Vehicle braking system and braking method using a plurality of two-state actuators

Abstract

The invention is directed to a vehicle braking system having a plurality of two-state actuators disposed at each vehicle wheel and method braking same. The vehicle braking system further includes a brake rotor or brake drum secured to each vehicle wheel for rotation therewith. The brake rotors or drums each include a plurality of friction surfaces. A plurality of brake pads are disposed adjacent the friction surfaces such that a different brake pad corresponds to each friction surface. A different two-state actuator corresponding to each brake pad is disposed adjacent the corresponding brake pad. Each two-state actuator is either unactuated or actuated to provide a maximum translational force against the corresponding brake pad to achieve the desired braking force requirements at each vehicle wheel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.