Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column comprises a steering shaft mounted in a body-tube connected via a support assembly to the chassis of the vehicle, the support assembly comprising a mobile support, a fixed support attached to the chassis of the vehicle and a double winding mounted on a member rotating on a fixed shaft. The double winding has a central portion mounted on the mobile support connected to the body tube so that in the event of an impact the mobile support pushes the double winding and unwinds it to absorb energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes a mounting bracket secured to the steering column. Upper fasteners rigidly secured to vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending upper slots in the mounting bracket. Lower fasteners rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending lower slots in the mounting bracket. The connection of the fasteners in the slots of the mounting bracket releases in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The vehicle support structure overlies the mounting bracket to resist upward displacement of the mounting bracket when the steering column collapses. Pull loop assemblies are associated with the lower fasteners. Each pull loop assembly includes a generally U-shaped strap of flexible, bendable material having a first leg connected to one of the lower fasteners. Each strap has a second leg which is unattached.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device adapted to be connected between a motor vehicle bumper and a motor vehicle frame includes a liquid filled cylinder having a piston therein connected to the impact receiving device. The cylinder is provided with a plurality of weakened areas along the length of the cylinder which will rupture in sequence upon application of force by the piston to the liquid, thereby dissipating the force applied to the impact receiving means. A spring or an explosive device may be provided between the piston and closed end of the cylinder or the interior walls of the cylinder may be roughened to provide additional resistance to the movement of the piston within the cylinder. Additionally, the liquid expelled from the cylinder can be channeled through various devices to apply a reverse force to the impact receiving device.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle has a deformation body, which can be deformed in the case of a collision and into the path of which a blocking part protrudes, with which, due to the forces acting during a collision, a plastic deformation of the deformation body is achieved with absorption of the collision energy, it being possible to increase the deformation resistance of the deformation body by directing it into an additional deformation stage. For this purpose, the blocking body has at least two switched positions, in which it protrudes into the path of movement of the deformation body, as a result of which the deformation body is plastically deformed to a greater or lesser extent due to the forces acting during impact.

Abstract: A gas bag module includes a housing for accommodating a folded gas bag, a cover connected to said housing by at least one tether and a fastener element on said housing for connection of said tether to said housing. To counteract extreme loading of the cover and other vehicle parts on deployment of the gas bag, said fastener element is plastically deformable when loaded by tensile forces in said tether as generated by inertial forces of said cover occurring on deployment of said gas bag.

Abstract: A push rod of a vacuum booster includes an inner rod section, a pipe-shaped outer rod section which is slidably fitted over an outer periphery of a rear portion of the inner rod section and connected to a brake pedal, and a buffer member made of a synthetic resin and fitted over the outer periphery of the inner rod section in front of the outer rod section. Usually, an end face of the outer rod section is retained in a position in which it abuts against a projection of the inner rod section. When an axial compressing force is applied to the push rod upon a collision of an automobile, the end face of the outer rod section slides forwards over and past the projection, while buckling the buffer member. Thus, the pushing-up of the brake pedal toward a vehicle compartment due to the retreating movement of a master cylinder is prevented, and the load applied to a driver's foot is alleviated.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes an upper mounting bracket secured to rigid vehicle support structure by capsules which release in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The upper mounting bracket is secured to and moves with the steering column during its collapse. A lower mounting bracket is rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure. Flexible, bendable U-shaped straps connect the upper mounting bracket to the lower mounting bracket to gradually resist collapse of the steering column and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against a driver. The vehicle support structure overlies the upper mounting bracket to resist upward displacement during collapse with the steering column.

Abstract: A crash attenuator adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to attenuate some of the energy of an impact, the crash attenuator includes a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle; a slider mounted on the frame to slide in response relative to the frame toward the vehicle in response to an impact; a collapsible, energy-absorbing member positioned between the slider and the frame to absorb energy as the slider telescopes relative to the frame; and a crushable, energy-absorbing crash cushion on the outboard side of the slider.

Abstract: A resin impact absorber comprising a hollow columnar body having a honeycomb section or a hollow columnar body having a cylindrical shape, the hollow columnar body being made of a resin with a flexural modulus of 500 to 5000 kgf/cm.sup.2, wherein a reaction-compressibility curve at the time of compression in the lengthwise direction of the columnar body satisfies the following conditions: (a) yield strength.gtoreq.100 Tf/m.sup.2 and (b) compression energy absorption.gtoreq.50 Tf.m/m.sup.3. The resin impact absorber of the present invention is small in size and light in weight and exhibits a high impact energy absorption capacity. A site or structure with an impact absorber of the present invention disposed therein can be prevented from remarkable damage or breakage when it receives a high impact force.

