ZF Lifetec has developed a four-airbag concept to protect occupants in comfort seating positions, where reclined postures alter crash dynamics and increase the risk of submarining — the pelvis sliding beneath the lap belt. The system comprises four coordinated modules and is scheduled for series production in 2028.

The Seat Ramp Airbag, integrated beneath the seat cushion, limits pelvis travel, while the Dual Contour Knee Airbag deploys in front of the knees and adjusts its volume to the seatback angle. The Active Heel Airbag, housed in the footwell, anchors foot contact with the floor to prevent uncontrolled leg movement and reduce ankle and knee injury risk.

The Dual Contour Airbag, integrated into the steering wheel and instrument panel, adapts its volume to occupant distance, providing greater coverage in reclined positions. All four work alongside adaptive seatbelt systems, managed by a smart algorithm drawing on camera-based occupant sensing, seat angle data, and other inputs.

In a statement, Harald Lutz, Senior Vice-President Engineering, said: “Comfort seating positions fundamentally change occupant biomechanics in a crash. Our holistic protection concept addresses these changes directly. With intelligently networked airbags, we stabilise occupant motion and specifically reduce the risk of submarining in the unlikely event of an accident.”

ZF Lifetec will present the concept at AIRBAG 2026 in Mannheim, Germany, from 8 to 10 December 2026. The conference brings together OEMs, suppliers, research institutions, and regulatory bodies working on passive safety.

Source: ZF Lifetec