Electonic braking systems gaining share but full brake-by-wire some way off

BROMSGROVE, UK, 13 JUN 2006 - A new study, 'Global market review of electronic braking systems - forecasts to 2012' published by automotive industry website just-auto.com suggests that the growth in electronic braking is being driven by the trickle-down of ABS (anti-lock braking system) and ESP (electronic stability system) from luxury to mass-market segments as well as the emergence of electric park brake systems (or EPB).

While ABS prevents vehicle wheels from locking during braking, and traction control stops the wheels from spinning on acceleration, ESP reduces the risk of skidding in all traffic situations.

Although ESP is already standard equipment on many luxury cars, an increasing number of mid-range and small-cars are being fitted with the unit as optional fitment.

Meanwhile, all the main electronic brake system integrators are developing their own solutions to electric park brake systems or EPB (also known as the electromechanical parking brake).

An EPB system replaces mechanical parking brakes and the bulky mechanisms associated with them such as hand levers or foot pedals in the interior of the vehicle, and cable mechanisms and cables running through the vehicle. A car equipped with an EPB can also be a big plus for those older drivers or those with a physical disability.

Manufacturers see the technology as a stepping-stone to full non-hydraulic electric braking systems.

But in terms of the adoption rate of EPB systems, Continental Automotive Systems sees slow growth. James Remfrey, head of technology benchmarking and placement, advanced development department, Continental Automotive Systems, said: "Although the OEMs are heading in this direction, it is not easy to sell comfort systems. While the electric parking brake is a comfort system, there is still a safety advantage.

For instance, parking a heavy prestige vehicle on an incline will have higher operational safety utilising an electric parking brake compared to a conventional hand-lever system. In that situation, the driver can be sure there is enough force on the brake to keep the vehicle stationary. A further advantage is packaging in the vehicle for the vehicle manufacturer. The fitment rates are increasing, especially in the compact vehicle class."

Like steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire technology has already been offered, specifically by Mercedes in some of its top-range models and in a hybrid electro-hydraulic braking (EHB) form, with electric signaling but hydraulic brake application. The alternative, seen as a longer-term prospect, is electro-mechanical braking (EMB) in which the brake calipers are applied electrically, via a highly geared linkage, and the hydraulics are eliminated altogether (which is presented as a notable advantage).

Although brake-by-wire systems can provide more effective and safer braking, eliminating bulky hydraulic technology, releasing space and reducing maintenance, its development path has not been all that smooth.

Steve Montgomery, director, control systems software, Ricardo, told just-auto: "In terms of system development, we are some way down the road towards full electric braking. However, early vehicles with electro-hydraulic braking have not been accepted as well as hoped. For example, the Mercedes E-class with an EHB system suffered from recalls which have dented customer confidence in the technology and have led Mercedes to phase EHB out and revert to a hydraulic braking system at least for the E-class and possibly all vehicles."

For all the development we are seeing in the automotive industry on electric brakes, hydraulic brakes still has a long life ahead. Peter Miller, director, electrical/electronic engineering, Ricardo, told us: "Given that we can achieve a lot of functionality with a hydraulic system something else has to change to drive electric braking systems. For example, if the environmental cost of hydraulic systems renders them unacceptable then electric brakes will be in favour."

For more details on the report, 'Global market review of electronic braking systems - forecasts to 2012', please Click: HERE

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