Energy absorption system including a U-shaped deformable member and a deforming member
US5375881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F7/123
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A collapsible steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a U-shaped deformable member connected to a fixed support for the steering column and a deforming member connected to the steering column itself. Under impact conditions caused by an accident the members move relative to one another thus allowing the steering column to collapse. This relative movement of the members enables the deforming member to contact the base of the `U` to deform the U-shaped deformable member to reduce its overall length thus absorbing the energy of the impact and allowing the column to collapse in a controlled manner. The members can be shaped and dimensioned to give the desired energy absorption characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.