Vehicle steering column adjustment and energy absorbing mechanism
US5562307A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle steering column adjustment and energy absorbing mechanism includes a steering column tube slidably mounted in a support member. A toothed slipper releasably engages with a toothed rack on the tube to lock the steering column relatively to the support member, a cam being provided to provide the locking action. The energy absorbing mechanism is provided by a strap which is rigidly joined to the slipper and is bent over a pin so that, in the event of vehicle crash with the rack and slipper locked together, energy imparted to the steering column causes the outer tube to move to cause the slipper to draw the strap around the pin, thereby to absorb energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.