Abstract: The present invention to provides a rapidly deployable system and method for arresting the movement of a vehicle with minimal injury to the vehicle or its occupants. The invention provides a system which applies a braking force which varies according to vehicle weight and speed by utilizing a series of frangible rods for dissipating the energy.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device, particularly for rolling stock to provide protection therefor when potentially damaging impact occurs, includes first and second tubular elements which are fitted into one another and which are of unlike material.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle body upper portion of an automobile, including a roofside rail (20) forming a closed sectional space (28) by an outer panel (24) and an inner panel (26), and an assist grip (22) disposed in the inward of the roofside rail is described. The energy absorbing structure includes a metal energy absorbing bracket (32) disposed in the closed sectional space deformable outwardly of the passenger compartment. The assist grip (22) is mounted on an intermediate portion (36) of an energy absorbing bracket and supported by support means (42) passing through a hole (40) made in the inner panel.

Abstract: In a shift lever assembly for a vehicle comprising a base member and a shift lever pivotably supported by the base member, the shift lever is detachable from the base member when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever. Typically, the base member comprises a retaining member for holding the shift lever in an operable position and the retaining member is given a strength so as to break when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the retaining member to thereby release the shift lever. In this way, when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever for example by being hit against by a driver or a passenger in a traffic accident, the shift lever is detached from the base and retracted into the instrument panel, thereby effectively preventing the shift lever from causing damage to the driver or passenger.

Abstract: An impact damper includes two tubes which are slidable one in the other for braking a vehicle impact against an obstacle by hydraulic damping forces and pneumatic spring forces. The inner tube is closed off by a bottom. A gas chamber containing a high pressure gas cushion is arranged adjacent to the bottom and bounded by a separating piston that is guided sealingly and displaceably in the inner tube. A first fluid chamber is arranged between the separating piston and a partition fixed in the inner tube and provided with choke openings. A second fluid chamber is formed by the outer tube and connected to the first fluid chamber via the partition. The outer tube has a tapering region directed away from the partition, and a deformation element dividing the second fluid chamber into two part chambers.

Abstract: In an energy converter in a restraining system for vehicle occupants a particularly smooth profile of the force as a function of the travel is achieved in that a plastic deformation of a tubular converter body (10) is effected which has a circular cross-sectional form in the undeformed state. Two symmetrically oppositely disposed rollers (18) are provided which each bear on a ramp face of a piston element (14).

Abstract: An impact absorber for decelerating a vehicle impacting on an obstacle, which impact absorber includes two tubes which can be displaced one inside the other in the manner of a telescope. The inner tube is closed off from the outside by a base and has a highly pressurized gas space and a first fluid space. A second fluid space is arranged in the outer tube and is hydraulically connected to the first fluid space via a restriction formed by a restricting aperture in an intermediate wall fixed in the inner tube. The outer tube has, in the end region, a plastic disk which melts at a predetermined temperature and as a result counteracts an explosion of the impact absorber in the event of a fire by reducing the pressure.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a collapsible hub, the steering wheel comprising a wheel 100 having a rim 140, a plurality of spokes 130 connected with the rim 140 and a lower plate 150 having edges and connected with the spokes 130 at the middle of the wheel 100, the edges of the lower plate forming a shape of an open box; a back plate 200 fixed to the said plurality of spokes 130 of the wheel 100 and having an escape hole 220 opened from the middle to one side of the plate 200; an upper plate 300 having first and second vertical surfaces 320 and 330 fixed to the back plate 200 and a horizontal surface 340 connecting the vertical surfaces 320 and 330 to form a space between the back plate 200 and the upper plate 300; and a hub cover 400 installed on the wheel 100 for covering the upper plate 300, so the upper plate 300 collapses to absorb impact of a driver in a car accident.

Abstract: In a shift lever to which operating force for changing a transmission by a driver is applied, a basal end thereof is inserted in a hole formed in a lever holder. Movement of the shift lever in the axial direction is prevented by an elastic member. When large force acts in the axial direction of the shift lever, the elastic member deflects and the shift lever moves in the axial direction, thereby allowing absorption of the load applied to the shift lever.

