Experts from the Mechanical Engineering research group at the University of Málaga have designed an “intelligent” system for vehicles that improves upon the braking efficiency of current ABS.

Vehicles are reaching ever higher speeds, which makes it necessary to have a braking system capable of slowing them down safely and over the least possible distance. When wheels lock, these goals are not easily achieved. This phenomenon means braking takes place over longer distances, given that the process does not take full advantage of all the possible traction the tire might have with the road surface. Further, this can cause steering instability for the vehicle, which in some cases can lead to complete loss of control.

The first ABS (Antilock Brake Systems) were developed as a result of research to solve this problem, in order to keep wheels from locking up. Nonetheless, these systems still have deficiencies. As a result, experts from the Mechanical Engineering group at the University of Málaga have designed a system of intelligent brakes for vehicles that improves upon the braking efficiency of current ABS.

The device introduces two improvements: an algorithm that predicts the parameters within which the brakes should function properly, and the use of valves that put gradual pressure on the brake disc. This is as opposed to systems currently used, which are “all or nothing”; in other words, they either put pressure on the wheel, or they don’t.

The system is considered “intelligent” because it uses an algorithm to predict the parameters within which the anti-lock system of the brakes should work. In this sense, experts are applying mathematical techniques to estimate variables that consider the type of road surface (asphalt, concrete or cement) and the braking conditions (that is, if the surface is dry, wet or icy). The new system determines the braking force using this predictive mathematical model.