90 Years of Bosch Braking Systems

• Bosch is the leader in the development of brake systems for cars - from individual components to electronic safety systems
• In 1927 the Bosch brake booster allowed to significantly reduce the braking distance of cars
• Bosch developments in the field of brake systems have made traffic safer

Without a doubt, brakes are the first and most important component of vehicle safety. Let us recall the 20-ies of the last century - brake systems barely coped with the power and mass of cars of that time. The pneumatic brake booster, introduced by Bosch in 1927, significantly improved safety on the roads. Thanks to this innovation, the braking distance of heavy commercial vehicles was immediately reduced by one third. In 1936, Bosch filed a patent for "a mechanism that prevents the locking of the wheels of the vehicle." It became the basis for modern anti-lock braking systems. But only in 1978, the development of digital technology allowed the launch of the ABS system into mass production. At the moment, the Bosch ABS anti-lock braking system, TCS traction control system, launched in series production in 1986, and the ESP in 1995 are the most important components of the safe movement and braking of the car.

Innovative developments of Bosch in all components of brake systems

For 90 years, Bosch engineers have set new standards in the field of brake systems, making vehicles safer with technical solutions, inventions and patents. Today, the anti-lock braking system is the standard in automotive engineering. The ESP has become mandatory in many countries. In addition to these electronic systems, Bosch developments have been constantly aimed at improving all other brake components. For example, in 1983, using the high-carbon alloy brake discs, it was possible to significantly improve the performance of the braking system on powerful cars. From 2001 to 2012 a number of Bosch inventions allowed to increase the efficiency of brake calipers. In 2016, Bosch introduced innovative brake fluids ENV6 and ENV4, providing a quick response of modern brake systems.

New friction materials for brake shoes

With the development of production technologies and the combination of new materials, Bosch manages to make progress in improving the brake pads again and again. After all, it is on them that the effort created by the brake system is transmitted, ensuring safe braking of the vehicle. The development of brake pads is significantly influenced by traffic conditions, existing legislation and environmental requirements, which vary from country to country. Bosch produces a number of brake pads that meet the specific requirements of markets around the world. For example, in 2010, in the states of Washington and California in the US, laws were promulgated, imposing restrictions on the use of copper in brake pads. Bosch engineers were the first to develop the composition of copper-free pads - 8 years before the entry into force of these laws! The application for a patent was filed in 2014. In the European market Bosch also offers these copper-free pads, despite the fact that such legislative requirements are not available here.

Source: www.bosch-automotive.com