What was the fundamental design feature that made the Westinghouse system a fail-safe mechanism?
Answer
A loss of air pressure in the main line would automatically apply the brakes.
The system was engineered so that any intentional or accidental decrease in air pressure—such as a broken hose—caused the brakes to engage immediately.
Related Questions
Who is credited with inventing the integrated pneumatic solution for train stopping power?Approximately when did George Westinghouse invent the air brake?What characterized railway braking before the successful air brake implementation?What was the fundamental design feature that made the Westinghouse system a fail-safe mechanism?What scientific principle formed the basis of the new air brake approach?What significant economic benefit resulted from the improved stopping reliability of trains?Besides rail safety, what other critical area did Westinghouse influence, working alongside Nikola Tesla?What challenge did Westinghouse face after patenting his device regarding the rail network?What component represents a key refinement to the original air brake concept developed later?How did manual braking systems limit operational speed and frequency before the air brake?