Brose showcases versatile interior concepts at IAA Mobility

Brose is showcasing the functional, flexible and comfortable interior of future generation vehicles under its ‘Smart Comfort Solutions’ theme at this year’s IAA Mobility. This is possible with the supplier’s expertise in intelligently connecting individual components using sensor technology and software.

In the future, vehicle users will decide how they wish to spend their drive. Whether they choose to work, relax or drive the car themselves: electronically controlled seats, screens and storage areas automatically coordinate their respective positions.

Here’s one scenario: The driver hears a sudden warning while riding in an autonomous car: “Obstacle ahead, please take over the wheel!” In split seconds, the seat moves from a fully reclined position to an upright, secure state. The table in the centre console retracts simultaneously and the steering wheel returns to the driving position. The driver can respond quickly and take over the wheel to avoid the hazardous situation.

“To enable future scenarios like this, we are connecting our mechatronic components with sensor technology and software to create intelligent overall systems,” explains Andreas Jagl, Executive Vice President Interior Brose Group, adding: “At the same time, we are constantly expanding our portfolio of seat structures and interior components.”

New motor technology for seats
Brose says it has taken its many years of experience in drives and applied it to electronically commutated motors for seat adjustment. They work quicker and quieter than conventional variants. If an accident is imminent, they bring passengers into an upright position in split seconds to ensure adequate protection. In normal, changing driving situations the newly developed motors with adjustment paths of up to 100 millimetres per second ensure the interior adapts much more quickly, offering vehicle users even more flexibility and comfort.

If desired, the back seat can rearrange to form two individual seats with power adjuster features that allow passengers to fully recline inside the vehicle for ultimate relaxation – or the interior can adapt to offer maximum cargo space. This flexibility is made possible by a newly developed power rail system from Brose, which allows interior elements to move independently of one another. For instance, footrests or trays are only visible when they are needed. Otherwise, they are stowed away to save space. Integrated cargo modules in the seat rail make it possible to use the entire vehicle as a cargo space. The modules can be used to secure transport boxes or pets or connect e-scooters. They also feature a data and power interface that enables the use of additional functions such as battery charging.

Expanding its existing portfolio
Brose supplies around 11 million front and rear seat structures annually to carmakers throughout the world. Through cooperation agreements with partners the company is expanding its expertise to include the development and production of complete seat systems in multifunctional vehicle interiors. Ergonomically designed seats, systematic lightweight construction along with seat covers made of recycled materials prove that design and comfort can also be sustainable. Occupants can enjoy comfortable sitting and even reclining positions thanks to the versatile headrest, arm and leg rests.