Abstract:

So we’ve got the drum brake, then the disc brake, then the disc brake with multiple calipers. Then we improve that further with slots, cross-drill holes and make the whole disc ventilated. Even brake by wire has been introduced. What next, something totally different?

EWB (Electronic Wedge Brake) was first introduced by Siemens in 2005. Siemens VDO's EWB is based on innovative technology developed by eStop, a firm which was acquired by the company in early 2005, and its control-related foundations originate from German Aviation and Aerospace Center applications. The electronic wedge brake works by a similar principle to that used in brakes for horse-drawn carriages, where a wedge was used to bring the wheel to a standstill. The Electronic Wedge Brake completely bypasses any hydraulic system; instead it is powered by a simple 12-volt power system that already exists in the car. The system also has a faster reaction time, it works about a third quicker than conventional brakes, only requiring 100ms to reach full braking power compared to a hydraulic brake’s 170ms.