Title: Anti-swerve mechanical brakes

Authors: S.W. Zewari

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA

Abstract: It is known that rear-wheel lock-up during braking, before the front wheels lock, results in vehicle instability. Such a condition is referred to as rear-wheel skid. A rear-wheel skid elicits a lateral and angular deviation of the vehicle and can be a contributing factor in rollovers and many fatal accidents. The problem of rear-wheel skid has been studied for decades. Efforts have been made to remedy the |rear-wheel skid| by preventing the rear wheels from locking before the front wheels. This led to the design of sophisticated electromechanical anti-lock systems. However, high cost, low reliability and maintenance problems limit the use of such systems. This paper presents some background information and a new. All mechanical emergency brake system that will provide a solution to this problem. The proposed system would drastically minimise the chances of swerving of road vehicles under emergency braking conditions and provide safe braking in cases of complete hydraulic brake fluid loss/failure, irrespective of the skill of the driver.

Keywords: braking systems; directional stability; mechanical brakes; rear-wheel lock-up; rear-wheel skid; rollover; vehicle design; vehicle safely; vehicle braking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1986.061174

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1986 Vol.7 No.5/6, pp.209 - 214

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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