Bludot introduces new commercial brake systems

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Bludot Inc. of North America — a South Bend, Ind.-based supplier of packaged brake systems for custom trailer manufacturers, distributors and dealers — has announced a variety of brake systems designed for commercial applications. These systems are designed for use on multi-axle trailers with heavy load capability being towed by vehicles ranging in size from full-size pickup trucks to commercial trucks and semi tractors. The new commercial brake systems are available with various actuation system options: Electric/hydraulic, vacuum/hydraulic and air/hydraulic actuating systems all are available, as is a straight air system for use on heavy-duty vehicles and trailers.

  • An electric/hydraulic brake system is used on trailers ranging from small single-axle utility trailers to large multi-axle recreational vehicles, as well as stock trailers, equipment trailers and flats, receiver, fifth wheel and gooseneck styles. When an electric/hydraulic actuation system is used in the new commercial brake system, the tow vehicle controller generates an electronic signal in proportion to the inertia change (slowing) of the tow vehicle when the tow vehicle service brakes are applied. The electric/hydraulic power unit receives this signal and produces hydraulic pressure in proportion to the signal strength. The resulting pressure is distributed to the disc or drum brake at each trailer wheel.
  • A vacuum/hydraulic brake system may be used on receiver and fifth wheel-drawn recreational vehicles, as well as receiver and gooseneck-drawn multi-axle utility and stock trailers when pulled with vacuum pump-equipped tow vehicles.
  • The air/hydraulic system is a common application for trailers being towed by light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles equipped with air brake systems. When either the vacuum/hydraulic and air/hydraulic actuation systems are used in the new commercial brake system, a master cylinder is operated via a linkage with a chamber to which vacuum or air pressure, regulated by the two vehicles, is supplied. The mechanical force, generated through direct vacuum or air power, is converted to fluid pressure by the master cylinder assembly, with this pressure being proportional to the input force. The hydraulic fluid pressure then is distributed through tubes and hoses to the individual service brake at each wheel.
  • The straight air brake system typically is used on heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trailers. When a straight air system is used in the commercial brake system, as the tow vehicle service brakes are applied, the tow vehicle air brake system provides a signal pressure in proportion to the tow vehicle’s service brake pressure. The trailer control valve receives this signal, and compressed air from the trailer-mounted storage tank is applied to the air chambers located on the trailer axles. The air chambers exert mechanical force to apply the trailer service brakes.
  • Air brake systems also feature an Antilock Braking System, a subsystem designed to modulate the braking force at the vehicle wheels to prevent the wheels from sliding. The ABS system monitors the rotational speed of the individual wheels and automatically modulates brake pressure to give the most available braking force without the loss of wheel rotation and the resultant loss of control and tire flat spotting. ABS allows for maximum effort braking on slippery surfaces to bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop in the shortest possible distance.

    For more information, go to www.trailerbrakesystems.com.