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Anti-Lock Braking System
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| Anti-Lock Braking System |
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| Updated |
Jul 7, 2004 20:29:00 |
| Rating |
 21 ( -6 -28.57% ) |
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Description:
Below is an explanation of this system's operation
Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS)
Originally developed for aircraft, ABS basically works by
limiting the pressure to any wheel which decelerates too rapidly. This
allows maximum stopping force to be applied without brake lockup
(skidding). If standard brakes are applied too hard, the wheels "lock" or
skid, which prevents them from giving directional control. If directional
control (steering) is lost, the vehicle skids in a straight line wherever
it is going. ABS allows the driver to steer during hard braking, which
allows you to control the car much better. In the old days, drivers had to
know how to "pump" the brakes or sense the lockup and release foot
pressure in order to prevent skidding. This meant that if only one wheel
lost traction and started to skid, the driver would have to reduce braking
force to prevent a skid. The advantage of ABS is that the brakes on the
wheels with good traction can be used to the fullest possible amount, even
if other wheels lose traction.
In operation, the wheelspeed sensors at each wheel send
electronic pulse signals to the control unit. If wheel lockup (rapid
deceleration) is detected during brake application, the computer signals
the valve unit to limit the hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinder. This
is usually accomplished by diverting the fluid into a small reservoir. The
fluid is later pumped out of the reservoir and returned to the main fluid
reservoir when the brakes are not being applied.
The anti-lock brake system tests itself every time the
vehicle is started and every time the brakes are applied. The system
evaluates its own signals. If a defect is detected, the system then turns
off, leaving normal braking
unaffected. |
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