Crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering column
US6652002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F7/123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column has a plastically deformable strap extending along a track in a base. When the steering column collapses in a collision, the strap moves along the track and a portion of the strap is displaced by a ball in a pocket in the track, which resists strap movement in an amount related to the diameter of the ball. Different diameter balls are provided. One ball is selected depending on the amount of resistance desired. The ball is selected by an actuator operable by a signal generated by a controller in response to a vehicle collision. Alternatively, an anvil displaces a portion of the strap into a U-shape to resist linear movement of the strap. The position of the anvil is adjustable by a stepped adjuster bar to vary the displacement of the U-shaped portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.