Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket operatively coupled to the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a rake bracket operatively coupled to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, at least a portion of the energy absorption strap disposed radially outward of the rake bracket.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column having an adjustment lever, the locking mechanism includes: a locking cam including a hub, an upper arm, and a leg defining a set of teeth, the upper arm and the leg extend from the hub in a same direction to define a space therebetween, the upper arm includes an interface surface facing the leg that interfaces with the adjustment lever to move the locking cam between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a pin extending through the locking cam to allow the locking cam to pivot about the pin between the locked position and the unlocked position. In the locked position, the set of teeth of the leg engage with a set of teeth of the axially adjustable steering column. In the unlocked position, the set of teeth of the leg are spaced apart from the set of teeth of the axially adjustable steering column.

Abstract: A rake assembly for a steering column includes a pin adapted to move along a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, a first tray fixed to a support structure, the first tray including an exterior surface and an extension, at least one set of teeth defined on the exterior surface, the extension extending from an edge of the set of teeth formed in the exterior surface and at least partially along a length of the set of teeth, the extension including an upper surface spaced apart from the exterior surface to define a step, and a rocker tray including an inner surface, at least one set of teeth defined on the inner surface and adapted to mesh with the set of teeth of the first tray when in the locked position and un-mesh when in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A rake assembly for a steering column includes a pin adapted to move along a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, a first tray fixed to a support structure, the first tray comprising an exterior surface, at least one set of teeth extending from the exterior surface, and a wall at an edge of the set of teeth and extending from the exterior surface at least partially along a length of the set of teeth, and a rocker tray comprising an inner surface, and at least one set of teeth extending from the inner surface, the at least one set of teeth of the rocker tray are adapted to mesh with the set of teeth of the first tray when in the locked position and un-mesh when in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes an energy absorbing strap having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a curved portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the first leg portion coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap also includes a control bracket defining a slot sized to receive the curved portion of the energy absorbing strap.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for a vehicle steering column includes a lower jacket. The energy absorption system also includes an upper jacket operatively coupled to, and moveable relative to, the lower jacket. The energy absorption system further includes a tooth rack operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorption system yet further includes an electromagnetic brake mechanism engageable with the tooth rack to exert a braking force on the tooth rack.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes an energy absorbing strap having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a curved portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the first leg portion coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap also includes a control bracket defining a slot sized to receive the curved portion of the energy absorbing strap.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes a strap having a stationary leg and a moveable leg, the moveable leg extending from a first strap end region to a curved portion, the stationary leg extending from the curved portion to a second strap end region, wherein the second strap end region forms a U-shape defined by a radially outer segment, a radially inner segment and a connecting segment to join the radially outer segment and the radially inner segment. The energy absorbing strap assembly also includes a pin extending through the radially inner segment of the stationary leg and the moveable leg.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket operatively coupled to the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a rake bracket operatively coupled to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, at least a portion of the energy absorption strap disposed radially outward of the rake bracket.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket extending along an axis and including a pair of jacket mounting plates on opposite sides of the axis. The steering column assembly also includes a mounting bracket including a pair of mounting bracket plates spaced by a bridge, wherein each of the mounting bracket plates is operably connected to a jacket mounting plate. The steering column assembly further includes at least one of the mounting bracket plates including a mating aperture defined by a pivot portion that is circular and an insertion slot extending outwardly from the pivot portion. The steering column assembly yet further includes at least one of the jacket mounting plates including a mating projection that includes at least one tab interfacing with opposite sides of the pivot portion. The insertion slot is sized to allow the at least one tab to be inserted therein during assembly.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column includes a lock cam including a cam portion and a hub portion, wherein the cam portion and the hub portion are independent, separately formed components. The locking mechanism also includes a pin extending through the cam portion to permit the cam portion to pivot. The locking mechanism further includes a toothed portion formed on the cam portion for pivoting into engagement with teeth associated with the axially adjustable steering column in a locked position and out of engagement with the teeth in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism yet further includes an interface surface on the hub portion that includes at least one angled surface that interfaces with an adjustable lever and biases the cam portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A friction plate for a vehicle steering system is provided. The friction plate includes a plate body defining a slot for receiving a rake bolt therethrough, the plate body having a planar side. The friction plate also includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the plate body to define a non-planar region of the friction plate.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a telescope actuator assembly comprising a nut translatable along a lead screw. The assembly yet further includes a telescope drive bracket having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion, the pair of arms each defining a slot with a respective slot surface, wherein the nut is disposed within the slots in an assembled condition to move the upper jacket in a telescope direction relative to the lower jacket. The assembly also includes a first pair of anti-rotation features disposed on the slot surface of a first arm of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column includes a lock cam including a cam portion and a hub portion, wherein the cam portion and the hub portion are independent, separately formed components. The locking mechanism also includes a pin extending through the cam portion to permit the cam portion to pivot. The locking mechanism further includes a toothed portion formed on the cam portion for pivoting into engagement with teeth associated with the axially adjustable steering column in a locked position and out of engagement with the teeth in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism yet further includes an interface surface on the hub portion that includes at least one angled surface that interfaces with an adjustable lever and biases the cam portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A rake assembly for a steering column includes a pin adapted to move along a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The rake assembly also includes a first tray fixed to a support structure, the first tray having a plurality of teeth. The rake assembly further includes a rocker tray having a plurality of teeth adapted to mesh with the plurality of teeth of the first tray when in the locked position and un-mesh when in the unlocked position, the rocker tray being adapted to rock about a second axis from an un-tilted state when in the locked position and to a tilted state when in the unlocked position to provide a degree of motion to facilitate meshing of the plurality of teeth of the first tray and the plurality of teeth of the rocker tray, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a telescope actuator assembly comprising a nut translatable along a lead screw. The assembly yet further includes a telescope drive bracket having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion, the pair of arms each defining a slot with a respective slot surface, wherein the nut is disposed within the slots in an assembled condition to move the upper jacket in a telescope direction relative to the lower jacket. The assembly also includes a first pair of anti-rotation features disposed on the slot surface of a first arm of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a jacket wall integrally formed with the lower jacket, the jacket wall extending longitudinally form a first end to a second end and having a first side and a second side. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap offset from the first side of the jacket wall to form a recess extending along the jacket wall, the energy absorption strap having a first end and a second end, the energy absorption strap having at least one tear line at an interface with the jacket wall.

Abstract: A friction plate for a vehicle steering system is provided. The friction plate includes a plate body defining a slot for receiving a rake bolt therethrough, the plate body having a planar side. The friction plate also includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the plate body to define a non-planar region of the friction plate.