Chassis Brakes International recently previewed a new fluid-free brake system for engineering teams representing the world’s major automakers in Arjeplog, Sweden.
The company’s new brake-by-wire Smart Brake is designed to replace hydraulic systems and will serve as the foundation for future autonomous vehicle brake systems. A specially-fitted demonstration vehicle was used for the program in Sweden.
The “hands-on” test sessions gave 10 individual customer teams an opportunity to experience the Smart Brake’s full-service braking performance on four wheels, including anti-lock braking and traction control, as well as integrated parking brake capabilities. It was the first opportunity Chassis Brakes customers have had to road test a “fully dry” brake-by-wire system.
“Our Smart Brake system offers the industry a simplified and fluid-free braking solution, reducing system architecture complexity, component count, weight and maintenance requirements,” said Dr. Thomas Wuensche, global CEO of Chassis Brakes. “What it eliminates on the hardware side, it more than replaces in terms of performance, added functionality and safety.”
Dr. Wuensche noted that the Smart Brake system could improve vehicle stopping distances through innovative control strategies. The system also reduces residual drag, which can help improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Smart Brake’s single-actuator design combines service braking and parking at all four wheels.