The steering wheel is pivotal to digital interior concepts, offering an innovative approach to design and functionality. A novel positioning of the driver airbag by ZF LIFETEC enables forward-looking design options for steering wheels and their controls, integrating force-sensitive features in a seamless, smartphone-like interface.
Alfdorf / Penzing, Germany. Since the advent of driver airbags in the 1980s, these safety features have occupied the center of the steering wheel hub, transforming the wheel into a critical interface for steering commands and protection during collisions. Over the past three decades, the driver airbag has become standard in most vehicles, playing a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing injuries. Additionally, the steering wheel has evolved into a command center for entertainment and assistance functions in contemporary vehicles. ZF LIFETEC has introduced a new generation of steering wheels designed to enhance the possibilities for future-oriented interior concepts.
In current designs, the driver’s airbag deploys from the center of the steering wheel. However, ZF LIFETEC is pioneering a new approach for upcoming interior designs. In the event of an accident, the airbag will now deploy from the upper steering wheel rim, directed towards the driver. This new airbag placement allows the horizontal spoke and hub to feature a seamless, smartphone-like design. Behind this continuous surface are force-sensitive controls for entertainment and assistance functions, blending harmoniously with the digitally designed dashboards of modern vehicle interiors. “With this new concept, we are enabling design freedom for steering wheels without compromising safety,” explains Harald Lutz, Head of Development at ZF LIFETEC.
Clear Design Language
The trend towards seamless design, increasingly popular in recent years, is evident in modern vehicle interiors. Manufacturers are progressively eliminating joints and gaps, integrating innovative lighting options and displays throughout the vehicle interior. This evolution extends to future steering wheels, with seamless design variants offering greater integration of HMI functions and new surfaces that will significantly influence their appearance and functionality.
Function Determines Design
The seamless design opens numerous possibilities for new materials, shapes, and functions. On-demand functions, touch displays, and even a central screen are now feasible. Despite the aesthetic advancements, user-friendliness remains paramount as the steering wheel is a critical safety component. Hybrid solutions, such as combining a rotary switch with a force-sensitive and tactile surface integrated into the steering wheel, allow drivers to operate systems safely.
These functions can be further enhanced with hands-on detection, a feature of current and future steering wheels. A capacitive sensor beneath the leather surface detects whether the driver is merely touching or firmly gripping the wheel, adding another layer of safety to vehicle control.
