Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a longitudinal lock mechanism having a locked position for preventing longitudinal movement and an unlocked position for permitting longitudinal movement, and a tilt lock mechanism having an engaged position for preventing tilting movement and a disengaged position for permitting tilting movement. A lock select mechanism is coupled to the tilt lock mechanism and the longitudinal lock mechanism to engage the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously unlock the longitudinal lock mechanism. Similarly, the lock select mechanism disengages the tilt lock mechanism and simultaneously locks the longitudinal lock mechanism. The steering column assembly further includes a drive mechanism operatively connected to the lock select mechanism.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a collapsible steering column assembly having a rake adjustment is provided. The steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for rotation about a rake axis. The support mechanism includes a rod pivotably coupled to the column jacket and a clamp pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and interconnecting the rod and the mounting bracket. The clamp permits movement of the rod therethrough during collapse of the steering column assembly in only one direction, and is offset from the rake axis. Accordingly, the clamp prevents backward movement of the rod therethrough, thereby preventing rotation of the column jacket about the rake axis post collapse of the steering column assembly to support the column jacket in an elevated position.

Abstract: An energy absorption mechanism for a collapsible assembly such as a steering assembly for a vehicle. The mechanism includes first and second relatively displaceable members. The first and second members define an open gap extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction along which the assembly collapses. A metallic foam member is operably disposed between the first and second members to resist relative axial movement of the first and second members. The metallic foam member has an axially extending first portion with a transverse thickness that is greater than the transversely extending open gap. The metallic foam member is deformed as the assembly collapses and the first and second members force the metallic foam member to enter the transverse gap. By controlling the cross sectional area of the metallic foam member, the resistance force generated by the energy absorption mechanism can be controlled.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle having a steering column for providing tilting movement and telescoping movement is disclosed. A first locking device is coupled to the steering column and movable between a first locked position and a first unlocked position for preventing the telescoping movement and for allowing the telescoping movement, respectively. The first locking device further defines a predetermined mid-position between the first locked position and the first unlocked position. A second locking device is coupled to the steering column and moveable between a second locked position and a second unlocked position for preventing the tilting movement and for allowing the tilting movement, respectively. A cable extends between the first locking device and the second locking device. A mechanism is coupled to the cable for delaying release of the second locking device from the steering column until the first locking device moves to the predetermined mid-position.

Abstract: An automotive foot pedal assembly including a first member with a foot pedal pivotally supported on an automotive structure, a second member operably coupled to the brake system and a frictional coupling. During normal operation, a force applied to the foot pedal pivotally moves the first member and the frictional coupling transmits this force to the second member to thereby controllably operate the brake system. Upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold value, the frictional coupling permits relative movement between the first and second members and at least partially dissipates the force. Upon diminution of the force below a second value, the frictional coupling operably re-couples the first and second members in a post-event configuration which allows the foot pedal assembly to control the operation of the brake system. The operational range of the first member is smaller in the post-event configuration than in the original configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that improves the adjustment of energy absorbing properties of the steering column of a vehicle. The method includes the step of disposing a first steering column member for axial movement along an extension path between an extended position and a retracted position relative to a second steering column member. The first steering column member is also disposed for pivoting movement along a pivot path between a tilt-up position and a tilt-down position relative to the second steering column member. The method includes the step of absorbing energy associated with relative movement between first and second steering column members along the extension path at a first rate with a first device. The first device can be any type of energy absorbing arrangement known in the art, such as an arrangement including a strap and an anvil. The method includes the step of adjusting the first rate of energy absorbed during said absorbing step with a second device.

Abstract: A closeout apparatus is disclosed for a vehicle having an instrument panel defining a cavity. A steering column is disposed within the cavity, with a steering wheel coupled to the steering column. The steering column adjusts between extended and retracted positions. A cover having an apron is mounted about the cavity. A flange extends from the apron and surrounds part of the steering column. A shroud is mounted adjacent to the steering wheel and surrounds portions of both the flange and the steering column. The shroud cooperates with the flange to conceal a gap formed between the cover and the steering wheel. The flange includes upper and lower portions, each having a substantially equal predetermined length. The shroud continuously surrounds a portion of the flange and is spaced laterally from the cover to continuously conceal the gap during adjustment of the steering column between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a rake adjustment mechanism, and is attached to a vehicle by a mounting bracket. A rake bracket is coupled to the mounting bracket. A column jacket is collapsible in response to an emergency event and is supported by the mounting bracket and the rake bracket, and is rotationally moveable with the rake bracket about a rake axis relative to the mounting bracket. An instrument cluster is coupled to the rake bracket for movement along with the rake bracket and the column jacket to prevent obstruction of the instrument cluster by a steering wheel upon re-positioning the steering wheel, while not restricting movement of the column jacket during collapse of the column jacket in response to the emergency event. A dynamic absorber interconnects the instrument cluster and the rake bracket to reduce vibration of the steering column assembly caused by additional weight of the instrument cluster.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) of the collapsible type includes a mounting plate (30) for rigid attachment to a vehicle body structure. The mounting plate (30) supports the steering column (12) during normal operation through interconnecting release capsules (24) which allow the steering column (12) to collapse, away from the rigidly attached mounting plate (30), during a frontal collision. An energy absorbing tear strip (44) in formed integrally in the mounting plate (30) and is connected via tab (43) to a fixed connection (42) which adjoins a portion of the column bracket (18). The column bracket (18) moves together with the steering column (12) during a collapse situation. The tear strip (44) simultaneously bends and tears in a peeling fashion as the steering column (12) collapses to provide energy absorption for the assembly (10).

Abstract: A steering column assembly of the present invention includes a lower support bracket, an upper support bracket, and a jacket disposed within and extending along a longitudinal axis through the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket. The steering column assembly includes a yoke support housing and a plurality of tubes spaced from one another circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and interconnecting the yoke support housing and the upper support bracket. The invention includes a method of fabricating the assembly. An advantage of the present invention is to provide the steering column assembly that achieves a high section modulus, improved and predetermined stiffness characteristics, and improved packaging characteristics to hold various components such as ECL mechanisms, steering tube position sensors, BSTI switches, wires and the like.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.