ZF develops seat-integrated center airbag concept
Automotive supplier ZF has further developed the concept of the airbag. The result is a center airbag that can reduce the lateral movement and thus collision possibilities of the occupants in different crash scenarios. Without compromising occupant protection, these integrated systems enable the adoption of innovative interior concepts.
Recently ZF and French automotive supplier Faurecia have announced a partnership to develop future-oriented interior and safety technologies for autonomous driving. This is because flexible interior spaces – for example, by moving seats – in autonomous vehicles are the biggest challenge for occupant protection.
The new center airbag unfolds from the upper inside of the seat backrest. As a result, there is no need for center brackets to support the driver. In the event of a side impact on the passenger side, the center airbag can support the driver from moving too far towards the center of the vehicle and impacting hard structures or colliding with the passenger.
“The new test requirements of the Euro NCAP, to be introduced by 2020, extend the requirements for occupant protection in the side impact on the vehicle occupant side,” says Dirk Schultz, responsible for the global development of airbags in ZF’s Active & Passive Safety Division. In order to be able to remain securely in position when in use, the new airbag design is fixed to the inner frame of the seat. The specially shaped air bag is inflated with high internal pressure so that it can be positioned at the shoulder area of the seat The upper extremities and the head can be supported on impact, so that they cannot move too far in the direction of the vehicle interior and collide with the passenger or vehicle parts.
In expectation of the autonomous driving style, ZF says it is already developing a wide range of occupant protection technologies for side collisions. Design variations of the ZF Center airbag for vehicles with center brackets have already been launched some time ago. Since however not all vehicles are fitted with a central console, the new concept now will cover further impact scenarios.
Related articles:
TRW demos advanced adaptive side airbag, roof airbag
Centre airbag protects occupants in side impacts
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
