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| hydraulic brake | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hydraulic brake |
| Classification | Braking system |
| Inventor | Karl Benz; Lucien Gaulard (developments) |
| Developed | Late 19th century–20th century |
| Usage | Automotive, railway, aerospace, industrial |
hydraulic brake
A hydraulic brake is a braking system that converts kinetic energy into heat using a fluid-driven force transmission mechanism. It couples a driver-actuated input—often a pedal or lever—to frictional elements via incompressible fluid in a closed circuit to achieve deceleration. Hydraulic brakes underpin many transportation and industrial applications developed through contributions from inventors, manufacturers, and standards bodies.
Early experiments in fluid power and braking trace to engineers associated with Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, and Émile Levassor during the automobile emergence in Germany and France. Work on hydraulic amplification and control drew on research by Joseph Bramah and later innovations in hydraulic components from companies such as Vickers Limited and Bosch (company). The adoption of hydraulic brakes in mass-market vehicles accelerated with demonstrations at events like the Paris Motor Show and regulatory responses following high-speed endurance events such as the Targa Florio. Military procurement during the World War I and World War II spurred further advances through collaboration with firms linked to Rolls-Royce Limited and General Motors. Postwar standardization involved organizations including SAE International, ISO, and national authorities influencing adoption across markets served by manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Volkswagen Group.
Hydraulic brakes operate by Pascal's principle as articulated by measurements and demonstrations from figures like Blaise Pascal in contexts later formalized by laboratories at institutions such as École Polytechnique and University of Cambridge. When a driver acts on a pedal, a master cylinder pressurizes brake fluid produced to specifications compliant with standards from SAE International and ISO. Pressure transmits through hoses to wheel cylinders or calipers linked to friction elements developed by engineering groups at Brembo S.p.A. and Akebono Brake Corporation. Systems integrate hydraulic circuits with components designed or certified by agencies like National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and European Commission directives for vehicle safety.
A typical system includes a master cylinder traced to concepts from Joseph Bramah and reservoir designs used by firms such as Bosch (company), connected via hoses reinforced by suppliers like Parker Hannifin. At wheels, calipers (floating or fixed) and wheel cylinders engage rotors or drums manufactured by companies including ATE (company) and Brembo S.p.A.. Valves such as proportioning valves and metering valves owe design lineage to hydraulic toolmakers like Rexroth (Bosch Rexroth). Accumulators, master valves, and modulators for anti-lock functions are provided by systems integrators like Continental AG and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Brake fluids meet performance criteria set by SAE International and are cataloged by manufacturers like Castrol and Valvoline.
Hydraulic braking appears in passenger vehicles built by Honda Motor Company, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, in motorcycles from Harley-Davidson and Ducati, and in light aircraft certified under rules from Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Heavy-duty applications include hydraulic retarders used by operators such as MAN Truck & Bus and Scania AB, and industrial presses produced by firms like Komatsu and Caterpillar Inc.. Specialized forms include hydraulic-actuated disc brakes used in motorsport teams at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and combined hydraulic/electronic systems integrated by suppliers working with Tesla, Inc. and Nissan Motor Corporation.
Brake performance is quantified using test protocols maintained by SAE International, ISO, and regulators such as National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Parameters include stopping distance standards referenced in rulemaking by the European Commission and vehicle certification by agencies like Transport Canada. Safety features—anti-lock braking systems—were advanced by engineering groups at Bosch (company) and tested in programs run by institutions such as MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association). Fail-safe and redundancy approaches are informed by accident investigations conducted by entities like the National Transportation Safety Board and standards committees within ISO.
Service practices are codified by OEMs including Toyota Motor Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Honda Motor Company and by aftermarket networks such as Bosch Car Service and Monroe (company). Common maintenance tasks include fluid replacement meeting SAE International grade, pad and shoe inspection from suppliers like Brembo S.p.A., and hose replacement sourced from manufacturers such as Parker Hannifin. Troubleshooting often refers to diagnostic flow charts used by authorized centers certified by organizations like ASE (automotive service excellence) and recalls managed through agencies including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Manufacturers such as Brembo S.p.A., Akebono Brake Corporation, and Continental AG use foundries and machining centers operated by industrial firms like GKN plc for rotors and drums. Materials span grey cast iron specified in standards from ASTM International, high-carbon steels used by suppliers like ThyssenKrupp, and composites developed in collaboration with research labs at MIT and Fraunhofer Society. Friction materials incorporate formulations from companies including Federal-Mogul and 3M and follow testing regimens from laboratories at TÜV SÜD and DIN.
Brake systems are subject to emission and particulate guidelines influenced by studies at institutions such as European Environment Agency and United States Environmental Protection Agency. Regulations promulgated by bodies like the European Commission and the United States Department of Transportation shape requirements for materials, waste handling, and chemical content, with industry responses from manufacturers including Brembo S.p.A. and Bosch (company). End-of-life recycling programs involve organizations such as ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) and standards supported by ISO committees addressing sustainability in automotive supply chains managed by corporations like Volkswagen Group.
Category:Brakes