Spring brakes are a crucial safety feature on tractor trailers, which are used to transport goods across long distances. These brakes work independently of the air brake system and are designed to prevent sudden movement of the trailer when it is parked or disconnected from the towing vehicle. In this article, we will discuss in detail what spring brakes are and how they work.
What are Spring Brakes?
Spring brakes are a type of mechanical brake that are used on tractor trailers. They are called spring brakes because they utilize a spring mechanism to activate the brake when there is a loss of air pressure in the system. Spring brakes are also known as emergency brakes because they are designed to engage automatically in the event of a failure in the air brake system.
Spring brakes consist of a spring-loaded chamber that is connected to the rear brake system of the trailer. When there is no air pressure in the system, the spring is activated, causing the brake to engage and prevent the trailer from moving. This means that even if there is a problem with the air brake system, the spring brake will still function and prevent the trailer from rolling away.
How do Spring Brakes Work?
Spring brakes work by using a combination of air pressure and mechanical force to provide braking power. The brake chamber is connected to the rear brake system of the trailer, which is controlled by the trailer's air brake system. When the trailer is in use, the air brake system provides the necessary pressure to release the spring brake and allow the trailer to move.
However, if there is a problem with the air brake system or if the trailer is disconnected from the towing vehicle, the air pressure in the system drops to zero. This triggers the spring mechanism, which causes the brake to engage and prevent the trailer from moving. The spring brake will remain engaged until air pressure is restored to the system, which can only be done by the towing vehicle.
Benefits of Spring Brakes
Spring brakes offer several benefits that make them an essential safety feature on tractor trailers. First and foremost, they provide an extra level of protection in the event of a failure in the air brake system. This means that even if there is a problem with the air brake system, the trailer will still be prevented from rolling away.
In addition, spring brakes are designed to engage automatically, which means that the driver does not need to remember to engage the brake manually. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that the trailer is always secured when it is parked or disconnected from the towing vehicle.
In Conclusion
Spring brakes are an important safety feature on tractor trailers that provide an extra level of protection in the event of a failure in the air brake system. They work by using a combination of air pressure and mechanical force to provide braking power, and are designed to engage automatically when there is a loss of air pressure in the system. By understanding how spring brakes work and their benefits, we can appreciate the role they play in keeping our roads safe.