Adient And Autoliv Launch Dynamic Seat Safety Solution

On October 13, automotive seat supplier Adient and automotive safety system supplier Autoliv jointly developed an innovative safety solution that significantly enhances occupant protection in deeply reclined seats (commonly referred to as zero gravity). These solutions are now ready for mass production, combining Adient's new seat concept Z-Guard with Autoliv's advanced safety technology.

Image Source: Adient

The Z-Guard from Aptiv provides a new generation of comprehensive occupant protection through intelligent seating, restraint systems, and predictive safety technologies.

As electrification and intelligent technology continue to reshape the automotive industry, zero-gravity seats are becoming increasingly popular in mid-to-high-end models due to their ergonomic advantages. However, the deeply reclined seating posture may affect the effectiveness of traditional safety systems (which are usually designed for standard upright seats), potentially posing safety risks.

To address this challenge, Adient and Autoliv have jointly developed a groundbreaking safety solution, making significant advancements in occupant protection for deeply reclined seats.

Multidimensional Collaborative Protection: Full-Process Dynamic Security System

The Z-Guard system developed by Continental is based on the concept of multi-dimensional collaborative protection, integrating advanced restraint and energy-absorbing technologies into a dynamic safety system, aimed at protecting occupants in collision accidents. Its core includes two key innovations:

Active cushioning folding mechanism: In the event of a collision, this feature can quickly fold the seat frame, absorb energy, and adjust the seat posture, thereby reducing spinal impact and protecting important body parts.

Adjustable seatbelt interface: This feature can accommodate various passenger postures and body types, enhancing comfort while maximizing restraint accuracy and minimizing the risk of shoulder slippage and other issues.

In addition to these innovations, Autoliv has also adopted other technologies: integrated seatbelt systems for enhanced stability, dynamic lumbar retractors for controlling restraint forces, pelvis cushion airbags for mitigating pelvic impacts, and head side airbags for enhanced side impact protection in reclining positions. These systems collectively protect key areas such as the head, neck, chest, and pelvis, providing truly dynamic full-range occupant protection.

Active Predictive Protection: Building Intelligent Safe Havens

The Z-Guard concept can be deeply integrated with vehicle driving assistance systems and customized according to OEM requirements and actual scenarios. It utilizes predictive signals and the seat repositioning function driven by a high-speed motor to adjust the occupant's posture before a collision, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Even if the vehicle cannot timely detect a collision or lacks active repositioning features, Z-Guard still provides robust protection through dual pre-tensioners, cushioning pads, and crumple mechanisms. These systems work together to prevent the seat from moving forward and sinking, ensuring reliable safety even in a zero-gravity seat position.

The new seating concept aims to meet the evolving demands of cockpit electronic architecture in the era of software-defined vehicles, seamlessly integrating safety features into the smart cockpit environment. Led by Adient, Z-Guard is now scheduled for mass production in a model from a major global automaker, marking an important step forward in the commercialization of advanced occupant protection technology.