Could Cars and Trucks Benefit from Aeroplane Breaking Systems Such as Reverser Doors, Spoilers, or a Drag Parachute?
The idea of integrating aircraft-style braking systems such as reverser doors, spoilers, or drag parachutes into cars and trucks for better safety has intrigued many in the automotive and transportation industries. However, the practicality and effectiveness of these systems in different scenarios must be carefully evaluated.
Breaking Systems in Aircraft
Aircraft have sophisticated braking systems designed to slow down airplanes after landing. These systems, while highly effective, are not directly applicable to the operation of land vehicles like cars and trucks. For instance, 'reverser doors' and spoilers are primarily effective at high speeds and do not contribute significantly to slowing down vehicles at lower speeds or from more moderate speeds like those typically found on roads. While they might be useful in scenarios where rapid deceleration at high speeds is necessary, their primary function is not to reduce the overall speed but to create lift changes during flight to assist in maneuvering the aircraft.
The Limitations of Parachutes in Commercial Vehicles
Another proposed system, a drag parachute, presents several challenges when used in trucks and cars. Parachutes are indeed capable of significant deceleration, potentially reducing speeds from 200 mph (320 km/h) to around 50 mph (80 km/h) in a matter of seconds. However, deploying a parachute has its own set of risks and drawbacks. Firstly, once deployed, it covers the road behind the vehicle, creating a potential hazard for following vehicles. Additionally, since it can only be used once, it does not offer continuous braking assistance. This makes parachutes less practical for regular road use where continuous and reliable braking is necessary.
The Current State of Truck Braking Systems
Trucks face specific challenges in braking that have been innovatively addressed over the years. In the past, trucks used pressured air-operated braking systems with a single valve controlled by the brake pedal. This system often resulted in a delay in brake activation, particularly for large trailers with multiple axles. However, advancements such as the Telligent brake system, introduced by Mercedes Benz over 25 years ago, significantly improved the situation. By incorporating electronic control of each wheel's brake pressure, the Telligent system ensured that all brakes could be activated simultaneously, greatly enhancing brake performance.
Modern heavy trucks now feature advanced safety technologies such as antilock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability programs (ESP), bringing their brake performance closer to that of passenger cars. However, the primary concern is not just the physical braking distance but the issue of driver attentiveness. Long drives, especially in freight transportation, can be monotonous, leading drivers to lose focus or fall asleep, which can be dangerous.
Future Safety Innovations in Vehicles
To address these issues, the European Union is considering mandatory use of adaptive cruise control with emergency braking functions. This technology can automatically slow or stop a vehicle if the vehicle ahead decelerates or comes to a sudden stop, significantly enhancing safety. The next step may involve the use of vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) systems, which can alert drivers to imminent dangers by exchanging information about speed, direction, and braking behavior among vehicles. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the future of automotive safety looks more promising, with reduced risks of accidents and improved road safety for all users.