Most brakes use friction on the two sides of the wheel, the collective press on the wheel converts the kinetic energy of the moving object into heat. For example, regenerative braking turns much of the energy into electrical energy, which may be stored for later use. Eddy current brakes use magnetic fields to turn kinetic energy into electrical current in the brake disc, blade, or rail, which is converted into heat.
The following are the most common types of braking systems in modern cars. It’s always good to know which ones fit your car for easy troubleshooting and servicing.
Hydraulic braking system:
This system runs on brake fluid, cylinders, and friction. By creating pressure within, glycol ethers or diethylene glycol forces the brake pads to stop the wheels from moving.
• The force generated in the hydraulic braking system is higher when compared to the mechanical braking system.
• The hydraulic braking system is considered one of the important braking systems for modern vehicles.
• The chance of brake failure is very less in the case of the hydraulic braking system. The direct connection between the actuator and the brake disc or drum makes very little chance of brake failure.
Electromagnetic braking system:
Electromagnetic braking systems can be found in many modern and hybrid vehicles. The electromagnetic braking system uses the principle of electromagnetism to achieve frictionless braking. This serves to increase the life span and reliability of brakes. Also, traditional braking systems are prone to slipping while this is backed with quick magnetic brakes. So without friction or the need for lubrication, this technology is preferred in hybrids. Also, it is quite modest in size compared to the traditional braking systems. It is mostly used in trams and trains.
To make electromagnetic brakes work, a magnetic flux when passed in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheel, we see rapid current flowing in a direction opposite to the rotation of the wheel. This creates an opposing force to the wheel rotation and it slows down the wheel.
Advantages of Electromagnetic braking system:
• Electromagnetic braking is fast and cheap.
• In electromagnetic braking, there is no maintenance cost like replacing brake shoes periodically.
• By using electromagnetic braking, the capacity of the system( like higher speeds, heavy loads) can be improved.
• A part of the energy is delivered to the supply consequently the running cost is reduced.
• In electromagnetic braking, a negligible amount of heat is generated whereas in mechanical braking enormous heat is produced at brake shoes which leads to a brake failure.
Servo braking system:
Also known as vacuum or vacuum-assisted braking. Among this system, the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver is increased.
They use the vacuum that is produced in petrol engines by the air intake system in the engine’s intake pipe or via a vacuum pump in diesel engines.
A brake where power assistance is used to reduce the human effort. In a car, an engine vacuum is often used to make a large diaphragm flex and operate the control cylinder.
• Servo braking system boosters used with the hydraulic brake system. The size of the cylinder and the wheels are practically employed. Vacuum boosters increase the braking force.
• Pushing the brake pedal releases the vacuum on the side of the booster. The difference in the air pressure pushes the diaphragm for braking the wheel.
Mechanical braking system:
The mechanical braking system powers the hand brake or emergency brake. It is the type of braking system in which the brake force applied on the brake pedal is carried to the final brake drum or disc rotor by the various mechanical linkages like cylindrical rods, fulcrums, springs, etc. To stop the vehicle.
Mechanical brakes were used in several old automobile vehicles but they are archaic nowadays due to their less effectiveness.
Types of Brakes:
DISC BRAKE
The disc brake is a mechanism for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel from its motion. A disc brake is normally made of cast iron, but in some cases, it is also made of composites such as carbon-carbon or ceramic-matrix composites. This is linked to the wheel and/or the axle. To stop the wheel, friction material in the form of brake pads is forced against both sides of the disc. Friction caused, on the disc wheel will slow or stop.
DRUM BRAKES
A drum brake is a traditional break in which the friction is caused by a set of shoes or pads that press against a rotating drum-shaped part called a brake drum.
The term \”drum brake\” usually means a brake in which shoes press on the inner surface of the drum. Where the drum is pinched between two shoes, similar to a standard disk brake, it is sometimes called a \”pinch drum brake\”, although such brakes are relatively rare.
Resources:automotive-technology.com