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Anti-lock Braking System from Continental Teves

Three Letters for Safe Driving

Hanover/Frankfurt, September 2001

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) has experienced rapid development. In the 17 years in

which over 50 million electronic brake systems have been produced by Continental Teves

in Frankfurt, it was not only possible to continually decrease the size and weight, but also

to consistently improve the performance of the ABS, providing it with numerous additional

features. In the first years, ABS could be found only in vehicles of the upper category. The

triumphal march of ABS was a long one, but in the end successful. Today, it's a standard

feature in practically every vehicle category, or at least available as an option.

The first ABS from Continental Teves was the MK II in 1984. With a weight of 11.5

kilograms, it was a true heavyweight, but it did do its job: it reliably prevented the locking of

one or more wheels. Wheel sensors on all four wheels continually monitor the actual wheel

speeds. If, based upon the measured values, the ABS control unit recognizes that one or

more wheels indicate a locking tendency, the solenoid valves of the corresponding brake

circuit are activated by the electronic controller to reduce brake pressure. This takes the

ABS just milliseconds until the wheel regains speed. Then, brake pressure is increased

once again until a locking tendency is again recognized and the pressure is subsequently

reduced. In this way locking is prevented consistently, the wheels have optimal

deceleration and the steerability and stability of the vehicle is maintained. A slighting

vibrating brake pedal is a typical result of ABS intervention. It literally gives the driver the

feedback of the system.

Application possibilities for ABS expanded

Since mass production, started in 1984, our ABS has been continually optimized,

becoming ever lighter in weight, smaller and more efficient. With additional features such

as the Traction Control System (TCS) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) the

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application possibilities for ABS have expanded. With the MK 20 version, which was

launched in mass production in 1995, Continental Teves reached a milestone in the

development of ABS. Weighing in at just 2.7 kilograms, it was exceptionally lightweight

and, with a compact size of 101x100x160 millimeters, it required little space in the engine

compartment. Based upon the MK 20, Continental Teves engineers developed the ESP.

The latest generation of the successful anti-lock braking systems from Frankfurt is MK 60.

As a pure ABS unit weighing just 2 kilograms, the ESP MK 60 is only 0.3 of a kilogram

heavier, being the lightest ESP system on the world market. With 97x85x150 millimeters it

has the same compact size as the ABS unit. For 2002 the series application of the MK 70

is planned. It weighs just 1.6 kilograms, and its size has been reduced even further. As a

pure ABS system, the MK 70 is installed in subcompact to compact car categories.

ABS plus assists the driver

With the ABS plus, Continental has proven that development of the anti-lock braking

system is a long way from coming to an end. The purpose of the system is to assist the

driver in extremely dynamic situations by selectively reducing the brake pressure on one or

more wheels. The ABS plus can be viewed as a control system under the control of the

driver. It uses the familiar benefits of the ABS, but has an extended signal analysis. With

the help of this analysis, it is possible to record and assess driving conditions and then to

undertake suitable measures to influence the pressure modulation. Adjustment of the

brake pressure level is similar to that of the Electronic Stability Program. ESP however is

active in all situations, whereas ABS plus requires that the brake pedal be applied. ABS

will remain a vital component of the electronic brake system and active safety. Together with the Continental tire experts in Hannover, the Sidewall Torsion sensor system (SWT) is

being prepared for series production at Continental Teves. As the first system of its kind,

the SWT can calculate the forces at play between the vehicle and road, directly from the

deformation of the tire. This information is important for instance not only for ABS, but also

for TCS and ESP. Electro-hydraulic and electro-mechanical brakes (EHB, EMB) also

promise greater comfort and additional functionality. Shorter braking and stopping

distances and quieter operation with less effort are just some of the many advantages.

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Contact:

Lars DöhmannTel.: 0511/ 938-1370Fax: 0511/ [email protected]

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