ZF presents active seat belt

The technology group ZF has now presented a networked seat belt that actively moves car occupants into the correct seating position in the event of danger. The seatbelt system obtains its information from the vehicle sensors, including the automatic emergency brake assistant. If an imminent collision is detected, the belt pulls the occupants into the correct position with precisely measured force and holds them there during the braking maneuver. In the event of a subsequent crash, this minimizes the consequences of the accident.

At the heart of the new system is a further developed active seatbelt tensioner that links the information available in the vehicle. As soon as the seat belt is buckled up, it is actively engaged and reduces the so-called belt slack, i.e. it tightens the belt once in a defined manner so that it fits snugly against the occupant.

In addition, the belt can be used as a haptic signal transmitter, for example to warn or convey information. It can wake drivers up when they are tired or, when switching from automated to manual driving, pulse the belt webbing to alert them that the driver needs to take control again. In this way, the seatbelt system can be integrated into the user interface of automated vehicles to get the driver's attention. In tests, ZF has measured a reduction in reaction time of up to one second compared to visual or acoustic signals. At standard speed on the highway, this corresponds to a distance of 36 meters. (aum)