Fun fact: Volvo actually invented the three-point seatbelt that is the standard for cars across the world today. More accurately, it was a Volvo engineer, Nils Bohlin, who pioneered the belt in its modern form. The three-point belt was debuted by the company for the 1959 model year as standard equipment. Now, Volvo once again has a new take on the seatbelt: a newer, smarter one for the modern age that’ll learn from crashes to help keep you safer.
Volvo’s New Smart Seatbelt
The new design still features the traditional three-pointed layout pioneered by the company 66 years ago, but with new technology that adapts to an occupant’s body and adjusts the belt load accordingly. The belt will leverage data collected from the car’s sensors, both in and out, to customize protection based on both road conditions and the size of the occupant. For example, it’ll load the belt with greater tension in a crash if the occupant is larger, or provide less tension to decrease the chance of rib damage in smaller occupants.
Volvo Pioneers Safety Technology Again
The sensors can accurately detect the height, weight, body shape, and seating position of an occupant, and the new tech also expands the number of available load-limiting profiles. This tech, which helps the seatbelt apply the correct amount of tension across your lap and chest for your size in an accident, already existed, but Volvo was previously limited to three profiles. Now, that number rises to 11. Belts will also receive their own over-the-air updates, so the tech will also (ideally) improve with time. Volvo says that the technology will make its debut in the upcoming all-electric EX60. From there, it’s likely the stuff will make its way into further models as they receive updates.
TopSpeed’s Take
Volvo has built its reputation on safety, and these new seatbelts look to continue that tradition. It isn’t clear yet if Volvo will, as it did with patents for the three-pointed belt, share with other manufacturers. In the name of reducing crash injuries, we think Volvo should. However, automotive supply chains are complicated, and it’s possible Volvo may not be solely in control of the patent. Whatever happens to it, we’ll be sure to report it when it does.
Read the full article here