28-03-2017, 12:14 PM
The electronic braking force distribution is a system of additional brake controls that can increase and improve the functionality of the anti-lock brakes. Since most OEMs offer at least one model with EBD, there are several different systems out there. However, EBD systems often make use of components such as:
• speed sensors
• brake force modulators
• electronic control units
• yaw sensors
• steering wheel angle sensors
Many of these components are also used by other systems related to the brakes, such as electronic stability control and traction control.
Electronic Distribution of the Braking Force
Electronic braking force distribution systems examine the speed sensor data to determine if one of the wheels is not rotating at the same speed as the others. These systems can also compare the data of a yaw sensor with the data of a steering wheel angle sensor to see if the vehicle is over or under-steering. These data are processed by the electronic control unit to determine the relative load of each wheel.
If the electronic control unit determines that one or more wheels are under a lighter load than the others, it is able to use braking force modulators to reduce the braking force to that wheel. This occurs dynamically, so the braking force can be modulated continuously in response to prevailing conditions.
Electronic distribution of the braking force
The purpose of EBD is similar to the purposes of related technologies such as anti-lock brakes and traction control. These technologies are designed to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from locking up, which can cause a driver to lose control very quickly.
Unlike other brake systems, EBD is able to dynamically modulate the braking force applied to each wheel.
The general idea behind the electronic distribution of the braking force is that the wheels are more easily locked when under a light load. Traditional dosing valves address this problem by applying different levels of braking force to the front and rear wheels, but these hydraulic valves are not capable of reacting to different circumstances and conditions.
Under normal circumstances, the weight of a vehicle will move forward as it slows down. Since this puts a heavier load on the front wheels than the rear wheels, the EBD systems can respond to that situation by lowering the brake force on the rear wheels. However, a vehicle that is heavily loaded in the rear will behave differently. If the trunk is full of luggage, an EBD system is able to detect that increased load and to modulate the braking force accordingly.
What is the best way to drive a vehicle that has electronic brake force distribution?
If you are in a vehicle that includes EBD, you should drive just like any other vehicle that has anti-lock brakes. These systems work behind the scenes to automatically adjust the extra weight on the trunk, ice or wet conditions, and other variables, so no extra effort is required on your part.
However, it is a good idea to take extra care when braking and cornering until you are familiar with how the vehicle handles.
If the electronic brake force distribution fails
In case of EBD failure, the conventional brake system should continue to operate normally. That means you will typically be fine if you have to drive a vehicle that has a malfunctioning EBD system. However, you will have to be very careful when braking. Because EBD and ABS use many of the same components, their anti-lock brakes often fail at the same time as their electronic brake-force distribution system, which means they may need to pump the brakes instead of applying constant pressure.
Some manufacturers recommend that you check your brake fluid level if you suspect that the EBD system is malfunctioning, as some vehicles use the same low fluid warning light that is used for other brake problems. If the fluid level is low, you should avoid driving the vehicle until it has been covered, and a mechanic should inspect the system for leaks.
• speed sensors
• brake force modulators
• electronic control units
• yaw sensors
• steering wheel angle sensors
Many of these components are also used by other systems related to the brakes, such as electronic stability control and traction control.
Electronic Distribution of the Braking Force
Electronic braking force distribution systems examine the speed sensor data to determine if one of the wheels is not rotating at the same speed as the others. These systems can also compare the data of a yaw sensor with the data of a steering wheel angle sensor to see if the vehicle is over or under-steering. These data are processed by the electronic control unit to determine the relative load of each wheel.
If the electronic control unit determines that one or more wheels are under a lighter load than the others, it is able to use braking force modulators to reduce the braking force to that wheel. This occurs dynamically, so the braking force can be modulated continuously in response to prevailing conditions.
Electronic distribution of the braking force
The purpose of EBD is similar to the purposes of related technologies such as anti-lock brakes and traction control. These technologies are designed to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from locking up, which can cause a driver to lose control very quickly.
Unlike other brake systems, EBD is able to dynamically modulate the braking force applied to each wheel.
The general idea behind the electronic distribution of the braking force is that the wheels are more easily locked when under a light load. Traditional dosing valves address this problem by applying different levels of braking force to the front and rear wheels, but these hydraulic valves are not capable of reacting to different circumstances and conditions.
Under normal circumstances, the weight of a vehicle will move forward as it slows down. Since this puts a heavier load on the front wheels than the rear wheels, the EBD systems can respond to that situation by lowering the brake force on the rear wheels. However, a vehicle that is heavily loaded in the rear will behave differently. If the trunk is full of luggage, an EBD system is able to detect that increased load and to modulate the braking force accordingly.
What is the best way to drive a vehicle that has electronic brake force distribution?
If you are in a vehicle that includes EBD, you should drive just like any other vehicle that has anti-lock brakes. These systems work behind the scenes to automatically adjust the extra weight on the trunk, ice or wet conditions, and other variables, so no extra effort is required on your part.
However, it is a good idea to take extra care when braking and cornering until you are familiar with how the vehicle handles.
If the electronic brake force distribution fails
In case of EBD failure, the conventional brake system should continue to operate normally. That means you will typically be fine if you have to drive a vehicle that has a malfunctioning EBD system. However, you will have to be very careful when braking. Because EBD and ABS use many of the same components, their anti-lock brakes often fail at the same time as their electronic brake-force distribution system, which means they may need to pump the brakes instead of applying constant pressure.
Some manufacturers recommend that you check your brake fluid level if you suspect that the EBD system is malfunctioning, as some vehicles use the same low fluid warning light that is used for other brake problems. If the fluid level is low, you should avoid driving the vehicle until it has been covered, and a mechanic should inspect the system for leaks.