With Steering Column Mount Or Support Patents (Class 280/779)
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Patent number: 7182169Abstract: A steering system for a small-sized vehicle is capable of coaxially arranging a steering shaft and a power steering apparatus with high accuracy. In the steering system, when the power steering apparatus is connected to the steering shaft, a plurality of bearings support the steering shaft on a vehicle body frame, and where the axis of the steering shaft arranged at a desired position is a reference axis, at least one of the bearings is configured to compensate for an inclination of the steering shaft or further, to compensate for a deviation from the bearing which is centered with respect to the reference axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: Yasuhiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 7165786Abstract: An assembly is provided for fixing the position of an adjustable component (22) of a vehicle, comprising in combination a fixed reference frame (20) within the vehicle such as a dash or a firewall, an adjustable component (22) also disposed in the vehicle such as an adjustable steering column (10), pedals, or a seat. Interconnecting the fixed reference frame (20) and the adjustable component (22) is a fluid locking mechanism (50) which permits selective positioning of the adjustable component relative to the fixed reference frame (20) and holds the adjustable component (22) in position. The fluid locking mechanism (50) is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid (97) to fix the position of the adjustable component (22) in place once the desired position is selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Douglas Autotech CorporationInventors: Subin Sha, Joseph Spencer, Brian Bowerman
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Patent number: 7150488Abstract: An automobile instrument panel with a flexible steering column closeout and a method for assembling the same. The instrument panel is comprised of a structural backing member with a cavity formed therethrough for receiving a steering column. A flexible backing member is disposed over the cavity and attached to the structural backing. A layer of foam is then used to cover both the structural backing and the flexible backing. The foam layer retains the flexible backing against the structural backing, while creating a more aesthetic look for the instrument panel. An opening to accommodate the steering column is cut through both the foam layer and the flexible backing in an area located over the cavity portion of the structural backing, thereby forming a flexible closeout. The flexible closeout closes the gap between the steering column and instrument panel while still allowing for unimpeded displacement of the column relative to the instrument panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Walter Paul Kornylo, Timm Matthew Mooney, James Richard Lytle
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Patent number: 7143860Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar tilting apparatus having upper and lower pivotally attached brackets, a lever, and appropriate connectors to fasten the brackets and lever to each other in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the brackets each adopt a generally U-shaped configuration with opposing side members and a transition member extending therebetween and integral therewith. The lower bracket is stationary and is attached to the steering column of a vehicle using a handlebar for steering. The upper bracket is attached to the handlebar of the vehicle. The lever is pivotally attached to the upper bracket by a lever pin and supports a latch pin that selectively engages notches disposed in the lower bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventors: Dennis R. Marks, John R. Lind
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Patent number: 7131665Abstract: An arrangement for the holding of a steering column to a cross-member of a motor vehicle, in particular for a later screw connection of the steering column and/or of a dashboard holder to the cross-member, includes holding means formed at the steering column and at the cross-member which cooperate in a pre-installation state such that the steering column is held freely suspended at the cross-member.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Harald Walter Fischer, Andreas Ecker
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Patent number: 7086665Abstract: A steering column support mounting bracket for an automobile which can increase the strength by reducing the weight of the steering column support mounting bracket and decreases the number of parts by pivotally coupling a brake pedal unit to a lower portion thereof. The steering column support mounting bracket includes a supporting plate which is coupled to a predetermined position of a cowl cross bar and is made of a plastic material and a reinforcing plate which is coupled to one side of the supporting plate and is made of a steel material so as to increase the strength of the supporting plate. A brake pedal unit is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Hyundai MobisInventor: Jong-won Lee
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Patent number: 7077434Abstract: An impact absorption structure for a steering column cover for a vehicle, which is capable of minimizing injury to a driver's knee as well as driver's chest by achieving certain deformation in an impact absorption structure when a load is applied due to an impact on the steering column cover. The impact absorption structure is adapted to a bolt mounting structure in which upper and lower steering column covers are assembled using bolts.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Kwang Gi Lee
