THE HISTORY OF BRAKING SYSTEMS

Modern braking and brake assist systems are very impressive.

But it is always possible to improve.

Development of braking systems for vehicles

Braking systems have changed significantly since the beginning of the existence of vehicles. The development of braking technology has followed the needs of increasing speed, safety and passenger comfort. This article provides an overview of the major milestones in the development of braking systems, from the first mechanical brakes to modern electronic systems.

First mechanical brakes (19th century)

In the beginning, braking systems were simple and purely mechanical. When the driver of a carriage or the first automobile needed to stop, he used a friction mechanism where a wooden or metal block pushed against the wheels of the vehicle. While this system was simple, the braking efficiency was limited. At higher speeds or under heavier loads, the braking efficiency decreased, leading to safety problems. However, mechanical brakes served as a first step towards the later development of more efficient braking technologies.

Drum brakes (late 19th century - 20th century)

With the growing need for more efficient brakes, drum brakes, invented by French designer Louis Renault, began to be used in 1902. This system used brake shoes inside a metal drum, where friction and subsequent deceleration of the vehicle occurred. Drum brakes offered better performance than the original mechanical systems and were also less sensitive to dirt and moisture. However, they were prone to overheating, which led to a decrease in braking performance under heavy use. Drum brakes became standard and were used for several decades.

Disc brakes (from mid-20th century)

From the 1950s onwards, disc brakes, originally used on racing cars, came to the fore and were later implemented on regular passenger cars. This brake system uses a disc (disk) firmly attached to the wheel, which is pressed against the brake pads during braking. This creates friction that slows the vehicle. Disc brakes are known for their ability to dissipate heat better, minimizing the risk of overheating. This makes them more reliable than drum brakes, even in the rain. Since then, disc brakes have become standard on the front wheels of vehicles and are now common on the rear wheels, especially on more powerful cars.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (1960s-1980s)

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was originally developed for aircraft, but from the 1970s and 1980s it was also used in cars. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under hard braking, which increases safety and allows better control of the vehicle. ABS works by using electronic sensors and a control unit that monitors the rotation of the wheels and adjusts the braking pressure to prevent the wheels from locking. This system significantly improves driving safety, especially in emergency situations.

Electronic and electric brakes (modern times)

With the advent of electric and hybrid vehicles, new technologies such as regenerative braking have begun to emerge. In regenerative braking, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and returned to the battery, saving conventional braking components and increasing vehicle efficiency. Modern cars today also use electronic brake control, which allows precise adjustment of braking pressure and better cooperation with other systems such as ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

The future of braking systems

The future of braking systems is towards fully electronic brakes without hydraulics, so-called "brakes-by-wire". These systems will allow better control, easier maintenance and less mechanical wear. Research is also focusing on reducing particulate emissions from braking. The development of materials with lower particulate production and the possibility of introducing filters on brakes may contribute significantly to reducing air pollution in the future, BUT...