Brakes – Types

Braking system

• Brakes are employed to stop or slow down the speed of a vehicle.
• When brakes are applied to the wheels braking force is created which opposes the speed of the wheel or rotation of the wheels.

Braking requirements :

1. The vehicle must stop in the smallest distance
2. It must act suddenly in emergency.
3. It must have strong braking force.
4. It must not slip or skid the vehicle
5. It must operate on least effort.
6. It must produce least heat.

Types of brakes ;

Brakes are divided into seven types as per their uses functionality locations and other factors ;

1. On the basis of purpose served ;

• Main brake
• Parking brake

2. On the basis of location

• Wheel mounted
• Transmission mounted

3. On the basis of driver ergonomics

• Footbrake
• Handbrake

4. On the basis of actuating

• Mechanical Brake
• Hydraulic Brake
• Air Brake
• Electric Brake

5. On the basis of Construction

• Drum Brake
• Disc Brake

6. On the basis of application of Brake Efforts

• Manual Brake
• Power Brake
• Power Assisted

7. On the basis of action of brake shoes

• Internal Expanding
• External Contracting