Inside a Centrifugal Brake

The secret to hands-free operation of a DEUS vertical rescue system is the miniature centrifugal brake inside. Rope running through the device spins the centrifugal brake, which limits descent speed to about 3 meters per second. DEUS Rescue's vertical rescue systems use proprietary, miniature centrifugal brakes to ensure a safe, hands-free vertical descent.

The photos below show a centrifugal brake from a DEUS vertical rescue system. This brake is designed and manufactured by SUCO in Germany. SUCO has supplied the world's best centrifugal brakes for demanding applications like elevators, overhead winches, fire protection doors, climbing equipment, ski lifts and wind turbines since 1945.

The picture below-left is the assembled brake. Below-right shows the rotor removed from the brake drum. When rope is pulled through one of our descent devices, it spins the rotor inside the stationary brake drum. As the rotor spins, centrifugal action forces the fly weights in the rotor to contact with the brake drum. At rope speeds up to 3 meters per second, the fly weights exert enough force on the drum to limit any further acceleration. This allows completely hands-free operation of the vertical rescue systems.

The next picture shows all the pieces of the centrifugal brake. The brake is simple, reliable and has been used in many varied applications for years. It just works.

When lives are on the line, trust DEUS Rescue.