With the evolution of technology and material science, vehicles are now more powerful, more agile, and infinitely more interesting. As vehicles consistently pushed the envelope of what previous generations thought was impossible, braking technology had also continued to evolve.
Producing brake products to meet specific price targets usually requires a large volume to take advantage of economies of scale. Producing in small batches introduces inefficiencies which, if not controlled correctly, can skyrocket production costs. It takes a special team to be able to manufacture small batches in an economical method and Remmen Brakes has that team.
At Remmen, racing is an extension of driving philosophy and it is source of innovation and creation. They consistently challenge engineers to develop the latest and greatest technologies that will provide clients with the advantage they need on, and off, the racetrack.
Leading the way to safer more integrated brake technology
Significant improvements in material technology and systems controls over the last decade has allowed for the invention of a new and improved brake system.
The NEMB (Non-Linear Electro-Mechanical Brake) is a patent-pending brake system that uses an electric motor and mechanical linkages to apply a force to the brake pads.
ACTUATION MECHANISM
The NEMB uses an electric motor and a patent-pending design of linkages and gears to amplify the torque of the motor by 3 to 4 times and convert that torque to a linear force.
CONTROLS
The calipers of the NEMB system operate in parallel. This means that each caliper can be operated independently.
Signals sent from the brake pedal can be sent directly to the calipers or via the on-board ECU. Such flexibility opens up a wide range of possibilities in vehicle dynamics and safety management.
SAFETY
Because each caliper can be controlled independently the system is inherently redundant. Should one caliper fail, the other three calipers will remain operational. In conventional hydraulic systems and newer Electro-Hydraulic a pressure-loss in the brake fluid line can mean a catastrophic brake system failure.
Should the vehicle’s ECU shut down, input from the pedal can still reach the calipers and the system’s backup power supply will allow for brake engagement to safely stop the vehicle.
SUSTAINABILITY
BRAKE FLUID: The NEMB does not use brake fluid. Brake fluid is a corrosive fluid that must be disposed of as a hazardous substance. Elimination of this fluid allows for more environmentally friendly brake systems.
TRUE ZERO-DRAG: The NEMB mechanism actively pulls the pads off the rotor. This means that, unlike current hydraulic systems, the vehicle will have true-zero drag leading to fuel savings, extended Electric Vehicle ranges and reduced battery sizes.
BRAKE DUST: Because of the True Zero Drag feature, you can expect reduced brake dust on the vehicle’s wheels.
Over 50% reduction in reaction time to full braking compared to the next-best braking technology.
Stopping distance reduction from 100km/h (62mph) due to faster reaction time (standard size vehicle).
No pumps, boosters, lines, master cylinders, reservoirs or other hydraulic components. Pneumatic components can be significantly reduced if not eliminated.
The system is mechanically actuated and required no brake fluid. If 5% of vehicles in the United States use the NEMB, we can save 12 MILLION litres (13.5 quarts) of brake fluid per year
True zero drag can account for about 50L (13gal) per year, or more, in fuel savings per standard Internal Combustion Engine vehicle.
True zero drag can account for up to a 10% reduction in the battery size used on Electric Vehicles.
Faster reaction time allows for increased effectiveness of Traction Control systems. The ability to control each caliper independently offers new options to vehicle control in unstable situations.
The calipers work together in parallel and remain functional should another caliper stop working. During a full power-outage, the backup power system kicks in for full brake authority. Faster reaction times lead to better control over ABS systems and provide shorter stopping distances in emergencies.
No brake fluid is needed, greater pad life, less fuel usage, and longer mileage. Expect operating costs when used on commercial vehicles to be significant due to savings in weight and fuel requirements to power secondary systems (air compressors).
Precise control capabilities allows for minute adjustments to braking power. This makes the system ideal for integration with regenerative braking systems since the driver won’t feel the changing mix (blending) of friction brake and generator.
Less system components, independently controlled brake calipers, ease of coding control software and significantly faster reaction time allows for unlimited possibilities in vehicle dynamics.