I'm thinking about a future project and if I could design in an electrically operated handbrake it would save a lot of messing about.

iirc the SVA manual doesn't really specify the method of handbrake activation, but I can't see why a stepper motor pulling a caliper (with a ratchet of some sort) cant be used. Someone mentioned that the Ford C-max has already incorporated something similar but I have yet to find any info on this.

Has anyone got any ideas or comments?

Lots of the new renault have them. Takes a while to get used to.

Someone on here has done this pre-SVA and it passed SVA. Can't remember who it was though.

here

[Edited on 22/3/07 by scottc]

All new jags have them too!

CaLviNx - Ahhhh I remember the thread now. That linear motor looks ideal - have you got any info on it?

Sorry, I meant a manufacturer or supplier Had a look on eBay and havent found anything yet.

hmmmm, so if you break down due to battery failure and need to stop, this is when you need the handbrake the most, wotcha gonna do?

Chuck a brick under the wheel?

I admit that my plan is slightly flawed but I'm looking at a solution (not the brick)

The ideal gizmo is called a Linear Actuator which will pull 1200N which should be enough for most applications. I am hoping to use the existing Sierra handbrake setup and retro fit the actuator in the service tunnel (more or less in the orginal handbrake lever position) A three way rocker will be the ideal switch as it has a lower profile for SVA.

[Edited on 22-3-07 by RazMan]

quote:

---

Originally posted by 02GF74
hmmmm, so if you break down due to battery failure and need to stop, this is when you need the handbrake the most, wotcha gonna do?

---

Use the footbrake

If you have an electrical handbrake does it need a failsafe device? Do you have the current applying the brake or a spring applying the brake and the current holding it off like an air brake type system?

[Edited on 22/3/07 by Peteff]

The system is basically a stepper motor and a worm drive. You throw a switch to 'pull' the brake cable (or lever etc) and the nature of the gearbox prevents rotation until a reverse voltage is applied to the motor when the cable is released.

Hydraulic brakes depend on the same circuit as the main braking system so that is a no-no for sva and mot, however I don't see any reason why you can't have a secondary hydraulic caliper mounted on the same disc - it might not be cost effective though.

I doubt that a seat motor would have the oomph to pull on a handbrake, but I suppose with a long enough throw anything is possible. I have found a couple of suppliers for the high strength actuators. This one seems the best so far and less than £80 too.
http://www.hiwinactuators.co.uk/linear_actuators.html

quote:

---

Originally posted by RazMan
I'm thinking about a future project

---

You may find the actuating time will suffer as a result of the gearing but it is certainly worth a try. The ones I have found operate at 25mm per second and I estimate that the cable will need to have around 20mm travel, so less than a second to fully actuate the handbrake.

Andy, Hi mate - this is not for my car It is a hush hush project which MIGHT happen soon. I will divulge all in due course. Are you still in SA?