Self-energizing brake system

Abstract

A brake system according to the present invention comprises an eccentric rotor and a brake effecter module. The brake effecter module has a pair of hydraulically interconnected actuators, a brake control valve and a brake exciter. Each of the pair of actuators can engage a different point on the eccentric rotor. The brake control valve effects braking by restricting the flow of a working fluid that is pumped in and out by each of the actuators as they engage the rotating rotor. The degree of restriction to the flow of the working fluid can be varied to adjust the amount of braking force applied. The brake system is self-energizing in that it is not reliant on a substantial external source of energy to effect braking. The energy required to pump the working fluid is derived from the rotation of the rotor. The brake exciter provides for disengagement of the actuators from the rotor when braking force is not being applied.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.