TRW launches second-gen active control retractor seatbelt system in N America

TRW has begun production of its second-generation Active Control Retractor system (ACR2) on the 2014 Cadillac CTS. This is the first launch of this advanced seatbelt technology in North America, combining active and passive approaches to offer enhanced safety, comfort and convenience to vehicle occupants.  

According to Uwe Class, senior manager of mechatronic systems for TRW's Occupant Safety Systems: "ACR2 is designed to use braking and stability control sensor information to recognise critical situations before a potential accident. It reacts by helping to secure the driver and passenger by removing seatbelt slack – so the occupant position is improved in advance of an impending crash. The system also offers additional convenience features such as slack removal after the belt is buckled."

Additionally, the ACR2 provides dynamic driving support which has been developed to help keep the driver in a more stable position in the seat during highly dynamic situations and during rapid deceleration. This features an advanced version of TRW's proprietary situation management algorithm.

"The ACR2 situation management algorithm continuously processes signals from the vehicle's relevant dynamic systems such as ABS, electronic stability control, radar or camera systems," said Class. "The algorithm evaluates events such as braking, sliding or vehicle angle, and if a critical situation is identified, the ACR system pretensions the seat belt, helping place the occupant in a better position for a potential crash and acting as a warning to the driver that an accident may occur. Should the accident be avoided, the system automatically resets itself via the reversible actuator."

"We are pleased to bring this important safety advancement to the North American market through close collaboration with General Motors," said Peter Lake, executive vice-president, sales and business development for TRW Automotive. "The latest generation ACR2 system represents enhanced safety and convenience features at a more affordable cost," concluded Lake.

Photograph: TRW's ACR2 is designed to use braking and stability control sensor information to recognise critical situations before a potential accident. It reacts by helping to secure the driver and passenger by removing seatbelt slack – so the occupant position is improved in advance of an impending crash.