US 6,189,929 B1 · Adaptive collapsible steering column

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32) supported for movement relative to a second steering column part (34). An energy absorbing device (20) is interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises at least one bendable strap (50) that bends to absorb energy in response to relative movement between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34). A member (70) is movable across the width of the at least one bendable strap (50) to vary the rate of bending of the at least one bendable strap to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column (32) part relative to the second steering column part (34).

Claims12

Dependent claims

An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a first steering column part;
a second steering column part;
said first steering column part and the vehicle steering wheel being supported for movement relative to said second steering column part;
an energy absorbing device interposed between said first steering column part and said second steering column part for resisting movement of said first part relative to said second part, said energy absorbing device comprising at least one bendable strap that bends to absorb energy in response to relative movement between said first steering column part and said second steering column part;
and
a member movable across the width of said at least one bendable strap to vary the rate of bending of said at least one bendable strap to vary the resistance to movement of said first steering column part relative to said second steering column part.

3 more elements

An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a first steering column part;
a second steering column part;
said first steering column part and the vehicle steering wheel being supported for movement relative to said second steering column part;
an energy absorbing device interposed between said first steering column part and said second steering column part for resisting movement of said first part relative to said second part, said energy absorbing device comprising at least one bendable strap that bends to absorb energy in response to relative movement between said first steering column part and said second steering column part;
and
means responsive to vehicle and/or occupant conditions sensed during operation of the vehicle for varying the rate of bending of said at least one bendable strap to vary the resistance to movement of said first steering column part relative to said second steering column part.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adaptive collapsible steering column

Life of this patent

Adaptive collapsible steering column

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12