Steering column assembly with shearable jacket connector
US8627742B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/192
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering column assembly includes a first jacket defining a first bore and a second jacket defining a second bore aligned with the first bore prior to collapse of the first jacket and the second jacket. A jacket connector extends through the bores to interconnect the first jacket and the second jacket. The jacket connector includes a pre-determined shear resistance, above which the jacket connector is sheared to permit telescopic movement between the first jacket and the second jacket. Accordingly, in response to an axial load greater than the pre-determined shear resistance of the jacket connector being applied to one of the first jacket and the second jacket, the jacket connector shears, permitting the telescopic movement. The jacket connector includes a pin defining a pin bore. The pin bore defines a cross sectional area, with the pre-determined shear resistance depending upon the cross sectional area of the pin bore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.