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The antilock braking system (ABS) is a type of active safety system in a vehicle. It is also known as a non-slip braking system. This system kicks in when the driver suddenly applies the brakes during an emergency. The use of the antilock braking system in cars and motorcycles is now mandatory in most of the world.
Need for antilock brakes:
Whenever the driver suddenly brakes a vehicle at high speed, there is always the possibility that the wheels will lock up. Locking the wheel means that the respective wheel comes to a sudden stop instead of slowing to a stop. Due to the locking of the wheels, the driver loses control of the vehicle and the vehicle goes off the road. This is how a fatal accident occurs. To avoid such situations, manufacturers use ABS.
Components of antilock braking system (ABS):
The ABS has the following components:
- Wheel speed sensors
- ABS control module
- Brake control unit
- Valves
- Pump
Wheel speed sensors continuously monitor the speed of each wheel. As long as all the wheels have comparable speed, the system does not interfere with their operation. However, if the speed sensors find that the speed of any of the wheels is reducing drastically, then it means that the particular wheel is going to lock.
However, the locked wheel hampers vehicle stability. Thus, the vehicle stops responding to the steering input given by the driver. At this moment, the vehicle also starts to skid, thereby causing a fatal accident. To avoid such a mishap, the ABS comes into action.
How does Antilock braking system (ABS) work?
After receiving the very low-speed signal from the wheel speed sensor, the ABS module instructs the brake control unit to reduce the braking force of that wheel. Reducing the braking force means reducing the hydraulic pressure in the brake line acting on that wheel.
The brake control unit reduces the line pressure with the help of the system valves. When the braking force is reduced, the wheel starts to turn faster, thus preventing the wheel from locking. Since the wheel does not lock, the drivability of the vehicle remains intact.
This means that the vehicle moves according to the driver’s input without skidding. Once the normal condition is restored, the Brake Control Unit restores the hydraulic pressure in the brake line with the help of a pump.
Advantages of Antilock braking system (ABS) :
1. ABS maintains the drivability and stability of the vehicle during emergency braking.
2. Reduces stopping distance by up to 10% or more, especially on wet surfaces.
Disadvantages of antilock braking system (ABS):
The only downside to the anti-lock braking system is its higher cost. In recent times, the purchase of the anti-lock braking system installed on a bicycle or car costs the customer significantly. However, this higher cost is fully offset by the increased security provided by this system. In addition, the automotive industry is working to develop a low-cost version of the anti-lock braking system.
