Summary
- ZF has signed a deal with a global manufacturer for brake-by-wire technology
- Nearly 5 million vehicles will be equipped with electro-mechanical braking through the agreement
- The hybrid braking system includes by-wire technology on the rear brakes and traditional front calipers
- ZF’s Electric Recirculating Ball Steering Gear will also be part of the agreement
- The EMB system works with the IBC to provide high brake performance and features for passenger cars and light trucks
Article
German automotive parts supplier ZF has secured a deal with a global manufacturer to equip nearly 5 million vehicles with electro-mechanical braking technology over the course of their contract. This will involve the implementation of ZF’s brake-by-wire technology, featuring the electro-mechanical brake and by-wire technology on the rear brakes, along with ZF’s integrated brake control and traditional front calipers to create a hybrid braking system of by-wire and hydraulics. This hybrid system offers increased flexibility to the manufacturer.
In addition to the electro-mechanical braking technology, the agreement includes ZF’s Electric Recirculating Ball Steering Gear (RBSG) to provide steering technology. The use of electro-mechanical braking technology, as a key component of the brake-by-wire system, lays the groundwork for the development of software-defined vehicles, enabling new functions and features such as autonomous braking and steering in the event of a crash. This highlights ZF’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of automotive technology.
The electro-mechanical brake at the core of ZF’s “dry brake” system eliminates the need for brake fluid and relies on electric motors to generate brake pressure. This technology allows for electronic transmission of braking signals from the pedal to the electric motor, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the braking system. The integration of the electro-mechanical brake with the integrated brake control system provides high brake performance for automatic emergency braking, energy recuperation, and redundant fallback options up to full automated driving.
The hybrid braking system developed by ZF combines an electric system on the rear axle with hydraulics on the front axle, utilizing ZF’s Colette-type caliper available in single and twin piston designs for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This configuration optimizes braking performance while ensuring operational reliability. Moreover, the RBSG, a 48V electrically powered gear designed to replace hydraulic applications, enhances steering performance and enables advanced driver assistance features up to Level 2 automation, aligning with industry trends towards electrification and automation in vehicles.
By consolidating various components such as steering, braking, dampers, and actuators under a single division called Chassis Solutions, ZF aims to offer a comprehensive product and system offering to its customers. This holistic approach integrates cutting-edge technologies such as electro-mechanical braking, brake-by-wire systems, and electric steering to enable advanced functionalities and drive the evolution of automotive engineering towards software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving capabilities. ZF’s strategic collaboration with the global manufacturer underscores its leadership in developing innovative solutions for the automotive industry and highlights its commitment to driving the future of mobility through technological excellence and collaboration with key industry players.
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