained by the cylinder.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drum and disc brake figure : 

Working Principle 

The driver presses the brake pedal and causes a force to be generated which is then boosted by the vacuum from the engine. Boosting allows the brakes to respond more quickly and effectively.

The force from the vacuum booster pushes the piston inside the master cylinder against the spring. This makes the brake fluid to flow under pressure. this pressurized fluid reaches the brake caliper (disc brakes) and brake cylinder (drum brakes) through the fluid lines.

You can go through the video for more details 😉