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Patent number: 7066492Abstract: A steering device (20) for an automobile (1) comprises a steering shaft (23) supporting a steering wheel (24), a steering gear device (26) disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the steering shaft (23), and an operative connection gear device (28) disposed forwardly of the steering gear device (26), supported by the car body (2) through a bracket (27) and adapted to operatively connect the steering gear device (26) to the lower end of the steering shaft (23). The bracket (27) comprises a front frame (36) constituting the front of the bracket (27) and supported at the front end thereof by the car body (2), the rear side thereof extending rearwardly downward, and a rear frame (38) constituting the rear of the bracket (27) and rearwardly extending from the rear end of the front frame (36), the rear end thereof being supported by the car body (2), with the operative connection gear device (28) being supported by the rear frame (38).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kosaku Horita
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Patent number: 7055647Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism includes an electrical power assist device connected with the steering shaft by an adjustable coupling, thereby to permit accurate perfect alignment between the output shaft of the power assist device and the steering shaft on the steering axis of the mechanism. One or more transverse connecting members may be provided between the flange portions of the swivel plate and the front face of the housing of the power assist device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Nacam France SAInventors: Philippe Daniel, Guillaume Briere
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Patent number: 7055860Abstract: An electrically actuated steering column system that includes an electrically actuated steering column mechanism. A switch is interconnected with the electrically actuated steering column mechanism to allow for movement of a steering column housing relative to a driver. There is also included electrical control structure that regulates the electrically actuated steering column mechanism. The electrically actuated steering column system allows a driver to activate a switch and apply a force to initiate movement of the steering column housing and then deactivate the switch to halt movement and retain the steering column housing in a secure manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ray G. Armstrong, Richard K. Riefe, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Marvin V. Manwaring
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Patent number: 7048325Abstract: An adjustable cross beam for a vehicle. The cross beam includes two members that are configured to be adjustably coupled to form a cross beam of variable span. The modular nature of the members and adjustability allows the cross beam to be used in a variety of vehicles, thereby reducing necessary cross beam inventory and excess spare parts.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Chain Singh Sandhu
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Patent number: 7000949Abstract: A steering column connected to a vehicle electronic system having an electronic jack and a vehicle steering mechanism for a motor vehicle. The steering column includes a clock spring in electronic communication with a steering wheel. The clock spring includes a first electronic connector for communication with the vehicle electronic system; a second electronic connector including a plug having at least one pin and located at the first end of an electronic conduit to thereby connect with the electronic jack upon assembly within the vehicle; and a third electronic connector at the second end of the electronic conduit in connection with the first electronic connector of the clock spring. Electronic communication throughout the steering column is established by connection of the electronic conduit to the vehicle electronic system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Takata-Petri, Inc.Inventors: William E. Bostic, Alex Koenig, Carl Peterson
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Patent number: 6994373Abstract: In a connection between an inner casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle and a sleeve-shaped holder, an adjusting device for the casing tube is fastened and engages around the casing tube in an encircling manner and is fixed thereon in a form-fitting manner. In order to hold the holder on the casing tube in a secure and positionally correct manner counter to high axial forces and torques using the simplest arrangement possible, the casing tube has at least two axially spaced apart, radially protruding stops against which, on a mutually facing side, the holder bears with a respective stop edge, and the casing tube has at least one form-fitting element which interacts in a latching manner in the circumferential direction with a mating form-fitting element arranged on the holder.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Joachim Schmidt
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Patent number: 6964211Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises an axially extending input shaft (12) for connecting to a vehicle steering wheel. The input shaft (12) is rotatable about an axis (A) upon rotation of the steering wheel. The vehicle steering column (10) also comprises a housing (16) at least partially enclosing the input shaft (12). A bearing (92) is interposed between the housing (16) and the input shaft (12) and supports the input shaft (12) for rotation about the axis (A). The housing (16) has at least one series of axially spaced, annular ribs (52) that at least partially extend around the bearing (92). Axially adjacent annular ribs (52) are separated by an annular groove (58). A gasket (100) is interposed between the bearing (92) and the ribs (52). The gasket (100) encircles the bearing (92). The ribs (52) resist axial movement of the gasket (100).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. St. Myer
