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The new seat-integrated version of the active seatbelt retractor ACR8.S from ZF Lifetec allows for new design freedoms in the vehicle interior. Additionally, the restraint system can bring passengers into a better-protected seating position before a potential crash (repositioning). The ACR8 system enables further safety functions through its electric drive unit, for example, by tightening the seatbelt already during critical driving maneuvers such as an automatic emergency braking. Such reversible seatbelt tightening can also increase driving enjoyment, for instance, by giving the person behind the wheel better support during dynamic driving. Moreover, the seatbelt can be used for tactile warnings for highly automated driving, for example, to prompt the driver to take over the driving task.
During a crash, a pyrotechnic seatbelt retractor is activated
If the vehicle sensors detect an unavoidable crash, a pyrotechnic seatbelt retractor is activated, and the seatbelt pulls the occupant's upper body back towards the seatback within fractions of a second. During the crash sequence, the person is then guided as gently as possible toward the airbag, which further absorbs the impact energy to prevent serious injuries. The retraction used in this instance is irreversible and is activated in conjunction with the airbag – once and only during a correspondingly severe accident.
Basic Functions of the ACR8.S
The idea behind all ACR8 variants is to improve the pre-crash behavior of a vehicle’s occupant protection systems. For this purpose, the seat belt slack is reduced, and occupants are ideally always kept or brought into an optimal seating position. Depending on the philosophy of the automobile manufacturer and the sensors available in the vehicle, the active seat belt tensioner from ZF Lifetec can be activated in the milliseconds before a potential impact.
“With the active seat belt tensioners of the ACR8 series, conventional pyrotechnic functions can be combined with a reversible electrical tensioning to further enhance safety in the pre-crash phase. The electronic control options of the ACR8 are also suitable for providing additional safety and comfort functions," explains Development Manager Harald Lutz.
Modularity Ensures Functional Diversity
Apart from the functions described above, the ACR8.S offers a whole range of possibilities reminiscent of a modular system. Currently, nine different setup combinations are conceivable. Noteworthy in this context is especially the webbing motion sensor and the electric drive unit. Both components are central building blocks for many optional functions. For instance, they enable haptic warnings: During automated driving, the active seat belt tensioner can help to alert the driver through belt vibration to the necessary takeover of driving tasks. In other situations, high-frequency pulsation of the belt can signal to occupants that active intervention is necessary.
“The near-body impulses of the belt system in these situations are more efficient warnings than displays or LEDs and minimize reaction time," emphasizes Lutz.
Many functions go far beyond the characteristic of the belt as a pure safety device. As the belt is a constant companion during the ride, it should fit well but not constrict the occupants. The optional comfort function of the ACR8.S allows for a lower tension level throughout the operation. Thus, the belt fits only lightly on the body. Similarly, the innovation can improve handling during sporty driving. To do this, the ACR8.S accesses navigation data in the vehicle and can tighten the belt to provide more support to the occupants during dynamic driving.
Autonomous Driving Next Level
The functions described so far apply to both the current fourth generation of ACR8 and the ACR8.S. Due to its somewhat more compact design, the ACR8.S can be integrated into the seat. The use of this design currently brings advantages for vehicles without a B-pillar, such as convertibles and coupes. This design is also advantageous in terms of future automated driving. The latter is one of the most important drivers in the development of new interior concepts. If the belt is located in the seat instead of in the B-pillar, new design freedoms open up in the space arrangement, allowing vehicle seats to be more freely movable and rotatable.
Translated automatically from German.
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