Locking mechanism for telescoping steering column
US6354626B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/184
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (16) of a vehicle (14) comprises a first steering column part (70) and a second steering column part (80). The first steering column part (70) and the vehicle steering wheel (16) are supported for telescopic movement along an axis (28) between a plurality of different positions relative to the second steering column part (80). A locking mechanism (10) is interposed between the first steering column part (70) and the second steering column part (80) for locking the first steering column part in a selected one of the plurality of positions. The locking mechanism (10) comprises a fluid (100) having a viscosity which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The locking mechanism (10) also includes means (108) for varying the viscosity of the fluid (100) by varying the energy field to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column part (70) relative to the second steering column part (80).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.