Steering column energy absorbing assembly
US5417452A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an elongated steering column extending upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The steering column is of a type which rises to a greater angle to the horizontal when the vehicle is involved in a head-on collision. The steering wheel/air bag assembly at the upper end of the steering column is placed at an unfavorable position with respect to the driver's chest when the steering column rises in a collision. The steering column is mounted so that it will incline further upwardly when the driver is thrown forwardly during the collision and his chest strikes the steering wheel/air bag assembly. An energy absorbing bracket is provided to resist and retard the further upward inclination of the steering column in order to ease and soften the impact on the driver. The steering column is composed of a lower section and an upper section arranged end-to-end. The upper section is adapted to incline upwardly relative to the lower section in a vehicle frontal impact when the driver is thrown forwardly against the steering wheel. An energy absorbing device resists and retards such upward inclination of the upper section in order…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.