Active Heel Airbag from ZF LIFETEC protects the lower extremities
The Active Heel Airbag from ZF LIFETEC contributes to the safety of the lower extremities
With Active Heel Airbag, ZF LIFETEC is setting a new benchmark in passive vehicle safety. The system is an effective solution for reducing serious foot and leg injuries, particularly in modern vehicles with extended seat adjustment options.
Better passive accident protection for knees and legs
Modern vehicle safety systems are increasingly effective in protecting occupants from serious injuries. A world first from ZF LIFETEC now provides an additional protective measure for the lower extremities: The Active Heel Airbag reduces the risk of serious foot injuries, especially in comfortable seating positions.
Optimized protection through the Active Heel Airbag
The Active Heel Airbag was developed to improve safety in the front seats. Sled tests show that occupants with the seat pushed back have unfavorable leg kinematics. This increases the risk of uncontrolled leg movements in the event of an accident. The Active Heel Airbag supports the knee airbag by stabilizing the feet and thus minimizing the risk of injury.
The knee airbag supplements the frontal restraint system consisting of seat belt and frontal airbag. It distributes the restraint energy into the vehicle structure via the knees and thighs. In order for this protective effect to be optimally deployed, the feet must be stably positioned in the footwell during the accident. However, if seats are pushed further back and moved into comfort positions, the distance between the heels and the contact surface increases, making it more difficult to provide secure knee support. As a result, uncontrolled leg movements can occur, increasing the risk of injury to feet and legs. Although these injuries are rarely life-threatening, they can result in long-term movement restrictions.
The comfort position challenge
“If the heel impact point is missing, it is hardly possible to effectively immerse the knees in the airbag and the knee airbag does not achieve its full effect,” explains Harald Lutz, Head of Development at ZF LIFETEC. Without secure knee support, uncontrolled movements of the legs occur. The Active Heel Airbag offers a solution by ensuring the heel contact point even in more comfortable sitting positions, thus supplementing the protective effect of the knee airbag.
Insert on the driver’s side
The Active Heel Airbag also offers advantages for the driver. It can be activated specifically in comfort positions during assisted driving. Camera-based interior monitoring or a comfort position button could trigger the airbag depending on the seating position. During an accident, the airbag stabilizes the heel and minimizes the risk of injury from twisting or contact with hard edges such as the brake pedal.
Space-saving integration and global application
The Active Heel Airbag requires no additional installation space and can be integrated directly into the footwell. In the event of an accident, it deploys under the vehicle carpet and provides the necessary heel stability. The technology can be adapted to almost any vehicle model worldwide. From 2028, the Active Heel Airbag could be used in vehicles with extended comfort positions.
Conclusion: ZF LIFETEC sets a new benchmark in passive vehicle safety with the Active Heel Airbag. Especially for modern vehicles with extended seat adjustment options, the system offers an effective solution for reducing serious foot and leg injuries. The space-saving integration and flexible usability make the Active Heel Airbag a pioneering innovation in the field of occupant protection.
