Electro-Hydraulic

Electro-Hydraulic describes a robust and widely-used method of actuation for industrial brakes, where electrical energy is converted into hydraulic force to control the brake’s release. This technology is most commonly embodied in a self-contained unit known as an electro-hydraulic thruster.

The working principle is as follows: The system is fundamentally spring-applied and power-released, making it fail-safe. A powerful spring provides the mechanical force required to apply the brake shoes or pads. The electro-hydraulic thruster’s role is to counteract this spring to release the brake.

1. Power On: When electrical power is supplied, an internal electric motor within the thruster spins a centrifugal impeller.
2. Hydraulic Pressure Generation: The impeller pressurizes a reservoir of hydraulic fluid (oil) inside the sealed thruster unit.
3. Actuation: This hydraulic pressure acts on a piston, driving it upwards. The piston is connected via a push-rod and linkage to the brake arms.
4. Brake Release: As the piston rises, it overcomes the force of the main brake spring, retracting the brake shoes from the drum (or pads from the disc) and releasing the brake, allowing the machine to operate.

When power is cut, either intentionally or due to a failure, the motor stops, the hydraulic pressure instantly dissipates, and the main brake spring expands, immediately applying the brake. This smooth, cushioned, yet highly reliable actuation makes electro-hydraulic systems the preferred choice for heavy-duty drum and disc brakes on equipment like overhead cranes, conveyors, and steel mill machinery, where dependable fail-safe performance is paramount.