What Are The Different Types Of Brakes And Braking Systems?

Generally, brakes work by converting the kinetic energy of moving objects into heat through friction on both sides of the wheel. A regenerative braking system, for example, converts much of the energy into electrical energy, which can then be stored for use at a later date. The disc, blade, or rail of an eddy current brake is heated by the magnetic fields that convert kinetic energy into electricity.

When it comes to troubleshooting and servicing, it's always helpful to know what fits your car. Modern cars generally use the following types of brake systems.

Hydraulic braking system

There is a hydraulic system that uses brake fluid, cylinders, and friction to operate. A compound called glycol ethers or diethylene glycol creates pressure within the brake pads that prevent the wheels from rotating.

● Hydraulic brakes produce more force than mechanical brakes when compared. Among the most important braking systems for modern vehicles is the hydraulic braking system.

● A hydraulic brake system has a very low risk of failure compared to a mechanical brake system. There is very little chance of brake failure because the actuator and brake drum are directly connected.

Electromagnetic braking system

Several modern and hybrid vehicles are equipped with electromagnetic braking systems. Electromagnetism is used in electromagnetic braking systems to eliminate friction. In this way, brakes are able to last longer and be more reliable. As well, the quick magnetic brakes protect against slipping, which is a common problem with traditional braking systems.

Therefore, hybrid vehicles prefer this technology because it does not require friction or lubrication. Compared to traditional braking systems, it is also quite small. Trams and trains are the most common uses of it.

Magnetic brakes work by causing rapid current to flow in the opposite direction to the rotation of the wheel whenever a magnetic flux is passed perpendicular to that direction. In turn, this slows down wheel rotation because it creates an opposing force.

An electromagnetic brake system has the following advantages:

● It is cheap and fast to use electromagnetic braking.

● There are no maintenance costs associated with electromagnetic braking as there are with brake shoes that need to be replaced periodically.

● A system's capacity can be increased by using electromagnetic braking at higher speeds and with heavy loads.

● Consequently, the running cost is reduced because part of the energy is transferred to the supply.

When we brake with electromagnetics, we generate very little heat, but when we brake with mechanicals, we generate massive amounts of heat at the brake shoes, resulting in a braking failure.

Servo braking system

It is also referred to as vacuum-assisted braking or vacuum braking. The driver is required to apply more pressure to the pedal under this system. Diesel engines use a vacuum pump for producing the vacuum, while petrol engines use the vacuum of the air intake system. An assisted brake that reduces human effort by using power assistance. The large diaphragm on a car's control cylinder is often controlled by engine vacuum.

With a hydraulic brake system, servo brake boosters are used. A cylinder and wheels of a certain size are practically employed. The braking force is increased by vacuum boosters. Pressing brakes releases the vacuum from the booster. For braking, the diaphragm is pushed by the difference in air pressure.

Mechanical braking system

Hand brakes and emergency brakes are powered by the mechanical braking system. A mechanically driven braking system uses various linkages, such as cylindrical rods, fulcrums, springs, etc., to transfer brake force from the brake pedal to the rotor or drum that stops the vehicle.

Due to their lack of effectiveness, mechanical brakes are archaic on many older automobiles.

Let’s look at two types of brakes now.

The Types of Brakes

1. Disc Brake

Disk brakes are mechanisms that stop or slow a wheel's rotation. Some disc brakes are made from composites, such as carbon-carbon or ceramic-matrix composites. Disk brakes are usually cast iron, but they can also be made of composites. Wheels and axles are involved in this. Brake pads force friction material against both sides of the disc to stop the wheel. Slowing or stopping the disc wheel is caused by friction.

2. Drum Brakes

There are several types of brakes, but a drum brake is the traditional type that uses shoes or pads to generate friction with a rotating drum-like part.

An inner surface of a drum is usually pressed by shoes when the brake is activated. Pinch drum brakes are sometimes referred to as disk brakes that pinch the drum between two shoes, similar to a disk brake.

About Deutsche Hydrapro

Deutsche Hydrapro manufactures Electric-Over-Hydraulic brake actuators. The automotive industry inspires us to create innovative and new products. At present, we are developing several new braking systems.

Under license, Deutsche Hydrapro EOH brake actuators are manufactured in Australia. With the help of a global European hydraulic engineering company, the EOH brake actuators were developed. Hydraulic drive and control technologies have been provided by the company for more than 90 years. This new product line is designed to provide our customers with safe and effective braking solutions.