Pre-crash column release
US7347451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/184
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle includes first and second members (12, 14) engaged for movement relative to one another along one of a tilting path (16) and a telescoping path. The steering column assembly (10) also includes an electric lock (18) operable to lock the first and second members (12, 14) into a locked configuration that restricts movement and an unlocked configuration that permits movement between the members. The steering column assembly (10) also includes a sensor (20) operable to sense a vehicle crash condition and then emit a crash signal to a controller (22) that controls the electric lock (18) to change from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to the signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.