June 26, 2024

Juan Valenciana

11th Grade

St. Francis Preparatory School 

Automotive braking systems are fundamental components of any vehicle and are essential for ensuring safety and control. These systems enable drivers to decelerate or bring their vehicles to a stop. Over time, braking systems have evolved significantly, driven by advancements in mechanical engineering and technology. 

Initially, drum brakes were the standard design choice. Invented in the early 20th century, drum brakes consisted of brake shoes pressing outward against a rotating drum attached to the wheel. This also means that during prolonged or heavy braking, the friction generated between the brake shoes and the drum could lead to excessive heat buildup and could cause the brake shoes to wear out quickly.

Future braking designs include regenerative braking and autonomous braking systems. In electric and hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it into electrical energy stored in the vehicle’s battery. This technology not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces wear on traditional braking components. Autonomous braking systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to detect obstacles and apply brakes automatically, theoretically enhancing safety. This technology is being integrated into both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles from manufacturers like Tesla.