5.3.7. Active head restraints, front

For the F10, there are two versions depending on the installed seat. Both have a head restraint with pyrotechnic actuator which, in the event of a rear-end collision with sufficient severity, optimizes the distance and the height relative to the head. This reduces the load in the cervical spine area in the event of a rear-end collision. The headrest is activated at an early stage, even before the backward displacement of the occupant's head.

In order to offer as much convenience as possible, the front section of the manually adjustable head restraints can be pulled forward or pushed backward approximately 30 mm. It is a two-stage adjustment. This allows for three different positions for the head restraint depth adjustment.

On the multi-function seat, the headrest is adjusted by means of the headrest adjustment.

Fig 1: View Of Manually Adjustable Head Restraint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The active head restraint minimizes the load in the cervical spine area in the event of a rear-end collision. For the occupants in the vehicle, the correct adjustment of the head restraints and the distance of the head from the head restraint are of crucial importance.

In the event of a rear-end collision, the active head restraint reduces the distance between the head and the head restraint before the occupants are displaced backwards. This reduces the risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae, even in the event of a small accident.