Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of a vehicle has a releasable push/pull lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a toggle apparatus having a push/pull lever that may extend substantially parallel to a rotating axis of the steering shaft and move in a first direction along its length and between locked and unlocked positions. A carrier of the device connects to the toggle apparatus and moves along its length in a second direction that may be perpendicular to the first direction and as the lever moves between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, an indexing apparatus is generally carried between the carrier and at least one of the housing and the bracket for selecting adjustment of the steering column assembly when the device is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has an actuator preferably having an outer member supported operably by a guide feature carried between the outer member and the bracket for movement along a first centerline traverse to the steering shaft. The bracket also supports a lever of the actuator for movement along a second centerline that intersects the first centerline. At least one roller is located in a raceway defined between the outer member and the lever. Because the raceway is angled with respect to both the first and second centerlines, motion of the lever along the second centerline is converted to motion of the second member along the traversing first centerline.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column member for first pivotal movement about a first pivoting axis. The steering column assembly also includes a lever supported for second pivotal movement about a fulcrum. The lever includes a first end pivotally attached to the steering column member and a second end on an opposite side of the fulcrum relative to the first end. The steering column assembly also includes a lock operable to apply a locking force to selectively lock the second end.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having an outer jacket, an inner jacket, and a tilt housing. A longitudinal locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket. A tilt locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the inner jacket. A control lever is coupled to both of the longitudinal locking device and the tilt locking device for simultaneously moving the devices between the released and engaged positions. The longitudinal locking device has first and second members each having interengaging chamfers. The first member has an engagement surface abutting an abutment surface of the inner jacket when in the engaged position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle includes first and second members (12, 14) engaged for movement relative to one another along one of a tilting path (16) and a telescoping path. The steering column assembly (10) also includes an electric lock (18) operable to lock the first and second members (12, 14) into a locked configuration that restricts movement and an unlocked configuration that permits movement between the members. The steering column assembly (10) also includes a sensor (20) operable to sense a vehicle crash condition and then emit a crash signal to a controller (22) that controls the electric lock (18) to change from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a steering wheel of a vehicle in a desired position. The invention includes a steering column having a steering wheel supporting portion for supporting the steering wheel. The steering column also includes first and second members movable relative to one another. The first and second members are moved relative to one another to move the steering wheel supporting portion, and the steering wheel, along either tilting path of movement, or a telescoping path of movement, or both. The invention also includes a locking device that selectively engages the first and second members to lock the first and second members with respect to one another. The locking device substantially prevents movement of the steering wheel supporting portion, and the steering wheel, along the path of movement. The locking device includes an electric motor. The first and second members are locked and unlocked with respect to one another in response to activation of the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for absorbing energy in response to a vehicle crash. The apparatus includes a knee bolster disposable in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The apparatus also includes a connecting device associated with the knee bolster. The connecting device includes a breakable portion for releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions. The method according to the invention includes the step of disposing a knee bolster in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The method also includes the step of releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions with a connecting device associated with the knee bolster and having a breakable portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation dissipates energy associated with the telescopic collapse of preferably two steering column members. The first and second steering column members are moveable relative to one another along a collapse path. At least one anvil is fixed with one of the first and second steering column members. A strap extends along a bent path around the at least one anvil to first and second free ends. The apparatus also includes a lock device operative in a first condition to restrain the first free end with respect to the first steering column member and in a second condition to release the first free end of the strap.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly having an outer jacket and an inner jacket movable relative to the outer jacket is disclosed. The assembly includes an energy absorbing device having a support disposed on the outer jacket for supporting a first anvil and a second anvil in relative proximity to each other. An energy absorbing member is secured to the inner jacket and disposed adjacent the first and second anvils for transferring energy from the inner jacket to the first and second anvils during movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket. The second anvil defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first locking member selectively engaging the support with the second anvil movable along the longitudinal axis and rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a plurality of positions for engaging and disengaging the first locking member with the support to facilitate the varied resistance of the second anvil.

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: The invention provides an apparatus including first and second steering column members engaged for pivotal movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes a third steering column member supporting the first steering column member for sliding movement along an axis. The apparatus also includes a positive lock engaged with the first and second steering column members. The positive lock can operate in a locked configuration to prevent the pivotal movement. The positive lock can also operate in an unlocked configuration to allow the pivotal movement. The apparatus also includes a friction lock engaged with said first and third steering column members. The friction lock can operate in a locked configuration to prevent the sliding movement. The friction lock can also operate in an unlocked configuration to allow the sliding movement.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a tilting and telescoping steering column. The drive mechanism can selectively tilt the steering wheel or telescope the steering column in response to input from the driver. A single drive mechanism controls the tilting movement and the telescoping movement. The invention includes a locking device for locking the single drive mechanism in one of first and second modes of operation corresponding to tilting movement and telescoping movement. A pivoting device for engaging the locking device is provided. The pivoting device can be a lever arm or can be a solenoid mounted to the steering column.

Abstract: The invention provides a locking device for a tilting and telescoping steering column. The locking device provides a single mechanism for substantially preventing movement of the upper steering column jacket relative to the lower steering column jacket and also for preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the upper steering column jacket. The locking device includes a linking member that extends parallel to the upper steering column jacket. The linking member is pivotally connected to the tilt housing and slidably connected to the lower steering column jacket. A wedge member is positioned between the linking member and the upper steering column jacket adjacent to the lower steering column jacket. The wedge member is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the wedge member urges the linking member away from the upper steering column jacket in a direction transverse to the upper steering column jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (18) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel (14) interface secured to the free end of a steering column (20). The steering column assembly (18) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver (16) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel (14) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors (48) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller (50) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel (14) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors (32, 40) as a means of alerting the driver (16) to the emergency condition.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include a steering sensor, an acceleration pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a turn signal switch, a cruise control switch, a windshield wiper switch, etc. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit.