Electromechanical Parking Brake
Standards of the automotive industry are in a process of continuous change. Many features once considered premium are now essential in a vehicle. Electromechanical parking brake systems are one of such safety features that are gradually becoming a standard. Electromechanical or electric brakes are gradually replacing the traditional brakes in modern passenger cars.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about electromechanical brakes and its significance in modern vehicles.
What is an Electromechanical Brake?
The electromechanical parking brake in cars is a braking system that is used to stop a vehicle from rolling over or maintaining its position on an incline. These brakes are used in modern vehicles to increase the convenience of the driver and can be operated from a single push button. Moreover, it also fulfills the obligation of a second or emergency braking system in vehicles for additional safety. We have elaborated on this braking system in the following paragraphs.
Design
The design of the braking system can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the basic structure and working of the braking system remain the same. The most basic electromechanical brakes consist of a gear plate, electric motor (DC) and spindle directly attached to caliper and actuators. Moreover, the brake piston, brake disc, pressure nut and cylinder are also part of the electromechanical parking braking system. The DC motor is used to power the gear plate so that it can generate lifting movement.
Working
When the electromechanical parking brake button is pressed the DC motor supply powers the gear plate which transfers it to the spindle. Due to which the thread attached to the spindle rotates and creates back and forth motion in the cylinder. This movement is dependent on the condition of whether the brakes are engaged or disengaged. When brakes are engaged the cylinder moves forward and the pulley is rotated inwards.
Similarly, when brakes are disengaged, the DC motor starts rotating the spindle in the opposite direction, the cylinder is moved backward and the pulley rotates in an outward direction. A spring attached to the spindle provides restoring force and supports in disengaging brakes from wheels.
Functions of Electromechanical Brakes
The core purpose of installing this technology in modern vehicles was to increase convenience and replace conventional braking. However, there are many other functions that this system performs in a modern car.
Intelligent Parking
It serves as a convenient parking brake that can be operated through a button. This intelligent system can self-engage itself and prevent vehicles from rolling over. Moreover, if the vehicle is parked at a 30% inclination, a dashboard warning light will illuminate to indicate the risk.
Emergency Braking
It can also be used as an emergency braking system. The brakes are engaged as long as the button is pressed. The maximum deceleration that it can provide is 8 m/s. However, it only functions at a speed of 8 km/h or more. If the speed is less than this limit, electronic brake force is used to stop the vehicle.
Hill Descent Support
Electromechanical brakes support the driver while driving on the hill or incline without rolling back. When the hill descent control system is activated it also engages electric brakes for additional support and avoids slipping back of the car.
Fault Diagnosis
The fault detection technology in cars continuously monitors the proper functioning of electromechanical brakes. Various parameters of the braking system are monitored and warning lights are illuminated in case of any discrepancy. Other than that, faults in the system can also be diagnosed by physical observation generally, front-wheel idling.
How to Troubleshoot Electric Emergency Brake
Like any other braking system, parking brakes can stop working due to multiple reasons. In this condition, you have to troubleshoot the brakes for adequate driving. See the following process of troubleshooting the car brakes.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the switch
- Remove rear wheels
- Disconnect electric plugs placed at the actuator
- Uninstall the actuator
- Turn the spindles with the help of a screwdriver
- Fit all the parts that were uninstalled
This was all about electromechanical brakes in cars. The brakes are not only used for parking but they are also used in case of emergency. Moreover, many sub-systems in cars are dependent upon these brakes for adequate functioning. this advanced braking system is becoming a norm in automotive industry. If you want to upgrade your car, you can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
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