Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle has an actuator coupled to a clamp for clamping the steering column in a desired position. The actuator is controlled to adjust clamping force of the clamp in the event of vehicle crash to thereby control energy absorption, and the actuator can be electrically controlled. Sensors are used to calculate weight, posture, position, etc. of the driver and thereby predetermine the settings required for energy absorption to protect the driver. The actuator depends on the sensed settings to control the clamping absorption energy.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column for a vehicle includes an energy absorption device in the form of a wire bent into a U-shape with a member attached to an outer tube of the column engaging the base of the “U” of the wire. The free arms of the wire are contained within two apertures of a steering column adjustment block, in which the outer tube is mounted, with the base of the wire lying outside of apertures of the block. Upon vehicle crash, the outer tube moves and the member presses on the base of the wire to draw the arms of the wire out of the two apertures and into a third aperture intermediate of the two. The wire is given different cross sectional profiles to meet specified energy absorption criteria.

Abstract: In a snap connection system in which a shaft is inserted into a tube to a predetermined position, where co-operating surfaces on tube and shaft engage as in a laterally acting wedge. Two axially spaced spring loaded balls on one side of the tube urge the shaft into wedging engagement with the tube when in the pre-determined position. During insertion, a further spring loaded ball on the opposite side of the tube adjacent the wedge apex urges the shaft out of wedging engagement with the tube. A detent in the shaft accommodates this further ball at the predetermined position, locating the shaft axially and permitting wedging. The balls are biased by a spring sleeve and a tang thereon locates the sleeve on the tube. The tang may extend to the tube interior to coact with a detent in the shaft so that unclipping is necessary for disassembly. Alternatively, a spring loaded pin extending through sleeve and tube wall may accomplish the same end.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle steering column clamping mechanism for a rake and reach adjustable steering column includes a steering column support bracket which has two flanks extending on either side of a steering column outer tube, each flank incorporating a slot to permit rake adjustment. A reach adjustment bracket has two flanks which extend on either side of the tube and lie adjacent the flanks of the bracket, the flanks also having slots extending parallel to the tube axis for reach adjustment. The flanks are spaced from the tube so as to accept heads of clamping bolts operated by a handle acting on associated clamping parts mounted on the bolts. The arrangement enables the bolts to be located on a substantially on-center line passing at right angles through the axis of the steering column.

Abstract: To locate a bearing axially and concentrically on a shaft, a resiliently compressible assembly is slid along the shaft until its leading edge is restrained (e.g. by contacting a yoke at the end of the shaft), the bearing is slid along the shaft until it abuts the assembly, and a sleeve is slid along the shaft to abut the bearing. Further movement of the sleeve compresses assembly, whereupon three internally sprung fingers of the sleeve snap into corresponding detents in the shaft. Releasing the sleeve permits the assembly to exert a contrary force whereupon the finger ends engage the ends of the detents and provide axial location of the bearing. Internal cone surfaces of the bearing contact a split cone of assembly and an external cone surface of sleeve. The shaft may be part of a vehicle steering column with reach and rake adjustment.

Abstract: A shaft coupling includes a shaft with a circumferential groove near one end, a shaft receiving member and a resiliently loaded shaft retention member in the shaft receiving member. The shaft retention member is fitted about a clamping bolt with one end of the spring engaging in the groove of the shaft. The shaft can be a vehicle steering column shaft and the shaft receiving member can be a yoke of a universal joint.