2.3.2 Braking Bag Systems
The concept of an airbag has already been implemented
in modern cars very effectively. Those airbags are to protect
the head, thorax, and knees of the people in the car. However,
this braking bag system helps the drivers to reduce power
when breaking before a head-on crash. Braking Bag Systems
are another innovation of brake assistant that has been developed
by Mercedes-Benz [18]. This particular system is now fitted
to the Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Hybrid (Experimental
Safety Vehicle). Unlike traditional systems such as ABS
(Antilock Braking System), TCS (Traction Control System)
and ESP (Electronic Stability Program), the highlight of this
new brake assist system uses braking bag technology. The
ideas uses an external airbag which slows the car before a
crash, the sensors analyze data and sends it to the Braking
Bag System. The safety system in the car commands the bags
underneath the car to swell in an emergency [18]. The system
will detect an imminent crash, the information will be sent to
the control unit to control the airbag which is located in the
vehicle floor above the front axle carrierto deploy.This action
will lower a panel to the ground, to slow down the car. This
decreases the aerodynamics but increases the friction of
ground surface to the tire. The Braking Bag System improves
wheeled braking power and assists the driver to stop the car
faster in a shorter distance. [19]