Reactive energy absorbing system
US6575497B1 · kind B1 · utility
29Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F7/128
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy absorbing device for a steering column includes first and second elongated plastically deformable straps connected to the steering column. A bushing connected to stationary vehicle support structure is engagable with the straps in a manner such that when the steering column collapses the straps advance linearly across the bushing and thereby resist collapse of the steering column. One of the straps may be disconnected from the steering column at the instant of a crash event, in circumstances where less resistance to steering column collapse is desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.