Energy absorbing device for a steering column
US5356179A · kind A · utility
21Cited by
7References
2Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy absorbing device for the steering column of a vehicle comprising a pair of U-shaped energy absorbing straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to fixed vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. If the steering column collapses as in a collision when the driver is thrown forward against the steering wheel, one leg of each strap will move with the steering column, resisting movement thereof and absorbing energy gradually to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering wheel against the driver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.