Breakaway device for an automotive steering column
AssigneeNSK Steering Systems America, Inc.
InventorsThomas Faulkner, Karina Navarrete, Logananth Chinniah
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy absorption assembly (50) for a steering column assembly including an energy absorption plate (52), a gear plate (60), and a breakaway bracket (80). The energy absorption plate (52 may include a first end and a second end with a curved portion therebetween. The gear plate (60) may engage and/or disengage with a locking mechanism. The energy absorption plate (52) may be attached to the gear plate (60) at or near an end of the gear plate (60). The breakaway bracket (80) may be attached to the gear plate (60) at or near an opposing end of the gear plate (60).
Claims28
An energy absorption assembly for a steering column assembly comprising:
- a. an energy absorption plate having a first end and a second end with a curved portion therebetween;
- and
- b. a gear plate adapted to engage and/or disengage with a locking mechanism;
- c. a breakaway bracket including one or more gear plate anchors for engaging with a portion of the gear plate;
- wherein the energy absorption plate is attached to and/or extending from the gear plate at or near an end of the gear plate;
- and
- wherein the breakaway bracket is attached to the gear plate at or near an opposing end of the gear plate.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.