Abstract: A steering system of automobiles for absorbing impact force, which comprises a steering tube, connected to a steering handle, having a plurality of fixing openings for fixing balls therein; a steering shaft partially inserted into the steering tube and having a plurality of multi-stepped guide grooves for guiding the balls; and the balls positioned in the fixing openings of the steering tube. The guide grooves are adjacent to the fixing openings at one end and extended longitudinally for a predetermined distance, and the balls travel from the fixing openings into the multi-stepped guide grooves between the steering tube and the steering shaft, generating frictional force and absorbing impact force. Hence, the impact force is absorbed by the multi-stepped portions of the guide grooves and gradually transmitted to the driver from the beginning to the end of a collision to ensure the driver with enough time to react to the collision, thereby minimizing injury to the driver.

Abstract: A steering column in an automotive vehicle is supported by a stationary wall that carries two capsules on either side of the steering column. The steering column has an attachment wall that extends within the capsules. Each capsule has two support walls sandwiched around the attachment wall and a tubular connector joining the support walls together. Severable ribs are integral with the tubular connector and in contact with edge areas of the attachment wall, such that in a crash situation the steering column can collapse forwardly to minimize chest injury to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy absorbing steering column and a body of a motor vehicle including a mounting bracket on the mast jacket having an attachment flange perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the steering column, an aperture in the attachment flange, a plastic bushing captured in the aperture, and a fastener operative to rigidly clamp the plastic bushing to the body of the motor vehicle. The plastic bushing fractures in response to an impact on the steering column to release the mounting bracket. In a preferred embodiment, retention between the attachment flange and the plastic bushing is effected by an edge of the aperture in the attachment flange seated in an annular outside groove in the plastic bushing.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft in a steering unit shortens in an axial direction when an impact load, over a specified impact load, is applied thereto, and thereby absorbs impact. The power transmission shaft includes a hollow shaft having a female serration on the inner circumference thereof. An insertion shaft has a male serration on the outer circumference thereof that engages with the female serration of the hollow shaft when inserted into the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft and the insertion shaft are connected with each other so that they can transmit power in the circumferential direction, yet they are displaceable in the axial direction . An inward depressed portion is formed on the hollow shaft to establish the impact absorption of the power transmission shaft. A concave portion, formed on the insertion shaft aids in the uniform formation of the depressed portion and thereby simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle having a driver's cab, a chassis and a transport container. The transport container holds cargo, which is movably disposed therein. The transport container is fastened at a distance behind the driver's cab in the driving direction via impact-energy-absorbing bearings mounted on the chassis. The bearings are constructed and arranged to absorb impact energy particularly in the driving direction. The impact-energy-absorbing bearings prevent an uncontrolled impact of the transport container onto the driver's cab in the case of a collision.

Abstract: An energy management device (10) for connecting a length of belt webbing (16) with a vehicle portion (30) includes an elongate strap (50). The strap (50) has a fixed end portion (100) for connection with the vehicle portion (30), a free end portion (102), and an intermediate portion (110) extending between and interconnecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion. The device (10) has an unactuated condition in which force is transmitted from the belt webbing (16) to the vehicle portion (30) through the strap (50) between the fixed end portion (100) and a first point (116) on the strap which is on the intermediate portion (110) of the strap. Upon the application of a force greater than a predetermined force to the belt webbing (16), the device (10) moves an actuated condition in which force is transmitted between the fixed end portion (100) of the strap (50) and a second point (116a) on the strap which is farther from the fixed end portion than the first point (116).

Abstract: A shoulder anchor structure capable of reliably absorbing energy when a predetermined large load acts thereon and also capable of adjusting its energy absorption characteristic according to vehicle model. The shoulder anchor structure includes an energy absorbing member having a pair of deformation amplifying portions formed thereon. The deformation amplifying portions ensure a predetermined displacement stroke of an intermediate portion of the energy absorbing member. Further, the deformation amplifying portions can deform so as to absorb a load acting on an occupant during a secondary collision. Accordingly, there is no fear of separation of the energy absorbing member from a pillar inner panel before a predetermined amount of energy is absorbed. This makes it possible to reliably absorb the load acting on the occupant during the secondary collision.

Abstract: Telescopic shafts having a peripheral zone of a male member having grooves and ribs which grooves and ribs are interrupted longitudinally according to a sliding zone, which zone, in one embodiment, terminates in proximity to a fork member of a U-joint and in another embodiment, terminates at a limit of one of the extremes of the fork member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for safely arresting moving bodies. Applications of the device include fall protection systems that protect workers on elevated structures from accidental falls. The energy absorbing device includes a coiled strip capable of dissipating energy when a tensile force applied across the device generates an internal bending strain that exceeds the elastic limit of the material. The tensile load developed on the safety track during an accidental fall unwinds the strip, thus progressively taking-up the kinetic energy of the moving body.

