Brake Modification Idea
 

I have been batting around this idea in my head (That can hurt), and want a reality check from the list. I am not in any fabrication stage, just theory.

Get the heat out of the calipers, racing application:

1.) Replace the brake reservoir with a larger one, possibly made of aluminum.

2.) Replace the bleed valve on each caliper with some type of electric valve block.

3.) Route a hose from each caliper to a common hose, then to the new brake reservoir.

4.) Put a switch in the cockpit, behind safety cover. When switch is pushed, current goes to the electric valve, pump the brakes a few times, and cycle the hot fluid out, and clean fluid in.

These return hoses do not need to be high pressure, just brake fluid compatible.

Thoughts?

Many racecars already use a recirculating brake fluid system. No solonoid valves are necessary, just some check valves and additional return plumbing.
regards,
Phil

Thanks, Phil!

I was seeing all of the brake duct work projects, thought this makes more sense.

That's crazy, but brilliant. I like it!
I've nothing of substance to add, but I'd sure like to see a working prototype!

replace the rotors with ceramics

that solves all sorts of problems...

a huge number of things have been done in the past by various teams, OEMs and assorted crazy people
- use Be (too bad the dust kills people)
- use heat pipes to remove heat

Sounds like a good idea, but a solenoid failure or just forgetting to turn off the electric bleeder before the next corner (wich will be at the end of a straight - very fast) will result in a lot of carnage.

High risk.

I like your fresh out of the box thinking though.

Yep, a failure would be bad.
I was thinking, during a pit stop, hold in the push button, light comes on showing the bleed circuit is on, pump brakes, off button. Pump brakes, all good, tires changed, lets go!

The reason I was thinking of using solenoids is the return lines could use rubber, not carrying brake pressure, just return fluid.

Seems like an easy to implement mod, return lines should be pretty inexpensive. Just sourcing/designing the solenoids. HMMMM.

The hydraulic brake system should be sealed at all times. A solenoid that actively bleeds/circulates brake fluid while driving sounds a bit risky. I would want some automatic redundancy in case of a malfunction in the solenoid, switch or switch circuit.

How much time does one have in a racing or emergency braking situation to revert to a backup system. Answer: no time.

Sherwood

it would aid brake bleeding I guess
what would happen when you need to plant your foot on the brakes, when the system is changing fluid
how would that work
I've heard ofsystems where there is a seperate effectivly a water jacket in the caliper, and cooling water is pumped around the caliper
a seperate system might be safer, no chance of a solenoid faliure
good luck to you in your inventing
I hope you'll post pictures so we can see it taking shape
:cool:

Water-cooled brakes work best in a track situation, mainly because of water storage issues. This system is our MPC mobile water misting system. Uses latent heat of evaporation to reduce air temp. about 18-20ºF. For brake cooling, misting nozzles are installed in the air ducts.

Here are some pics of our MPC system for brake cooling used in some TransAm race cars:

Misting nozzles and water supply hoses installed in the brake cooling air ducts :
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240954567.jpg

MPC pump assembly in a Rocketsports Racing TransAm champ Jag:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240954931.jpg

Sherwood
SeineSystems.com

that looks cery interesting :cool: