Design and Fabrication of an Automatic Braking System Using Ultrasonic Sensors

 

Project Synopsis

Title: Design and Fabrication of an Automatic Braking System Using Ultrasonic Sensors

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1. Introduction

Road accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities worldwide, often due to delayed driver response time. An Automatic Braking System can significantly reduce such accidents by detecting obstacles ahead and applying brakes automatically without human intervention. This project focuses on designing and fabricating a low-cost braking system using ultrasonic sensors, a microcontroller, and a pneumatic braking mechanism.

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2. Problem Statement

• Increasing number of road accidents due to late braking response.

• Conventional braking systems are fully manual, which may fail in emergencies.

• Lack of affordable automatic braking technology for two-wheelers and low-cost vehicles.

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3. Objectives

• To design and develop an automatic braking system using ultrasonic sensors.

• To integrate sensor data with a microcontroller for obstacle detection.

• To activate a pneumatic braking mechanism automatically when obstacles are detected within a safe distance.

• To test and evaluate the braking efficiency under different conditions.

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4. Methodology

1. Literature Review – Study existing automatic braking systems.

2. System Design –

   • Ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacle distance.

   • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to process sensor data.

   • Pneumatic braking setup connected to wheel braking system.

3. Fabrication – Assembling sensor, microcontroller, compressor, solenoid valve, and brake pads.

4. Testing – Conduct trials with varying obstacle distances and vehicle speeds.

5. Evaluation – Compare stopping distance with conventional braking.

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5. Block Diagram

Ultrasonic Sensor → Microcontroller → Solenoid Valve → Pneumatic Cylinder → Brake System

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6. Expected Outcomes

• A functional prototype of an automatic braking system.

• Reduced stopping distance and faster response time compared to manual braking.

• Improved safety for two-wheeler and four-wheeler users.

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7. Applications

• Two-wheelers and four-wheelers for accident prevention.

• Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.

• Heavy vehicles for enhanced safety in highways.

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8. Tools & Components Required

• Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)

• Arduino Microcontroller

• Solenoid Valve

• Pneumatic Cylinder

• Air Compressor

• Brake Assembly (disc/drum brake model)

• Power Supply & Connecting Wires

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9. Cost Estimation (Approx.)

• Sensors & Electronics: ₹2,500

• Pneumatic System: ₹3,000

• Brake Assembly & Mechanical Parts: ₹4,500

• Fabrication & Miscellaneous: ₹2,000
  Total Estimated Cost: ₹12,000

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10. Conclusion

This project will demonstrate a low-cost, effective automatic braking system using ultrasonic sensors. It can help reduce accidents caused by human error and pave the way for safer driving technology in developing nations.