Working of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS

Anti-lock Breaking System(ABS) is the ability of the brake pads to stop the vehicle preventing locking of wheels. By preventing the wheels of the automobile from locking, ABS allows the driver to maintain control over the vehicle and stop in the shortest distance possible. This helps in avoiding accidents.


In the case of non-ABS version bikes, there is a direct connection between the caliper and the disc. So the pressure applied by the rider determines the stopping of the bike. But in the case of ABS bikes, the braking pressure is exerted through ECU and Hydraulic valve.

Main components of ABS system

• Electronic Speed Sensor:These will measure the rotational speed of wheels and are present on wheel hub

• Toothed Disc:This helps to measure the speed of the wheel for speed sensor present with disc break 

• Electrical Control Unit (ECU):This is the main part. ECU is a microprocessor based system which is designed for this purpose and is present below the riders seat

• Electrically Controller Valve: This controller valve will control the pressure in a brake cylinder and is present with ECU

ECU constantly measures the rotational speed of both the wheels separately with the individual speed sensors. When there is a difference in the speed of the wheels brake is applied.

For example assume that you have a non-ABS bike and at an instant a person tries to cross the road and you had not anticipated then you have to brake instantly. If you apply more pressure on the caliper then there is more chances of bike skidding and you falling.
But in ABS version, the bike will not skid even the pressure give by you is more than enough for you to loose your balance and fall.

Working

In ABS bikes, ECU will be constantly measuring the rotational speed of the wheels, when the brake is applied and if there is difference in the rotational speed of the wheels for a fraction of second the brake applied is stopped and applied again until the bike halts.

Where as in non ABS bikes there is no presence of ECU and the bike skids. The picture below explains better.

With and Without ABS

There is a lot difference in braking between the bike with ABS and without.
Finally for safety measures its the first and best choice.

At present bikes offering ABS in India are TVS APACHE RTR 180 and HONDA CBR250R

TVS APACHE RTR 180

HONDA CBR250R