'ULTIMATE' BRAKING SYSTEM UNDER TEST
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AN ELECTRONIC anti-lock system is being tested on a 1,000ft-long multi-surfaced skid pad by the Bendix Corporation (401 Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana 46620) automotive development centre, writes Paul Brockington.
The system was at first experimentally applied to the wheels pf the forward axle of a tandem-axle semi trailer and tests are being made with cars equipped with the device. It could readily be applied to all wheels of a vehicle.
It offers the ultimate in vehicle braking performance, says Mr. W. Carter Suttle, engineer in charge of the Corporation's antiwheel-lock programme.
Production cost of the electronic sensor (diameter about 2fin) is small. Development has been made possible by advances in, and availability of, low-cost miniature circuitry and sensing devices.
• In contrast to anti-skid devices depending on "on-off" braking to achieve stability, the Bendix system maintains a constant maximum braking force by proportioning the rotation of the wheel according to the forward velocity of the vehicle.