Vehicle steering system torsion bar

Abstract

A vehicle steering assembly comprising an input member, an output member, and a torsion bar coupling the input member to the output member. The torsion bar includes primary and secondary load structures, and the secondary load structure is inoperative below a transition torque. The primary load structure includes a primary torque member that constantly couples the input member to the output member throughout an operative range of the steering assembly. The secondary load structure includes first and second torque members that are separated by a gap when the assembly encounters a torque below the transition torque and that contact each other when the assembly encounters a torque above the transition torque. The first torque member can comprise a tubular structure surrounding the primary torque member. The tubular structure includes an opening defining a circumferentially-exposed surface, and the second torque member includes a radially-extending arm positioned in the opening.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.