Impact-absorbing device for protection of passengers in a vehicle
US6241284A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed for protecting the driver of a motor vehicle including a steering bracket for supporting the main steering shaft of the motor vehicle, the steering bracket including a first portion mounted on the body of the motor vehicle and a second portion mounted on the main steering shaft, the first and second portions being relatively displaceable with respect to each other, an energy absorbing tube which includes a number of grooves having different deformation resistances, a knife mounted adjacent to the energy absorbing tube so that upon relative displacement of the two portions of the steering bracket, the knife moves along one of the grooves, and a controller for setting the position of the knife with respect to one of the grooves whereby the deformation resistance of the energy absorbing tube can be adjusted by the controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.