How does a friction brake work?

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Conventional car brakes serve only one purpose&#;stopping the car. They are such an essential part of the car, yet hold a greater potential in energy efficiency, particularly in terms of regenerative braking.

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Regenerative braking is not a new invention, as hybrid and electric cars currently use it to help recapture lost energy. The idea is simple: Recollect some of the energy lost in braking and convert it into electric energy for the large high capacity battery. The creation of energy when braking is where regenerative brakes differ from conventional brakes.

Conventional Brakes

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Braking and the Hydraulic System

Before we dive into the difference between car brakes, let&#;s describe the hydraulics behind braking. The hydraulic brake circuit consists of a fluid-filled master cylinder, which connects to a separate slave cylinder. The brake pedal connects to the master cylinder and when pushed, depresses the piston in the master cylinder, forcing fluid along connected pipes. The fluid reaches the slave cylinders at each wheel, which in turn forces the piston to apply the brakes.

The surface area of the combined slave pistons, where the brake-pedal force is applied, is greater than that of the master-cylinder piston. Hence, the master piston has to travel a greater distance to move the slave pistons compared to the fraction of distance required by the slave pistons to apply the brakes. This setup allows for the exertion of a large force by the brakes, comparable to how a long-handled lever can lift a heavy object a short distance.

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Magnetic braking systems rely on eddy currents that oppose changes in the magnetic field. This opposing force between the magnets and conductive arms in the auto belay creates drag. This field is always active but intensifies as the centrifugal force moves the conductive arms over the magnets. PHYSICS Friction braking systems, like the one used in the Perfect Descent auto belay, rely on the resistance to motion of one object moving relative to another. This friction is triggered by the centrifugal force created by the climber as they descend. Centrifugal force pulls the conductive arms on the rotor into the magnetic field which induces tiny electric currents inside the drum. These unique, circular currents (called Eddy Currents) generate their own magnetic field back onto the spinning rotor arms, which opposes the release of the webbing spool. MECHANICS Centrifugal force pushes internal brake pads out against the braking drum, thereby slowing your descent to a safe and controlled speed. If the brake was always active, the webbing would retract very slowly, so these devices typically use a clutch system to disengage the brake during ascent (retraction). The more the climber weighs, the more conductive material enters the magnetic field, the more braking is applied. Thus, magnetic auto belays are self-regulating, offering the same descent experience to climbers of all weight types. DESCENT Friction braking mechanism will create a descent experience that will vary by the weight of the climber. A magnetic braking auto belay endures cycle after cycle without deterioration of braking performance. There are no contacting, sacrificial wear parts that degrade in proportion to the number of climbs, which is why magnetic auto belays are more often used for high throughput facilities. WEAR AND TEAR Friction brakes create high thermal energy inside the device, causing the braking mechanism to deteriorate (a phenomenon called brake fade), resulting in increased descent speeds during heavy use. A friction brake will deteriorate as the number of cycles increases because the brake dust itself affects the braking mechanism, and the heat also reduces braking friction. Since magnetic brakes use non-contacting components, dust and rain will not affect the brakes' performance under normal conditions. PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE If a foreign substance, like water, gets inside of a friction drum brake, it can change the frictional properties of the brake mechanism. Suitable for dynamic loading and &#;slack&#; falls. DYNAMICS Not recommended for dynamic loading and &#;slack&#; falls. Non-contacting components reduce service cost for braking components. Recertification by an authorized service center is required annually. SERVICE Friction brakes require re-placement of brake pads as they wear. Typical service inspection is every 6 months.