Brakes

Science

This Wireless Bike Brake Concept Fails Maybe Three Times In A Trillion

2:30PM October 14, 2011 | Andrew Tarantola

Researchers at Saarland University in Germany developed a system that replaces both the bike’s brake cables and levers with a wireless system that employs control algorithms typically found in aircraft and chemical plants. More »

Geek Out

How A Million-Pound Jumbo Jet Tests Its Brakes

6:40AM May 12, 2011 | Matt Hardigree

Watch this amazing video of what happens when Boeing wants to make sure the carbon ceramic brakes on its new Boeing 747-8 work under the worst possible conditions. Specifically, Boeing has to simulate the worst possible conditions: a rejected take-off with no reverse thrusters on worn-out brakes. The result? Red-hot 1400C brakes. Yowch! More »

Cars

Accidental Acceleration Solved By Reinvented Japanese Car Pedal

2:20AM August 5, 2010 | Kat Hannaford

When you stop to think about it, it’s crazy that the brake and accelerator pedals are so close together, with an accidental command being the difference between getting from A to Z and wrapping your car around a tree. More »

Cars

Mercedes Prototype Automatically Slams On Brakes At Red Lights

1:00AM October 6, 2009 | Mark Wilson

The light has been yellow for too long, and you’re not making it through the intersection before it’s red. But either you don’t notice or you don’t care. But even though your foot is on the gas, the car brakes. More »