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Patent number: 6948741Abstract: The telescoping steering column includes a fixed jacket, and telescoping a translating jacket, and an inner tubular member. A wedge, is moved by a screw, into wedging engagement with the inner tubular member to force the inner tubular member into engagement with the translating jacket and the translating jacket into the fixed jacket for preventing relative longitudinal movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Melvin L. Tinnin, Ray G. Armstrong
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Patent number: 6916044Abstract: An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Sean A. Bannon
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Patent number: 6912863Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioning case, a blower fan for blowing conditioned air into a passenger compartment, and an evaporator disposed in the air conditioning case. The air conditioning case has a cooling opening upstream from the evaporator, so that at least inside air is blown by the blower fan to vehicle electronic units through the cooling opening. Thus, heat radiation of the electronic units can be facilitated by air blown from the blower fan. Further, because at least inside air, without being cooled by the evaporator, is blown to the electronic units, the electronic units can be prevented from being excessively cooled. Accordingly, it can restrict the surface temperature of the electronic units from reducing less than a dew point, thereby effectively reducing condensed water on the electronic units.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hisashi Tanaka, Haruki Ikuta, Koichi Ito
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Patent number: 6902192Abstract: A steering column is structured such that a clamp/unclamp mechanism of a telescopic mechanism and a tilting mechanism can be operated by a single control lever located in the vicinity of a steering wheel, and that no part juts out of the steering column to improve reliability and controllability. When the control lever is pulled to rock on the center of the lever center axis, a tilt head is unclamped, while the rocking motion of the control lever turns a pusher plate, thereby pushing a pusher rod and also turning a column clamp shaft through a rocking arm. With the rotation of the column clamp shaft, the clamp is released to allow a column head to move. Since the column clamp shaft turns parallelly with the direction of movement of the column head, the column head can be clamped/unclamped regardless of its position.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Sato, Sakae Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6886860Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes a steering column, and a bracket for mounting the steering column to the dashboard of a vehicle; and an adapter detachably connected to the steering column for providing an interface for mounting a plurality of items on the adapter. The bracket further includes a tongue and the adapter further includes a notch for engaging the tongue such that the adapter can be mounted on the steering column in only one orientation. The adapter component of the present invention further includes a plurality of surfaces for mounting various items on the adapter. The adapter may be easily modified to accommodate different system devices or other items.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLCInventors: William A. Singleton, Scott R. Weslow, Mark H. Sciulli
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Patent number: 6874384Abstract: A joining connection between a circumferentially closed hollow profile and an add-on part which is provided with a passage opening and consists of a material of lower strength than the material of the hollow profile is disclosed. Additionally, a method for producing the connection and to a steering column having this joining connection is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Bernd Freiwald, Torsten Harms, Hartmut Kahnert, Olaf Sättler
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Patent number: 6863306Abstract: The present invention is a steering column for a motor vehicle. The steering column comprises a guide bracket, a pivot bracket movably attached to the guide bracket, and a tilt cartridge attached to the pivot bracket. A steering shaft is pivotably attached to the pivot bracket and pivotably attached to the tilt cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Travis D Bechtel, Ronald Klanke, William A Jolley
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Publication number: 20040262904Abstract: A steering device (20) for an automobile (1) comprises a steering shaft (23) supporting a steering wheel (24), a steering gear device (26) disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the steering shaft (23), and an operative connection gear device (28) disposed forwardly of the steering gear device (26), supported by the car body (2) through a bracket (27) and adapted to operatively connect the steering gear device (26) to the lower end of the steering shaft (23). The bracket (27) comprises a front frame (36) constituting the front of the bracket (27) and supported at the front end thereof by the car body (2), the rear side thereof extending rearwardly downward, and a rear frame (38) constituting the rear of the bracket (27) and rearwardly extending from the rear end of the front frame (36), the rear end thereof being supported by the car body (2), with the operative connection gear device (28) being supported by the rear frame (38).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Kosaku Horita
