Supercharger

It's all over for brake pads and discs. Scientists have invented an amazing 'contactless' braking system that uses invisible magnetic forces to bring your car to a halt. What's more, it's set to revolutionize motoring, as in theory it can be used to power the wheel, too.

The system is known as 'eddy current braking', and it has already proved reliable on rollercoasters around the world for the past 20 years. "The advantage is that there are no moving parts to break down or pads to wear out," said Dr Mark Thompson, an expert from Harvard University, USA. He built the eddy current brakes for the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios.

But now US component giant Visteon has patented a design that could be used on cars. The key part is a metal collar that goes around the axle behind the wheel, fixed to the frame of the vehicle. The collar has a series of protrusions sticking out of it. Coils of wire are wrapped tightly around each of these, so when an electrical current is passed through them, a magnetic field is created around the axle.

If the force is strong enough, it can stop the axle spinning. Working in reverse, it's even capable of starting the wheel moving again. John Stubbs, head of technology at the AA Motoring Trust, told us: "It's a good solution because everything that uses friction is bound to wear out sooner or later. This will be one less maintenance operation."

Motorists will still push the middle pedal to slow down, and Visteon's system also features a normal brake for emergencies in case the electrics fail.

-=Zeqs=-

Why not...the Superflow Chassis Dynanometer uses them...dual.

Kev

So you'll still need conventional braking - in case you brakes brake!?!

When I can buy an electric sports car that comes with my own solar charger ... maybe. Till then, lets see F1 adopt them first.

babylou

Why? F1 technology is behind that of road cars. They are restricted by rules. Without the rules restrictions race cars would be so fast each accident would be fatal.