Telltale indicator for adaptive energy absorbing system
US7434840B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.