An air brake chamber is a key part of the braking system in large vehicles like trucks and buses. Here's how it works:
Components: The chamber is a cylindrical container with a flexible diaphragm separating two air chambers. It also has a pushrod connected to one side of the diaphragm and a port for compressed air to enter.
Applying the Brakes: When the driver presses the brake pedal, compressed air from the vehicle's air brake system enters the chamber through the inlet port.
Diaphragm Movement: This compressed air pushes against the diaphragm, forcing it to bulge into the other chamber.
Pushrod Activation: The bulging diaphragm pushes on the pushrod, extending it outwards.
Engaging the Brakes: The pushrod connects to a slack adjuster, which in turn applies force to the vehicle's braking mechanism (drum brakes or disc brakes). This ultimately presses the brake pads against the wheels, slowing down the vehicle.
Releasing the Brakes: When the driver releases the brake pedal, the compressed air is released from the chamber. The diaphragm returns to its original position due to spring pressure, and the pushrod retracts. This disengages the brakes and allows the wheels to spin freely again.