PRE-SAFE^® Curve

Function

The reversible electric belt tensioner preventively increases the belt force ahead of bends, depending on the expected lateral acceleration. This warns the driver that he/she has possibly underestimated the bend, and allows time for braking.

In detail

·         The vehicle uses map data to recognise an approaching bend, computes the speed and bend radius and assesses whether the lateral acceleration will exceed the safe threshold.

·         Around 2.5 seconds before the calculated lateral acceleration threshold is reached, the seat belt is progressively tightened.

·         The belt remains locked when negotiating the bend,

·         and is gently slackened afterwards. The function uses hardware already provided in standard models, and only needs an additional algorithm in the control unit.

Additional function

More lateral seat support

Sensors

Wheel speed sensors and navigation data

PRE-SAFE^® Impulse Rear

Function

Before the rear of the stationary ESF 2019 is impacted by another vehicle, it is automatically accelerated forward into the gap between it and the vehicle ahead, then braked it to a stop. This gives the vehicle behind a longer stopping distance and can potentially prevent a collision. Furthermore, PRE-SAFE^® Impulse Rear improves occupant contact with the seat backrest and head restraint, reducing potential loads and especially the risk of whiplash injuries.

In detail

·         The ESF 2019 is stationary at an adequate distance from the end of a tailback. When the algorithm calculates that a vehicle approaching from behind is too fast to avoid an accident, its driver is warned by activation of the rear hazard warning flashers.

·         Just before a relevant rear impact occurs, the ESF 2019 automatically accelerates hard so that at the moment of impact, its occupants are in full contact with their seat backrests and head restraints. The PRE-SAFE^® functions of the restraint systems are activated to fix the occupants in place.

·         The system is only activated if there is a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front. A brief acceleration phase is followed by hard braking to a standstill. From the moment of the rear impact and before impacting the vehicle ahead, the acceleration is ended and hard braking follows.

Additional function

The vehicle behind has a longer braking distance available.

Sensors

Vehicle environment monitoring (cameras, lidar, ultrasound, radar)

PRE-SAFE^® Side lighting

Function

When a lateral collision appears possible at a junction, lighting strips on the sides of the vehicle are activated to make it more visible to crossing traffic.

In detail

Electro-luminescent light strips are integrated into the sides of the body. The paint structure of these strips consists of several layers. An electrical field is generated between two conductive layers, causing the electro-luminescent material of an intermediate layer to light up. The light strips are activated when the vehicle's sensors recognise a critical situation with crossing traffic at a junction.

Additional function

The light strips can also be used for other hazardous situations to make the vehicle clearly visible or warn others (see section on cooperative vehicle environment communication).

What accident research says

21.6 percent of accidents where failure to give right of way is the major, officially registered cause occur at night or in twilight conditions.[9]

Sensors

Vehicle environment monitoring (lidar, radar, cameras, navigation data, C2X)