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Publication number: 20040256849Abstract: A column hole cover is interposed between a circumferential portion of an aperture of a column hole of an instrument panel and a steering gear box capable of being displaced in a predetermined direction. The column hole cover includes a cylindrical main body extended in the predetermined direction. The main body includes a first annular end portion directly or indirectly fixed to the steering gear box, and a second annular end portion. The second end portion is provided with an annular seal. An intermediate portion between the first and second end portions is provided with a expandable/contractible portion capable of being elastically expanded or contracted in the predetermined direction. Irrespective of the displacement of the steering gear box, the annular seal is maintained in an elastic pressure contact against the circumferential portion of the aperture of the instrument panel by a reaction force of the compressed expandable/contractible portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Hirohisa Suzuki, Seizou Furukawa, Noboru Yamamoto, Teruya Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6827393Abstract: In a motor vehicle, a strut is arranged between the cowl cross member and the center console cross member. The strut is supported in the cowl cross member on a junction element by way of a holder. The junction element includes a profile element and a structural foam part arranged above the latter, which structural foam part swells as a result of a heat treatment, and a precisely fitting filling-out of the interior of the cowl cross member is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Tilsner, Michael Wagner
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Patent number: 6820899Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket with a deformable component that is joined to the mounting bracket and that can collapse in the event of vehicle crash thereby to absorb energy. The deformable component is restrained in a normal position by locating means and is provided with regions of weakness to allow collapse. The provision of such deformable means actually in the mounting bracket itself eliminates the need for additional brackets, for example, to achieve the same purpose.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: NSK Steering Systems Europe LimitedInventor: Patrick Anthony Duffy
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Publication number: 20040222623Abstract: The subject invention is a flexible sealing structure for an automobile steering column that is formed and adapted as an external sealing mechanism which sealing mechanism has a housing having an internal circumference which has formed thereon an internal circumferential flange, as opposed to having formed thereon a circumferential channel on the radially inner surface of the housing. The internal circumferential seal member is affixed on the outer circumferential surface of the internal circumference flange. The sealing concept herein has other applications aside from the steering column of an automobile as set forth in the preferred embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventor: Paul A. Walters
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Patent number: 6814374Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Riefe
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Publication number: 20040201194Abstract: A mounting system for coupling attaching mounting a steering gear housing member to a vehicle frame, comprises at least one single-piece steering gear brackets secured to a cross member of the vehicle frame, and at least one corresponding single-piece steering gear joint member integral with the steering gear housing member and secured to the steering gear bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Ouqi Zhang, Jason A. Poirier
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Publication number: 20040178619Abstract: In a vehicle for uneven ground operation front wheels can be steered with a handle via a steering shaft mounted rotatably on the body frame with an upper cross beam being placed in spanning relationship between left and right front upper pipes composing the body frame and said steering shaft is supported by the upper cross beam. The left and right pipes can be coupled firmly to each other with the upper cross beam for enhancing the rigidity of the body frame. In addition, the number of components can be reduced as compared to providing a distinct steering shaft support member so that a reduction in the weight of the vehicle is achieved. If the upper cross beam is bend molded, the rigidity of the upper cross beam can be enhanced so that the rigidity of the body frame is further enhanced, while a weight increase is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventor: Shinji Takahashi
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Publication number: 20040169364Abstract: A support apparatus for a steering column of an automotive vehicle. The support apparatus comprises an upper and lower brackets through which a lower housing of the steering column is installed to a vehicle body. The lower housing is releasable from the vehicle body through first and second releasing mechanisms. The second releasing mechanism includes a part defining a through-hole through which the front end section of the lower housing is projectable forward. An engaging and releasing device is provided such that the lower housing is engageable with the lower bracket and releasable from the lower bracket when a forward load is applied to the steering column through the engaging and releasing device. Additionally, a guide member is disposed forward of the through-hole to slidingly guide the bottom surface of the lower housing forward generally when the lower housing gets out of the through-hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventors: Syogo Hayashi, Haruhide Kurita
