ZF technology for added safety
Correcting and stabilizing handling characteristics
Improving vehicle safety has always been one of the key objectives of automobile design. As a leading chassis technology specialist, ZF is planning to continue promoting this development in the future. One doesn’t need to buy a luxury car to enjoy the benefits of advanced ZF safety technologies. The adaptive CDC (Continuous Damping Control) active steering and other advanced ZF systems are currently available in a variety of compact and mid-sized cars.
More safety reserves
Modern cars are safer than ever before. ZF safety systems including the electronic CDC damping system, active steering and ARS (Active Roll Stabilization) have become firmly established in today’s automobile markets. ZF is also moving ahead with the development of innovative components that operate without electronics. These include the Nivomat leveling system and selective Sensitive Damping Control.
Electronic networking
Electronics play a key role in improving safety systems. The networking of sensors, control software and control technologies in individual components results in comprehensive systems that are capable of recognizing critical situations and making corrections much faster than the average driver could. Along with the development of new electronically controlled drive-by-wire technologies, it is important to network these systems in the vehicle to compensate for potentially dangerous situations by activating the right components at the right moment. With the IWD (Intelligent Wheel Dynamics) concept, ZF components including the transmission, shock absorbers, steering and other electronic systems work together to improve vehicle safety.
Uninterrupted safety
ZF safety systems are not only useful in critical situations. The advantages of ZF products are continuous. For example, with IWD, steering wheel movements are always extremely precise, in double-lane change maneuvers, as well as during normal driving on a winding stretch of road. The electronically controlled CDC and ARS systems prevent vehicle sway in sudden load-cycle changes. This makes life easier – and safer – for the driver and passengers. Not only in critical situations.
TopActive Systems
For a number of years, ZF has been engaged in developing an active control network capable of more than the sum of its parts, by interconnecting active systems in the chassis and driveline. With concepts like IWD (Intelligent Wheel Dynamics), ZF aims to reduce the frequency of braking interventions compared to traditional stabilization systems. The group’s aim is to enhance tire force potential. Compared with conventional safety systems (with ESP centrifugal braking system), this improves both safety and driving dynamics at the same time. This is achieved by interconnecting rear axle kinetics, active steering and brakes. Target conflicts between autonomous individual systems are also eliminated. The vehicle can be comfortable, safe, and dynamic at the same time.
