As automotive seating evolves to prioritize comfort, ensuring occupant safety in non-traditional seating positions has become a critical challenge.
ZF LIFETEC is addressing this issue with its innovative Active Heel Airbag, a cutting-edge solution designed to maintain lower limb stability and enhance crash protection—even when seats are pushed back into relaxed positions.
The Need For Advanced Leg Protection
Traditional vehicle safety systems, such as seat belts and frontal airbags, work in conjunction with the knee airbag to distribute crash forces effectively. However, these systems rely on proper leg positioning—specifically, a stable heel impact point on the vehicle floor. In conventional seating positions, the footwell provides adequate support, allowing crash energy to be absorbed safely through the femur, the body's strongest bone.
However, with the advent of comfort seating, where occupants push their seats further back, the natural contact between the feet and footwell diminishes. This lack of support increases the risk of uncontrolled leg movement during a crash, potentially leading to serious lower extremity injuries. While not life-threatening, these injuries can cause long-term musculoskeletal damage, impacting mobility and recovery.
How It Works
ZF LIFETEC’s Active Heel Airbag solves this problem by deploying an inflatable cushion beneath the vehicle’s floor carpet in the event of a crash. This innovative system provides a stable heel impact point, ensuring that the knees and thighs engage with the knee airbag at the correct angle—maximizing protection and reducing injury risks.
On the driver’s side, the Active Heel Airbag enhances safety in assisted driving scenarios, where drivers may adopt more relaxed foot positions. By integrating camera-based interior monitoring or a comfort position button, the system can automatically adjust and activate when needed. Additionally, embedding the pedals within the airbag structure reduces the risk of foot twisting upon impact, preventing injuries caused by hitting hard edges like the brake pedal.
Compact, Scalable Solution
Designed to integrate seamlessly into the footwell of virtually any vehicle model, the space-saving Active Heel Airbag does not require additional structural modifications. This makes it an adaptable solution for automakers looking to introduce advanced seating comfort without compromising safety.
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