Granville T. Woods’ 1887 patent (#368,265) for an “Electromechanical Brake” was a significant invention that improved the safety and control of railway cars.1 It was a crucial advancement over older, less reliable braking systems.
Details of the Patent
The patent described a braking system that used a combination of mechanical and electrical force to stop a train. It was an evolution of his earlier work on electromagnetic brakes.
- The Invention: Woods’ electromechanical brake used an electromagnet to engage a mechanical braking mechanism. When the engineer applied the brake, an electric current would energize a powerful electromagnet. This magnet would then pull a lever, which in turn would apply a mechanical brake shoe to the wheels.
- Key Features: The core innovation was the integration of electricity with a mechanical braking system. This allowed the brake to be applied with a level of force and speed that was impossible with older, manual or air-pressure systems. The system also included a fail-safe mechanism: if the electrical circuit was broken, the brake would automatically engage.
- Problem Solved: This invention addressed the unreliability of manual brakes and the slow response time of early air brakes. It provided a powerful, reliable, and instantaneous braking system that could be controlled from the locomotive, making train travel much safer.
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
Granville T. Woods, a prolific African-American inventor, was a self-taught engineer who became a leading innovator in the late 19th century.2 He was known as the “Black Edison” for his many groundbreaking patents.3
- Impact on Railway Safety: This invention, along with his other patents in railway technology, was a monumental contribution to public safety. Woods’ work on railway telegraphy and braking systems helped to prevent countless collisions and derailments, making rail travel a more reliable and secure form of transportation.
- Legacy as a Pioneer: Woods’ genius was so profound that he successfully defended his patents in court against lawsuits from major companies, including those founded by Thomas Edison.4 His inventions were later purchased by and became standard equipment on major railroad lines and by companies like General Electric.5 Woods’ life story is a powerful testament to the triumph of intellectual brilliance over systemic racism, and his work paved the way for future generations of African-American scientists and engineers.
