Active Control Retractor (ACR2)

The Active Control Retractor (ACR2) allows reversible belt retraction in critical situations. TRW is achieving a number of targets with its second generation ACR, including a reduction in weight, packaging and cost, while maintaining the same high quality and performance. In addition to the well-proven benefit of the first edition ACR, the ACR2 also allows the integration of belt-related comfort and dynamic support features. The ACR2 optionally contains a pyrotechnical belt pretensioner to provide an even higher standard of occupant safety.

The ACR2 can be activated using data from active safety systems, such as the Electronic Stability Control or Brake Assist systems. It can also be triggered by data from environmental sensors, such as radar that provides the relative speed and distance to the vehicles ahead.

TRW's ACR2 allows different levels of pre-pretensioning strength, including a belt slack removal, a partial pretensioning for dynamic support and a full retract for emergency functions.

Active Buckle Lifter (ABL)

TRW's new Active Buckle Lifter (ABL) is part of a seat belt system that provides both safety and comfort.  The ABL improves the buckle's acccessibility by electrically lifting the seat belt buckle.  The convenience comes when the buckle is lifted past the center console between the seats, and beyond the jacket or other objects that can hide the buckle.  And, as many markets have an aging population, the more "reachable", more visible ABL can assist occupants whose mobility is reduced due to disease or disability.

During dynamic driving maneuvers the ABL acts as a reversible buckle pretensioner and adjusts the seat belt slack to better position occupants in their seats.  Similar to the ACR2 this pre-pretensioning can be activated using data from active safety systems, such as the Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist Systems, as well as environmental sensors.  TRW's Active Buckle Lifter allows different levels of pre-pretensioning strength, including partial pretensioning for dynamic support and a full retract for emergency functions.

Buckle Pretensioners

TRW's pretensioner technologies are another element used to help manage occupant energy in a crash.  Most pretensioners use a small pyrotechnic charge to help quickly remove slack, if present, from the seat belt system and restrain the occupant earlier in the event.

Pretensioners can be integrated into the buckle or retractor (as shown above) and take up seat belt slack using the retractor mechansim or by pulling the seat belt buckle downwards twoard the vehicle floor.

Once the pretensioner has fired, additional occupant safety system components (retractors and airbag systems) will work together to help further manage the energy of the occupant.  Pyrotechnic pretensioners, like airbags, need to be replaced once they have been activated.