Anti-lock from Goodrich
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THE FITTING of anti-lock braking systems has become a statutory obligation in the United States for commercial vehicles fitted with air brakes. International B. F. Goodrich anticipates the introduction of similar legislation in Europe in 1978 and so has announced its own safety system, which is similar to the Dunlop Maxaret device already well known to UK operators.
The main components of the system are : a toothed rotor with a magnetic sensor to monitor the road wheel-speed and a miniature computer with a relay valve to regulate the brake pressure.
In the case of the Goodrich system each drive-axle wheel is fitted with a rotor and sensor unit. As soon as it becomes evident that a wheel (or wheels) is showing a tendency to lock, the computer signals a relay valve to reduce the braking power on that axle. This reduction in braking can take place in three stages, namely by 33,66 or 100 per cent depending on the degree of wheel-locking present. This type of control gives the device the trade name of "Triple Action Skid Control." In the event of a defect, the system automatically puts it' self out of action leaving the driver with the normal braking system.