ZF Lifetec has introduced an innovation in automotive safety - the Active Heel Airbag. This technology, a world first, is designed to reduce the risk of serious foot injuries in road accidents, especially when the seats are in the reclined, "comfort" position. This is particularly relevant for future autopilot cars.
In the normal seat position, the vehicle floor provides sufficient support for the feet of the driver and front-seat passenger, ensuring a stable heel support point and a controlled knee path. This allows the knee joint to enter the knee airbag at the optimum angle, maximising its protective properties. Much of the impact energy is transmitted through the femur, the strongest bone in the human body. However, tests have shown that when the seat is tilted back, the distance between the heel and the fulcrum increases and the connection to the floor is no longer optimal, requiring an additional heel support point. "Active Heel Airbag" is designed to solve this problem by providing a stable heel support point, even in a relaxed posture with the seat reclined.
On the driver's side, "Active Heel Airbag" can also be used for comfortable seating positions. In future, the system can be activated by the comfort position button or by the interior monitoring cameras, for example in autopilot mode. By deepening the pedals, the airbag creates an even contact surface for the feet in the event of a collision. This further reduces the risk of injury from twisting of the feet upon impact with the pedals.
"Active Heel Airbag" integrates directly into the footwell, requiring no additional space. In the event of a collision, the airbag inflates under the vehicle floor mat. The system can be adapted to almost any car model. The new safety system will be available to carmakers in 2028.
Source: ZF Lifetec
