Abstract: A telescoping steering column assembly and method of manufacturing the assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes an outer jacket defining at least one hole and a central axis. An inner jacket is disposed in the outer jacket and slides relative to the outer jacket along the central axis. A plug having a body portion and a flange extending radially outwardly from the body portion is disposed in the hole of the outer jacket. The plug defines at least one channel and the plug is heated to create a molten material that flows into the channel of the plug for securing the plug within the hole to prevent movement of the plug along the central axis and for aligning the inner jacket within the outer jacket to allow the inner jacket to slide within the outer jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a steering column with a longitudinal axis and disposable in a vehicle for tilting movement and telescoping movement. A wedge lock is engaged with the steering column and moveable between a first unlocked position and a first locked position along a first path to selectively lock the steering column with respect to the telescoping movement. A force required to move the wedge lock increases along the first path from the first unlocked position to the first locked position. A lever is pivotally engaged with the steering column about a pivot axis for rotation between an adjusting position and a locking position. The wedge lock moves from the first unlocked position to the first locked position along the first path in response to rotation of the lever from the adjusting position to the locking position. A cable assembly includes a cable with first and second ends and a sheath substantially encircling the cable.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy absorbing apparatus for a steering column. The energy absorbing apparatus includes a first member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a second member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The second member is disposed for collapsing telescoping movement with the first member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a bushing extending annularly between the first member and the second member. The bushing is fixed to one of the first member and the second member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes at least one projection integrally formed with the bushing and extending longitudinally and radially along the side wall of the one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A force sensor system including at least one portion of piezo-electric material and a thrust bearing having at least one roller associated therewith, the roller being adapted to move relative to the thrust bearing and contact the portion of piezo-electric material when the thrust bearing is subjected to an external force.

Abstract: A vehicle wiring assembly for supplying power to a sliding door even when the door is open. The assembly includes a cable having a first end attached to the vehicle and a second end attached to a predetermined position on the sliding door. The assembly also includes a winding device disposed along the cable and attached to either the vehicle or the sliding door. The assembly also includes a cable guide at a point spaced away from the winding device for guiding the cable when the sliding door opens and closes.

Abstract: An N-way redundant switch is implemented through the use of serial and parallel redundancy for providing redundancy in both ON and OFF operating modes.