ZF Lifetec has introduced a new approach to the design of steering wheels by reconfiguring the placement of the driver airbag. The aim is to provide greater freedom for future-oriented interior concepts while maintaining safety standards.
The steering wheel has housed the driver airbag since this safety feature was introduced in the 1980s. Over time, the steering wheel has evolved into a multifunctional control center, integrating entertainment and assistance functions. With ZF Lifetec‘s latest introduction, the driver airbag is now positioned to deploy from the top of the steering wheel, through the upper rim rather than from the center hub.
This repositioning allows for a simple, smartphone-like design for the steering wheel’s horizontal spoke and hub. The force-sensitive controls for various vehicle functions are integrated behind a continuous surface, blending into the digitally designed dashboards of contemporary vehicles.
“With this new concept, we are enabling design freedom for steering wheels without compromising safety,” said Harald Lutz, head of development at ZF Lifetec.
The design of future steering wheels will include on-demand functions, touch displays and central screens. However, as the steering wheel is also a safety-relevant component, user-friendliness is paramount.
Hybrid solutions can therefore also be implemented with this concept. These include the combination of a rotary switch with a force-sensitive and tactile surface also integrated in the steering wheel as an anchor point, enabling the driver to operate the system safely.
These functions can also be combined with hands-on detection, which is a component of current and future steering wheels. A capacitive sensor under the leather surface recognizes whether the driver is merely touching or safely gripping the wheel. This technology is a further module for safe vehicle control.
