Electric parking brake works with the push of a button

Posted Tue Apr 15 2008 1:31 PM by Nelson Ireson

Parking brakes are often overlooked, less-than-glamorous parts of most cars. After all, most of us live in areas that hardly justify their use, especially on automatic transmission cars. But pressure in the industry to drive prices ever-downward means no part can be overlooked when it comes to simplification and cost-reduction. This new electric parking brake from TRW achieves both goals, and improves performance too.

The new system requires fewer parts and therefore less assembly, which means quicker installation. It integrates neatly into the hat portion of a standard disc brake assembly, and is called a 'drum-in-hat' parking brake. Because it is electric, TRW calls it the eDIH system. Aside from its simple production and installation and lower cost, the new brake is also supposed to be easier to use, reports AutomobilWoche.

Very large parking brakes require a great deal of force to activate if they are manually operated. Electric parking brakes on the other hand can operate any size of brake with the same input from the user - a simple push of a button. Also, the system can be integrated into security systems and can be triggered if anyone attempts unauthorized use of the vehicle.

The brake is designed to be used on vehicles up to 8.6 metric tonnes (18,900lbs) curb weight, and will begin production in 2011.

Reader Comments

Tue Apr 15 2008 1:44 PM
chris says

uhm, I'm sorry but i'd kind of prefer for my EMERGENCY brake to be the last thing that is made electrical on any car. Electric power assist is one thing, but fully electric... EMERGENCY brakes... now thats just plain scary.
Tue Apr 15 2008 1:56 PM
Delby says

i agree thats why it's called emergency brakes if all else fails thats what you use. I dont know about you guys but I wouldnt want that to be electrical.
Tue Apr 15 2008 6:29 PM
HECTOR says

I don't have anything against this technology and would welcome it in my car. Then again I live in a flat State with no snow so...

What I wonder is why some car makers still have foot activated, hand release e-brakes. The Phaeton has it at least and I'm sure more than a few other high priced vehicles. While they're at it, why not installed drum brakes on all four wheels, gas lights and a wind up key to start the car?
Tue Apr 15 2008 6:39 PM
Gus says

I'm sure this is inevitable tech, no matter what the sacrifice in ultimate reliability.
But brakes are so reliable these days I don't think it matters...
Wed Apr 16 2008 8:49 AM
chris says

gus, what concerns me is when your battery takes a crap, and you're on the highway, and you have no electrical system what so ever. the engine dies, and you're left to coast to a stop? no farkin thank you.

now... in an EV, or a hybrid, electric emergency braking would work great, by reversing the polarity on the drive, and forcing the momentum of the car to charge the electric system. that would work even if the battery is shot. there. even more proof. EV REVOLUTIONE!!!
Wed Apr 16 2008 9:37 AM
Gus says

Yeah, but it's doubtful the battery will take a crap at the same time the brakes do...
Wed Apr 16 2008 10:49 AM
chris says

touche.... however, we know electric power brakes are on the way...................
Wed Apr 16 2008 3:45 PM
sung says

is that mean no more hand break drifting? oh no....

MotorAuthority