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Publication number: 20040145170Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the holding of a steering column to a cross-member of a motor vehicle, in particular for a later screw connection of the steering column and/or of a dashboard holder to the cross-member, wherein holding means are formed at the steering column and at the cross-member which cooperate in a pre-installation state such that the steering column is held freely suspended at the cross-member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Harald Walter Fischer, Andreas Ecker
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Patent number: 6761376Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Kremer Riefe, Marvin V. Manwaring, Ray Garnet Armstrong, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Stephen W. Skillman
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Patent number: 6752425Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) vibration damper for damping axial and rotational vibrations of an automotive steering system may include a housing encasing MR fluid therein and a gear-like rotor and orifice plate disposed within the housing. The rotor and orifice plate, which may be affixed to the steering wheel shaft, includes a plurality of gear-like teeth on its surface and a plurality of holes for producing shear and normal forces, respectively, on the MR fluid. Electric coils may be disposed within the housing for generating an electric field for activating the MR fluid. The MR vibration damper may be activated or deactivated by a controller by comparing a signal value from a steering wheel vibration sensor to a predetermined threshold value. The controller may be programmable by a user to increase or decrease the predetermined threshold value, so as to enable customization of driving feel.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wei-Yi Loh, Thomas Michael Dalka, Rena Hecht Basch, Jiansheng Weng
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Publication number: 20040084887Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) vibration damper for damping axial and rotational vibrations of an automotive steering system may include a housing encasing MR fluid therein and a gear-like rotor and orifice plate disposed within the housing. The rotor and orifice plate, which may be affixed to the steering wheel shaft, includes a plurality of gear-like teeth on its surface and a plurality of holes for producing shear and normal forces, respectively, on the MR fluid. Electric coils may be disposed within the housing for generating an electric field for activating the MR fluid. The MR vibration damper may be activated or deactivated by a controller by comparing a signal value from a steering wheel vibration sensor to a predetermined threshold value. The controller may be programmable by a user to increase or decrease the predetermined threshold value, so as to enable customization of driving feel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Wei-Yi Loh, Thomas Michael Dalka, Rena Hecht Basch, Jiansheng Weng
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Patent number: 6698793Abstract: An instrument panel extends in the widthwise direction of a vehicle body, and is vertically separated into an upper panel and a lower panel. A bolt member for fastening a column-mounting bracket and a column holder is independently fixed to the column-mounting bracket and to the column holder. In a state in which the bolt member is fixed to the column holder, a first nut member is screwed onto a first externally-threaded portion from above the lower panel mounted on the vehicle body, thereby fastening the column holder to the column-mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Takano, Hikaru Sunohara
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Patent number: 6692026Abstract: A steering column having a composite steering column support housing formed from a fiber reinforced matrix material. By layering the fibers within the matrix material of the support housing to a specific orientation, controlling fiber length, and controlling fiber and polymer type, the performance of the steering column can be manipulated to optimize NVH, structural stiffness, load path, crash energy management, mass balance, and cost. The column support housing contains at least one mounting hole for coupling to either an instrument panel or engine compartment wall. The column support housing may have a protruding region for stabilizing the steering column to the instrument panel when the support housing is mounted to the engine compartment wall. The mounting hole can also contain an elastomeric washer or a filler material for improving dampening characteristics, and further may have a circular fiber orientation immediately surrounding the mounting hole to further improve performance characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas James Gianaris, Atiya M. Ahmad, Alan C. Johnston
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Patent number: 6688645Abstract: A turn-limited column assembly comprises a column rotatable about an axis. The column rotates a first plate that defines a first spiral track. The first plate rotates relative to a second plate that defines a second spiral track. The plates are arranged such that the spiral tracks overlap to define an intersection, whereat a sliding element is disposed. The column is rotatable between a first stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the inboard ends of the spiral tracks and a second stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the outboard ends of the spiral tracks.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian James Andonian, Bing Zheng, Muqtada Husain
