Abstract: A steering column assembly for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes a first steering shaft operatively coupleable to a steering wheel, the first steering shaft and the steering wheel rotationally coupled to each other. Also included is a second steering shaft operatively coupled to the first steering shaft, the first and second steering shafts manually telescopingly movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position, the first steering shaft disengaged from the second steering shaft in the retracted position and the first steering shaft engaged with the first steering shaft in the extended position, the retracted position rotationally decoupling.

Abstract: A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system for controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a primary steering mode. Also included is an alternate steering mechanism controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a secondary steering mode, wherein the alternate steering mechanism is not a steering wheel.

Abstract: A torque feedback system for a vehicle includes a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis, a jacket surrounding the shaft, the shaft rotatable with respect to the jacket, and at least one mechanical energy storing element arranged to provide torque feedback when the steering shaft is rotated. The at least one mechanical energy storing element includes a first mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft, and a second mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft. The first mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction, and the second mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.

Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.

Abstract: A single vehicle steering arrangement is provided. The steering arrangement includes a steering wheel and at least one human machine interface configured to allow a human to steer the vehicle, the human machine interface being a component separate from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided and includes a steering column shaft and a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. A disengagement assembly selectively couples a steering column telescope lead screw to the column adjustment assembly. The disengagement assembly is configured to selectively disengage the telescope lead screw from the column adjustment assembly to facilitate manual movement of the steering column shaft between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: The invention includes a steering column assembly positionable in a vehicle. The invention also includes a connecting device releaseably attachable to the vehicle. The connecting device is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively lock the steering column assembly with respect to the vehicle. The invention also includes a first energy absorber disposed between the connecting device and the steering column assembly. The first energy absorber is selectively engageable to dissipate energy. For example, the first energy absorber is engaged to dissipate energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the locked configuration. The first energy absorber is disengaged with respect to dissipating energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle during normal vehicle handling and is breakable in response to an impact situation. The apparatus includes a member attachable to a vehicle and a steering column connected to the member for sliding movement. The apparatus also includes a capsule for connecting the member and the steering column to one another to prevent the sliding movement during normal vehicle handling. The capsule maintains the member and the steering column relative to one another, overcoming forces urging movement between the member and the steering column relative to one another, up to a first predetermined level of force. When the forces reach the first predetermined level, such as in an impact situation, the capsule breaks and releases the member and the steering column relative to one another.

Abstract: A bushing between a big diameter end of a flexible boot and a tulip housing of a constant velocity universal joint. The tulip housing has a plurality of longitudinal drive channels each open at an open end of the tulip housing. Drive bearings on a trunnion on the end of a shaft are bodily shiftable in the drive channels and accommodate stroking and angulation of the shaft relative to the tulip housing. The bushing has an integral boss aligned with the open end of each drive channel. Each boss has a pair of channel segments aligned with planar sides of the drive channel which segments define extensions of the drive channel. The channel extensions receive the drive bearings if the bearings become dislodged from their drive channels during installation of the universal joint on a vehicle.