Electromagnetic brake mechanism for steering column energy absorption system
AssigneeSteering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
InventorsJohn F. Schulz, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy absorption system for a vehicle steering column includes a lower jacket. The energy absorption system also includes an upper jacket operatively coupled to, and moveable relative to, the lower jacket. The energy absorption system further includes a tooth rack operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorption system yet further includes an electromagnetic brake mechanism engageable with the tooth rack to exert a braking force on the tooth rack.
Claims16
An energy absorption system for a vehicle steering column comprising:
- a lower jacket;
- an upper jacket operatively coupled to, and moveable relative to, the lower jacket;
- a tooth rack operatively coupled to the upper jacket;
- and
- an electromagnetic brake mechanism engageable with the tooth rack to exert a braking force on the tooth rack, wherein the electromagnetic brake mechanism comprises:
- a stationary portion operatively coupled to a steering column structure;
- a rotatable portion rotatable relative to the stationary portion;
- a rod operatively coupled to the rotatable portion and rotatable therewith;
- and
- a pinion directly coupled to the rod and rotatable therewith, the pinion having a plurality of pinion teeth directly engaged with a plurality of rack teeth formed on a surface of the tooth rack.
An energy absorption system for a vehicle steering column comprising:
- a lower jacket;
- an upper jacket operatively coupled to, and moveable relative to, the lower jacket, the upper jacket having a plurality of jacket teeth formed on an outer surface of the upper jacket;
- an electromagnetic brake mechanism engageable with the plurality of jacket teeth to exert a braking force on the upper jacket, wherein the electromagnetic brake mechanism comprises:
- a stationary portion operatively coupled to a steering column structure;
- a rotatable portion rotatable relative to the stationary portion;
- a rod operatively coupled to the rotatable portion and rotatable therewith;
- and
- a pinion directly coupled to the rod and rotatable therewith, the pinion having a plurality of pinion teeth directly engaged with the plurality of jacket teeth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.