Abstract: The column comprises a column body (1) mounted on the frame via brackets (5, 6) comprising openings (15, 16) for the passage of fixing elements (12) to the frame, and capsules (10, 11) enclosing the brackets and retained by the fixing elements (12). The openings comprise guiding surfaces (21) disposed two by two on both sides of a vertical plane (31) containing the axis (32) of the column. In the event of an impact occurring, the brackets integral with the column body (1) move with respect to the capsules fixed to the frame, the guiding surfaces (21) sliding into the capsules (10, 11). These movements absorb a portion of the energy due to the impact and the surfaces ensure the axial guiding of the column. The capsules are made of plastics and a metallic insert is inserted between the fixing elements and the capsules. The column is particularly useful for motor vehicles provided with an inflatable safety air bag should an impact occur.

Abstract: A forward structure of a motor vehicle has a cross member which connects the two A-columns with one another and which is used for fixing a steering column and a knee restraint. A strut is fixed on the forward structure and extends from the cross member to a transmission tunnel extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. At least two mutually overlapping strut sections of the strut have a connection area which, under a load during a crash and after overcoming a force threshold, can be elongated in a longitudinal direction while absorbing energy. A force limiting device is provided in the connection area of the strut sections in the force transmission path. Consequently, after the force threshold is exceeded, an energy reduction is achieved during a predetermined lengthening path of the connecting strut and at a constant force level so that a yielding of the impact-loaded knee restraint together with the cross member takes place with a force-limited resistance along a predetermined path distance.

Abstract: A retardation system for adjustably reducing the speed of an object moving relative to the retardation system. The retardation system comprises a retardation mechanism to which is transferred the kinetic energy of the object when the speed of the object is being reduced by the retardation mechanism, and a computing device for computing the kinetic energy to be transferred to the retardation mechanism in the form of retardation forces, calculated over time, of the object during its retardation process.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a motor vehicle steering column including a yoke pivotable about a lateral centerline of a body of the motor vehicle and an energy absorbing mechanism responsive to linear translation of a mast jacket of the steering column relative to the yoke. The mast jacket extends through a bore in the yoke and a plastic bushing in the bore prevents the mast jacket from tipping relative to the yoke. The energy absorbing mechanism includes flat metal strap wound into a spiral coil and cradled or otherwise captured in a flat recess in the yoke tangent to the mast jacket. A distal end of the flat metal strap parallel to the mast jacket is rigidly attached to the latter so that during linear translation of the mast jacket under impact, the distal end is pulled out of the flat recess and unrolls the spiral coil. As the spiral coil unrolls, the flat metal strap is plastically deformed to convert into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of the impact on the steering column.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a motor vehicle steering column including a yoke pivotable about a lateral centerline of a motor vehicle body and an energy absorbing means between the yoke and the mast jacket responsive to linear translation of the mast jacket relative to the yoke. The mast jacket extends through a bore in the yoke and a plastic bushing in the bore prevents the mast jacket from tilting relative to the yoke before and during linear translation of the mast jacket. The energy absorbing means includes a flat metal strap attached at one end to the mast jacket and bent over a convex anvil on the yoke. The metal strap is pulled over the anvil parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the mast jacket and plastically deformed to convert into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of an impact on the steering column.

Abstract: A position stopper for an automotive tilt steering column includes an upper clamp connected to the vehicle above the steering column. The upper clamp includes two spaced walls between which a part of the steering column extends. A first structure is secured to a lower portion of the part of the steering column. The walls are formed with vertically extending slots. A bolt passes through the first structure with both ends projected through the respective slots. One of the projected ends of the bolt is externally threaded. An operation lever has a nut secured to the externally threaded end of the bolt. The other projected end of the bolt has a bolt stopper which contacts the wall to suppress rotation of the bolt about its axis. A second structure is secured to the jacket tube. The second structure has at least a portion resiliently interposed between each of the walls of the upper clamp and the jacket tube to suppress play in the steering column relative to the upper clamp.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bolt specially designed for an aircraft seat.