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Patent number: 6685225Abstract: Vehicle steering column ride down apparatus to guide the direction of steering column collapse in the event of vehicle crash includes a first part for fixedly mounting to a support such as a cross car beam and a second part for coupling to a steering column assembly. At least one of the parts has one or more tracks to act as guides and the other part has structure that runs in the one or more tracks. The apparatus also includes a tightener to tighten the two parts, one upon the other, to provide a predetermined frictional resistance at least to initial relative break-away movement of the two parts in the event of vehicle crash. Each track may be constituted by at least one slot. Coated plates can be clamped between flanges of the parts, which are each in the form of brackets to provide further initial frictional resistance to the initial relative break-away movement of the two parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: NSK Steering Systems Europe LimitedInventors: Michael Thomas Hancock, Seiichi Moriyama, Yuichiro Fukunaga, Yasuhisa Yamada
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Publication number: 20040004349Abstract: A vehicle including an operator platform having a platform front end and a platform rear end joined by opposing platform sides. The operator platform is bisected by a longitudinal centerline extending through the front and rear ends. An operator console is mounted relative to the platform and extends along a vertical plane bisected by the longitudinal centerline. The vertical plane is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. A steering control mechanism rotatably is mounted to the operator console for rotation about an axis. The axis is arranged to allow natural movement of an operator's wrist to minimize fatigue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventor: Gary B. Swetish
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Publication number: 20040000782Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 6648402Abstract: A structural member for providing a structural load path from a structural system to the floor of a vehicle is provided. The structural member has a stud plate with a plurality of studs extending therefrom. The studs are adapted to structurally connect to the steering column support structure, the structural system, and the center brace. The center brace also includes a plurality of molded attachment features for integrally attaching vehicle components to the center brace.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Joseph Scheib, Stephen Moore Pitrof, Young I Moon, George Frank Richards
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Patent number: 6644690Abstract: A steering column support assembly for a motor vehicle, comprises a laterally extending support structure (25), mounting points (32) for affixing opposite ends (28,29,30,31) of the support structure (25) to side portions of a motor vehicle chassis, a fixing point (45) above the laterally extending support structure (25) for affixing the support structure (25) to a front portion of a motor vehicle chassis, and a steering column support bracket (34), the steering column support bracket being supported by the laterally extending support structure (25). The support structure (25) includes a laterally extending first support member (26), and a laterally extending second support member (27). The first support member (26) and the second support member (27) each extend laterally between the mounting points (28,29,30,31). The steering column support bracket (34) braces apart the first support member (26) and the second support member (27).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Thomas Brownlee, Robert Leslie Easter, Sheldon Tamsett
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Publication number: 20030205893Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24) through which a steering column member (12) extends. An over-center locking mechanism (130) locks the support (24) in any one of a plurality of positions relative to a mounting bracket (66). The locking mechanism (130) has a locking member (132) that has a first position in which a portion (46) of the support (24) and a portion (72) of the mounting bracket (66) are urged toward each other to prevent movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The locking member (132) has a second position in which the support (24) and the mounting bracket (66) are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism (130) applies a first force to the locking member (132) to move the locking member from the first position to the second position and applies a second force to the locking member to move the locking member from the second position to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventor: Gregory B. Livengood
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Patent number: 6629704Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises a one-piece steering column member (12) that includes a plurality of elongate wall portions (20-24) that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (28) of the steering column. The plurality of wall portions (20-24) at least partially define a chamber (26) in the member (12) for receiving an axially extending steering shaft (30) of the vehicle. The member (12) has a generally rectangular exterior configuration. The member (12) includes a vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) formed as one piece with the elongate wall portions (20-24). The vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) extends from the wall portions (20-24) and is adapted for fastening the steering column member (10) to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Eckhart
