Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket. The column assembly also includes a drive bracket movable in a telescope direction, the drive bracket coupled to the column jacket to move the column jacket in the telescope direction. The column assembly further includes a plate operatively coupled to the column jacket and operatively coupled to the drive bracket, the plate defining a slot extending from an open end of the plate. The column assembly yet further includes a tab disposed within the slot to prevent pivoting of the drive bracket.

Abstract: A method for detecting steering column defects. The method includes applying a voltage to a steering column mounted on a steering column stand, to cause the steering column to perform an adjustment operation. The method also includes receiving, from at least one force sensor, a plurality of force measurements during performance of the adjustment operation. The method also includes determining whether the steering column is operating within predetermined parameters based on the plurality of force measurements. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the steering column is not operating within the predetermined parameters, identifying the steering column as including at least one defect.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket. The column assembly also includes a drive bracket movable in a telescope direction, the drive bracket coupled to the column jacket to move the column jacket in the telescope direction. The column assembly further includes a plate operatively coupled to the column jacket and operatively coupled to the drive bracket, the plate defining a slot extending from an open end of the plate. The column assembly yet further includes a tab disposed within the slot to prevent pivoting of the drive bracket.

Abstract: A method for detecting steering column defects. The method includes applying a voltage to a steering column mounted on a steering column stand, to cause the steering column to perform an adjustment operation. The method also includes receiving, from at least one force sensor, a plurality of force measurements during performance of the adjustment operation. The method also includes determining whether the steering column is operating within predetermined parameters based on the plurality of force measurements. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the steering column is not operating within the predetermined parameters, identifying the steering column as including at least one defect.

Abstract: A shroud guidance mechanism for a steering column is provided. The shroud guidance mechanism includes a bracket operatively coupled to an upper jacket. Also included is an interface feature retained to the bracket in a first condition of the steering column. Further included is a shroud operatively coupled to the interface feature and to the upper jacket, the interface feature, the upper jacket and the shroud moveable with each other to decouple the interface feature from the bracket in a second condition of the steering column.

Abstract: A buckling control assembly for a steering column energy absorption strap assembly is provided. The buckling control assembly includes an inner energy absorption strap operatively coupled to a steering column jacket. Also included is an outer energy absorption strap surrounding at least a portion of the inner energy absorption strap and operatively coupled to the steering column jacket. Further included is a strap constraining structure disposed on a constraint side of the outer energy absorption strap to inhibit buckling of the outer energy absorption strap in a first direction, the outer energy absorption strap having a free side unconstrained to accommodate buckling of the outer energy absorption strap.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly extendable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is a telescope actuator assembly configured to translate the upper jacket assembly relative to the lower jacket assembly. Yet further included is a telescope drive bracket of the telescope actuator assembly, the telescope drive bracket operatively coupled to the upper jacket assembly with a mechanical fastener disposed in a bracket slot located within the telescope drive bracket, the mechanical fastener moveable with the upper jacket assembly in a single axial direction along the steering column axis.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket, an upper jacket, a telescope actuator assembly, and an energy absorbing system. The upper jacket is at least partially received within the lower jacket. The telescope actuator assembly is arranged to translate the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket along a steering column axis. The telescope actuator assembly includes a telescope drive bracket that defines a first pathway. The energy absorbing system includes a first strap that extends at least partially through the first pathway.

Abstract: A rake adjustment mechanism of a steering column assembly includes a lower jacket defining a first tapered slot and a second tapered slot, the first and second tapered slots disposed on opposing sides of the lower jacket. Also included is a rake bracket coupled to the lower jacket. Further included is a first rake guide and a second rake guide, each rake guide a single, integrally formed component and disposed between the lower jacket and rake bracket, the first rake guide disposed at least partially within the first tapered slot and the second rake guide disposed at least partially within the second tapered slot, each rake guide translatable within the tapered slot in an axial direction of the lower jacket. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket, the rake bracket and the first and second rake guides.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly extendable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is a telescope actuator assembly configured to translate the upper jacket assembly relative to the lower jacket assembly. Yet further included is a telescope drive bracket of the telescope actuator assembly, the telescope drive bracket operatively coupled to the upper jacket assembly with a mechanical fastener disposed in a bracket slot located within the telescope drive bracket, the mechanical fastener moveable with the upper jacket assembly in a single axial direction along the steering column axis.

Abstract: A buckling control assembly for a steering column energy absorption strap assembly is provided. The buckling control assembly includes an inner energy absorption strap operatively coupled to a steering column jacket. Also included is an outer energy absorption strap surrounding at least a portion of the inner energy absorption strap and operatively coupled to the steering column jacket. Further included is a strap constraining structure disposed on a constraint side of the outer energy absorption strap to inhibit buckling of the outer energy absorption strap in a first direction, the outer energy absorption strap having a free side unconstrained to accommodate buckling of the outer energy absorption strap.

Abstract: A shroud guidance mechanism for a steering column is provided. The shroud guidance mechanism includes a bracket operatively coupled to an upper jacket. Also included is an interface feature retained to the bracket in a first condition of the steering column. Further included is a shroud operatively coupled to the interface feature and to the upper jacket, the interface feature, the upper jacket and the shroud moveable with each other to decouple the interface feature from the bracket in a second condition of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a bracket. The bracket has a first end portion defining a first opening and a second end portion defining a second opening. The second end portion overlaps the first end portion such that the second opening and the first opening are proximately aligned.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket, an upper jacket, a telescope actuator assembly, and an energy absorbing system. The upper jacket is at least partially received within the lower jacket. The telescope actuator assembly is arranged to translate the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket along a steering column axis. The telescope actuator assembly includes a telescope drive bracket that defines a first pathway. The energy absorbing system includes a first strap that extends at least partially through the first pathway.

Abstract: A rake adjustment mechanism of a steering column assembly includes a lower jacket defining a first tapered slot and a second tapered slot, the first and second tapered slots disposed on opposing sides of the lower jacket. Also included is a rake bracket coupled to the lower jacket. Further included is a first rake guide and a second rake guide, each rake guide a single, integrally formed component and disposed between the lower jacket and rake bracket, the first rake guide disposed at least partially within the first tapered slot and the second rake guide disposed at least partially within the second tapered slot, each rake guide translatable within the tapered slot in an axial direction of the lower jacket. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket, the rake bracket and the first and second rake guides.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a bracket. The bracket has a first end portion defining a first opening and a second end portion defining a second opening. The second end portion overlaps the first end portion such that the second opening and the first opening are proximately aligned.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly received within a lower jacket assembly, and an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and a second energy absorption strap. The first energy absorption strap has a first portion defining an opening configured to receive a pin of an actuator and a second portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly. The second energy absorption strap has a third portion coupled to a telescope drive bracket and a fourth portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly received within a lower jacket assembly, and an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and a second energy absorption strap. The first energy absorption strap has a first portion defining an opening configured to receive a pin of an actuator and a second portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly. The second energy absorption strap has a third portion coupled to a telescope drive bracket and a fourth portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly.

Abstract: A column assembly for a steering column is provided. The column assembly includes a bracket configured to support a steering column assembly. The bracket has a first portion for receiving the column assembly and a second portion including a flange portion extending from said first portion. The flange portion includes apertures therethrough, and the flange further includes a flange surface configured for attachment. At least one stability pad is attached to the surface.