BRAKING SYSTEM

-BY VIVEK SINGH

BRAKES
The function of brake is to stop a vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into heat dissipation. But to stop a vehicle by human effort requires a mechanism that increases effort ;for that we use torque funda or pascals law or both. Most common types of brakes are used in cycles. In cycles the mechanical advantage is achieved by torque balancing at pivot. i.e P*y = E*x . At the hand using hand lever and at the calipers which are of various types : 1.centre pull 2. side pull(bmx free style) 3.linear pull(mountain bikes) Most basic types of brakes : 1.spoon brakes 2.duck break 3.rim brakes (a.rod actuated b. wire actuated) 4. band brakes 5. disc brakes Other types include simply changing caliper geometry eg: 1.delta 2.V 3.hydraulic rim break For power transfer bowden cables are used which have 1.plastic coating 2.steel structure 3. sleeve to reduce friction 4.inner cable

Commonly used brakes in four wheelers

Drum brakes Have a drum having two pads in the inside periphery of the drum actuated by an actuater and two retaining spring in between and holding pin to hold the brake drum in position. In drum brakes the main problem is that both the pads are not fully utilised beacause while rotating the tendency of drum is to push one pad in and other to go out. Hence the leading one(going out) wears out faster hence are mostly made thicker than trailing one In order to cope with this double actuated ones are used. But advantage of this type is that the cost is very less.

 Disc brakes these brakes are generally seen in the front wheel of the vehicles . In these brakes there is a disc which mounted on the axle and revolve with it ; in order to stop vehicle there is a caliper which clamps disc at the periphery when the brake pedal is pressed the fluid presses the piston in the caliper hence the brake works.