Automotive systems safety Autoliv has come up with a new vacuum-induced system ‘Torricelli brake’, capable of cutting braking distance with around 40% in speeds up to 70km/h for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
With a view to revolutionizing traffic safety in urban environments, the firm has conducted tests involving the brakes that have plate, induced by vacuum below a vehicle, capable of sucking down into the track during emergency braking situation.
The nomenclature of the brake draws from the 17th century Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli and the technology was developed at Autoliv's research plant in Vargarda, Sweden.
It has been observed that braking with insufficient force has been the reason behind many road mishaps. Distraction or lack of attention may often be the reason for pressing the brake pedal, resulting in the need for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems.
Autoliv Research head Ola Bostrom said, "Even if there are several steps ahead before the Torricelli brake can be put into full-scale production, this is undoubtedly an example of how future innovations can revolutionize traffic safety and save more lives, in particular in urban environments..
"The main hindrance for car manufacturer implementation of the Torricelli brake is simply that it is too efficient. In order to complement existing safety equipment, other safety details such as belt tighteners also need to be updated - due to the major braking force of the Torricelli brake system", add Ola.
Technically, the Torricelli brake has a connection with automatic breaking system that is rigged to detect hazards ahead.
