Responsive energy absorbing device for steering columns
US6749222B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 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 collapsible steering column has a plurality of plastically deformable straps each with one end connected to the steering column and an opposite end bent around an anvil connected to stationary vehicle support structure. When the steering column collapses, the straps unwind from the anvils, thereby resisting steering column collapse and absorbing energy. One or more of the straps may be cut in two by a knife at the time of the collision, thereby removing it from the energy absorbing system. In another form of the invention, an energy absorbing strap extends around a piston which has two or more different size anvils. The piston is axially movable in a cylinder to positions surrounding one or another of the anvils. The strap is drawn over the anvil it surrounds when the steering column collapses, thereby resisting collapse of the steering column and absorbing a certain amount of energy depending on the size of the anvil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.