Reactive energy absorbing system
AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.
InventorsPhilip J. McCarthy, Neal Richard Roller, Xiaoyu Li
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy absorbing device for a steering column includes first and second elongated plastically deformable straps connected to the steering column. A bushing connected to stationary vehicle support structure is engagable with the straps in a manner such that when the steering column collapses the straps advance linearly across the bushing and thereby resist collapse of the steering column. One of the straps may be disconnected from the steering column at the instant of a crash event, in circumstances where less resistance to steering column collapse is desired.
Claims10
An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly of a vehicle, comprising:
- a steering column having a steering column part which is adapted to collapse in response to a vehicle collision of substantial magnitude,
- vehicle support structure including a stationary part,
- a first elongated, plastically deformable strap,
- a bushing extending across said first strap,
- means connecting the first strap to one of the parts and connecting said bushing to the other of the parts to cause said first strap to advance linearly across said bushing when the steering column part collapses,
- a second elongated, plastically deformable strap extending across with said bushing,
- second means connecting the second strap to said one of the parts, said second means being releasable to disconnect said second strap from said one of the parts,
- said second strap, when connected to said one of said parts by said second means, advancing linearly across said bushing when the steering column part collapses,
- said straps interacting with said bushing in a manner such that when the straps advance linearly across said bushing the straps resist the collapse of the steering column part,
- said second strap, when disconnected from said one of the parts by the release of said second means, not advancing linearly across said bushing when the steering column part collapses and thereby not resisting collapse of the steering column part, and
- third means for releasing said second means to disconnect said second strap from said one of the parts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.