ZF rearranges driver airbag placement future-oriented interior design
In an evolutionary development, ZF Lifetec has designed a new generation of steering wheel, which blend the safety and technology. It has rearranged the placement of the airbag and future-proofed the steering wheel for modern-day features, such as an in-built display. "With this new concept, we are enabling design freedom for steering wheels without compromising safety," said Harald Lutz, Head of Development at ZF Lifetec.
One of the revolutionary safety features for the automobiles the airbags, and were first introduced in the 1980s. Since the introduction, an airbag unit has seen a permanent placement as a standard feature in the centre of the steering wheel. With evolving technology and cars adapting modern approach, the steering wheel has become a command centre for entertainment, infotainment, instrumentation, and assistance functions.
In the event of an accident, the new ZF airbag will deploy from the top side of the steering wheel through the upper steering wheel rim towards the driver, unlike the current design, where it deploys from the centre of the steering wheel. As claimed, this new installation position allows for a seamless and smartphone-like design for the horizontal spoke and hub. Whereas, the force-sensitive switches for the infotainment, assistance, and other functions are can now be integrated behind a continuous surface.
From touch sensitive control and user-friendly rotary dials to displays, these functions can be combined with hands-on detection, where a capacitive sensor under the leather surface recognises whether the driver is merely touching or safely gripping the wheel, enhancing safe vehicle control.
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