Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a hand wheel rotatable about an axis having at least one guide member and at least one guide bracket. A guide member is spaced adjacent the axis of the hand wheel and a guide bracket and a guide member have surfaces supporting and guiding the guide member and the guide bracket for relative sliding movement therebetween. At least one shear member acting between the guide member and the guide bracket maintain the guide member within the guide bracket. The shear member is shearable under a predetermined force permitting the guide member and the guide bracket to move relative to one another. Additionally, a mounting plate supporting the hand wheel and at least one guide member may provide for controllable relative movement between the hand wheel and the guide member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly providing variable energy absorption from an energy transmitting component is mounted upon a mounting bracket for mounting the energy absorbing assembly to the energy transmitting component. An elongated strap immovably secured at a first end absorbs energy received from the energy transmitting component during a collision. Cooperating anvils are slidably received by the mounting bracket and the elongated strap is interwoven between the anvils. The anvils include generally parallel axis along which each anvil defines stepped diameters, and are slidable along the axis in response to a predetermined force to provide variable energy absorption relative to the stepped diameters.

Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.

Abstract: An electrically actuated steering column system that includes an electrically actuated steering column mechanism. A switch is interconnected with the electrically actuated steering column mechanism to allow for movement of a steering column housing relative to a driver. There is also included electrical control structure that regulates the electrically actuated steering column mechanism. The electrically actuated steering column system allows a driver to activate a switch and apply a force to initiate movement of the steering column housing and then deactivate the switch to halt movement and retain the steering column housing in a secure manner.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle including a housing supported on a body structure of the vehicle for translation through a linear collapse stroke in response to an impact on a steering wheel of the steering column and an energy absorber. The energy absorber includes a flat metal ribbon having a first end anchored to the housing, an unrestrained second end, a preformed first undulation near the first end looped over a stationary first roller, and a preformed second undulation tangent to the first undulation looped over a floating second roller. The first and second undulations overlap each other and are confined between a pair of parallel containment walls of the steering column housing.