Abstract: A steering column support (26) for mounting an energy absorbing steering column within a motor vehicle includes a strap (30) that extends transversely with respect to the steering axis A and has a central portion (32) that mounts the steering column as well as having opposite ends (38) each of which include a mounting portion (40) for mounting on the vehicle. The support (26) also includes a guide (52) secured to the vehicle. The guide (52) extends along a predetermined axis and the strap (30) includes a hook (42) disposed adjacent to the guide (52). Collapse of the steering column along the steering axis A deforms the strap to absorb energy while the hook (42) engages the guide (52) to direct the steering column to a predetermined orientation during the collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a modular plug-in characteristic. A receiver is rigidly secured on a vehicle cross-car beam. A modular main housing assembly is slidably received by the receiver. Docking of electrical and mechanical connectors occurs as the modular main housing assembly is inserted into the receiver. A lower steering column shaft portion is supported within the receiver. The modular main housing assembly includes an upper steering column shaft portion for mating with the lower steering column shaft portion. The modular main housing assembly is installed in the receiver at any stage in a vehicle assembly after the instrument panel is installed.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided, and includes a receiver which slidably receives a telescope housing. The telescope housing includes an internally collapsible shaft. A lower universal joint is removably secured to the receiver for supporting a collapsible intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is collapsible in the direction of the engine compartment upon presentation of sufficient load upon the telescope housing to disconnect the lower universal joint from the receiver once the telescope housing itself has been internally collapsed. A lower bearing retainer supports the lower universal joint within the receiver. Shearable rivets secure the lower bearing retainer to the receiver. The rivets shear when sufficient load is present.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a shift socket which is concentrically mounted on the steering column shaft, and includes a helical slot. A follower on a pivotable shift lever cooperates with the helical slot to pivot the shift lever as the shift socket is rotated. Accordingly, rotation of the shift socket causes movement of the shift lever, which translates the transmission shift cable for shifting the transmission. A single lock paw simultaneously locks both the shift socket and the steering column shaft from rotational movement.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus having a deformable strip (20) with prefabricated projections (28) thereon is disclosed for use in passive restraint systems of motor vehicles (10). Examples are shown with the energy absorbing apparatus integrated in a steering column system (12) and a seat belt system (14). Specifically, the prefabricated projections (28) on the deformable strip (20) permit an impact force to be dissipated at a variable rate as the deformable strip (20) is drawn through a set of rollers (30,32).