What is the working principle of the brake chamber?

[DeMaverick]

Here is an introduction to the working principle of the automotive brake chamber: 1. During service braking: Compressed air enters cavity a through port 11, acts on diaphragm b, and compresses spring c, pushing out rod d. The pressure on the diaphragm is transmitted through the connecting rod to the adjusting arm, generating a braking torque on the wheel. 2. During parking and emergency braking: The manual control valve releases the compressed air in cavity E through port 12 either completely or partially, and the energy storage spring g also releases its energy completely or partially. This action is transmitted through diaphragm f, push rod kd, and the brake adjusting arm to the wheel brake. 3. During normal driving: The release bolt h is placed in hole A and locked with a nut. When mechanical release is needed, the release bolt is placed in tray i, rotated 90 degrees, and then unscrewed to manually release the brake when there is no compressed air.

[McZachary]

I've been driving trucks for over a decade, and the brake chamber is like the engine heart of the braking system—simple in principle but absolutely crucial. When you press the brake pedal, compressed air flows from the air reservoir into the chamber, pushing the rubber diaphragm to expand. As the diaphragm moves, it drives the connected push rod to extend outward. The push rod is then linked to the brake system's arm, directly pushing the brake pads against the wheel to slow down—this is the process of converting air pressure into mechanical force. When releasing the brake, the air is expelled, the diaphragm retracts, and the brakes disengage. Regular maintenance involves checking for air leaks or diaphragm wear, as a fully loaded truck relies on it for safe stops during long hauls. Though the principle is straightforward, its safety is paramount—I once experienced a chamber failure on a mountain road that nearly caused an accident, so now I always have mechanics test the pressure during maintenance. The design is clever and durable, but it's essential to keep the air dry and free of moisture.