BRAKING BARRIERS

Most anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are simply designed, well made, and sensibly installed. Under normal circumstances, they are reliable, and most of their problems arise from poor maintenance or ill-informed interference. A typical ABS consists of: (1) an electronic control unit (ECU), which is normally located in the cab or, on trailers, in a sturdy metal casing; (2) modulators, located as near as possible to each wheel, which release the brake as soon as the ECU detects wheel lock-up; and (3) sensors on hubs, which detect the wheels' rotational movement. The ECU interprets the sensor outputs to calculate wheel speeds, and it can determine if at least one wheel is deviating from its norm. Correct sensor adjustment is the critical factor in ABS performance, and optimising the gap between the sensor and the wheel requires attention to detail and a methodical approach. Modern ABS systems have some 'intelligence' when handling detected faults. They can distinguish between safety-critical and more ordinary operational failures, and act accordingly. System faults are stored within the ECU and accessed via diagnostic equipment during routine servicing. However, immediate action must be taken when the warning light indicates a safety-related problem.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00103063
• Corporate Authors:

  Reed Business Information, Limited

  Quadrant House, The Quadrant
  Brighton Road
  Sutton, Surrey  United Kingdom  SM2 5AS
• Authors:
  • GRAHAM, C
• Publication Date: 1999-10-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 36-7
• Serial:
  • COMMERCIAL MOTOR
  • Volume: 190
  • Issue Number: 4844
  • Publisher: Reed Business Information, Limited
  • ISSN: 0010-3063

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adjustment factors; Antilock brake systems; Braking; Control; Design; Durability; Electronics; Equipment maintenance; Failure; Installation; Maintenance; Rotation; Safety; Sensors; Trucks; Warning systems; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Equipment adjustment
• ITRD Terms: 3816: Adjustment; 1461: Anti locking device; 1874: Braking; 3874: Control; 9011: Design (overall design); 5910: Durability; 6965: Electronics; 5520: Failure; 3840: Installation; 1236: Lorry; 3847: Maintenance; 6406: Rotation; 1665: Safety; 6120: Sensor; 9113: Warning; 1372: Wheel
• Subject Areas: Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00780944
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 7 2000 12:00AM