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Publication number: 20030184072Abstract: A turn-limited column assembly comprises a column rotatable about an axis. The column rotates a first plate that defines a first spiral track. The first plate rotates relative to a second plate that defines a second spiral track. The plates are arranged such that the spiral tracks overlap to define an intersection, whereat a sliding element is disposed. The column is rotatable between a first stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the inboard ends of the spiral tracks and a second stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the outboard ends of the spiral tracks.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Brian James Andonian, Bing Zheng, Muqtada Husain
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Publication number: 20030168843Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a steering column for operatively mounting a hand controller used for controlling the steering of the vehicle. A support member is disposed adjacent the steering column and is coupled thereto by a rake pivot connection which enables the steering column to pivot about an axis of the rake pivot connection relative to the support member along a rake adjustment path for adjusting a rake position of the steering column. A torsion spring is disposed about the axis between the steering column and the support member to provide a constant spring bias force therebetween. The torsion spring preferably provides near-equilibrium support of the column through its full rake adjust travel. The torsion spring further is readily adaptable to telescopic-type columns and does not interfere with the telescopic adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Patrik M. Ryne, Chad E. Gerding, Bruce D. Kniebbe
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Publication number: 20030164609Abstract: A steering unit for an industrial truck includes a steering actuator element fastened by a steering column (2) to a frame (1) of the industrial truck. A joint element makes it possible for the steering column (2) to pivot relative to the frame (1) of the industrial truck and a damping element reduces the transmission of vibrations from the frame (1) of the industrial truck to the steering column (2). At least one bearing component (5) is provided which forms the joint element and the damping element simultaneously. The bearing component (5) includes an elastic, e.g., elastomeric, element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Hans-Jorg Kettenburg, Ulf Logemann
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Patent number: 6592148Abstract: The lower bracket assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a lower column support bracket with a central passage. A lower bearing adapter slides into the central passage from the rear. A pair of energy absorption straps engage the column support bracket and the lower bearing adapter and resist further forward movement of the lower bearing adapter. During a collision, the energy absorption straps absorb energy while permitting the lower bearing adapter to move forward and out of the central passage through the column support bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Michael Byers, Richard Kremer Riefe, James Salois, Michael John Clayton, Marc William Heinzman
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Patent number: 6581967Abstract: A vehicle cockpit assembly, comprising: a cross-car support having leftward and rightward ends, each end being adapted to connect to respective left and right A-pillars of a vehicle; a wall member having a central area defined by a periphery and a support mount disposed at the central area, the wall member being connectable to the vehicle such that the wall member at least partially separates an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a steering column support having a body connected to the cross-car support; and a brake sled including a body having a forward end, a rearward end, a first mount located at the forward end of the body and being operable to couple to the support mount of the wall member with forward-to-rearward adjustability, and a second mount located at the rearward end of the body and being operable to be fixedly couple to the steering column support.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Sommer AllibertInventors: Jeffrey Allen Logan, Christopher James McCalvin
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Publication number: 20030085561Abstract: In a connection between an inner casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle and a sleeve-shaped holder, an adjusting device for the casing tube is fastened and engages around the casing tube in an encircling manner and is fixed thereon in a form-fitting manner. In order to hold the holder on the casing tube in a secure and positionally correct manner counter to high axial forces and torques using the simplest arrangement possible, the casing tube has at least two axially spaced apart, radially protruding stops against which, on a mutually facing side, the holder bears with a respective stop edge, and the casing tube has at least one form-fitting element which interacts in a latching manner in the circumferential direction with a mating form-fitting element arranged on the holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Joachim Schmidt