Adaptive energy absorbing device for a steering column
US6802536B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2023 |
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 of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.