Abstract: The sacrificial tube shock attenuation device services as a deformable energy absorbing system designed to be employed between a bumper receiving a potentially destructive force and a payload which is to be protected from the force. The device is composed of a tube assembly running through and aligning apertures of a maul, or series of mauls, which is (are) attached to the bumper and the apertures of a pair of stators, or multiple pairs of stators, that each maul is situated between. The stators are attached to the payload. When overloaded the maul(s) moves relative to the stators causing a misalignment of their respective apertures resulting in deformation of the tube assembly. A simple tube assembly may be comprised of a single tube. A more complex tube assembly may be comprised of multiple tubes within tubes depending on the anticipated overload. In a multi-tube assembly the inner tubes receive the load consecutively as the misalignment of the apertures of the maul and stators progresses.

Abstract: A steering column support (26) for mounting an energy absorbing steering column within a motor vehicle includes a strap (30) that extends transversely with respect to the steering axis A and has a central portion (32) that mounts the steering column as well as having opposite ends (38) each of which include a mounting portion (40) for mounting on the vehicle. The support (26) also includes a guide (52) secured to the vehicle. The guide (52) extends along a predetermined axis and the strap (30) includes a hook (42) disposed adjacent to the guide (52). Collapse of the steering column along the steering axis A deforms the strap to absorb energy while the hook (42) engages the guide (52) to direct the steering column to a predetermined orientation during the collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: An impact absorber is disclosed which comprises: (a) a substantially square inner tube with a plurality of opposing walls each wall having an exterior surface, wherein the inner tube has at least a pair of concave indentations formed on the exterior surfaces of two opposing walls, respectively, of the inner tube; (b) a substantially square outer tube with a plurality of opposing walls each wall having an interior surface. The outer tube has at least a pair of arc-shaped convex elements formed on the interior surfaces of two opposing walls, respectively, of the outer tube at locations corresponding to those of the concave indentations formed on the inner tube. The arc-shaped convex element are dimensioned such that they can be exactly embedded into the concave indentations of the inner tube.

Abstract: A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided, and includes a receiver which slidably receives a telescope housing. The telescope housing includes an internally collapsible shaft. A lower universal joint is removably secured to the receiver for supporting a collapsible intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is collapsible in the direction of the engine compartment upon presentation of sufficient load upon the telescope housing to disconnect the lower universal joint from the receiver once the telescope housing itself has been internally collapsed. A lower bearing retainer supports the lower universal joint within the receiver. Shearable rivets secure the lower bearing retainer to the receiver. The rivets shear when sufficient load is present.

Abstract: A low-cost energy management device for dissipating a portion of the energy imparted to a safety belt in a rapid vehicular deceleration is preferably comprised of two pieces, viz., a strap and a channel-shaped guide and deflector member. The strap has a row of deflectable tabs or beams and is mounted to the vehicle. The channel-shaped guide and deflector member is secured to a seat belt retractor and straddles the strap and slides along the strap rectilinearly and guides the retractor in this linear sliding movement along the strap while an integral depending deflector portion on the channel-shaped member deflects the beams. The deflecting portion engages two adjacent, spaced, deflected beams on the strap and these spaced deflected abutting the deflecting portion aid in aligning the deflector member to travel in a straight line path. The guiding and deflecting member has staking tabs to stake the channel-shaped member to the retractor in a low-cost manner.

Abstract: In a collapsible steering shaft a collapse load is decreased while assuring the heat resistance of a coupling portion between an outer shaft and an inner shaft. In addition, a time during which a great collapse load is needed is also decreased. Female serration grooves on an inner surface of the outer shaft are engaged with male serration grooves on an outer surface of the inner shaft. A recess is formed on the outer surface of the inner shaft and is aligned with a root in the male serration grooves, and a steel ball is set in the recess. A part of this steel ball intrudes into a top part of a thread in the female serration grooves. A flat portion is formed by removing a part of the male serration grooves, whereby the top part crushed by the steel ball can be prevented from frictionally engaging with the male serration grooves.

Abstract: An upset tube for accommodating impact energy in a motor vehicle, preferably head-on collisions, which may be used both in the bumper bar or propeller shaft of a motor vehicle, has one bead angled with sides with different angular values. The angles enable a predetermination of the region of nominal fracture. After having been sheared off, the upset tube is able to destroy a defined amount of friction energy.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pad, preferably for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a series of interconnected fluid reservoirs in the form of spheres partially filled with a fluid. Below a certain level of impact the shock is absorbed as the fluid is forced from one sphere into one or more of the other spheres. Above that level the spheres rupture, thereby absorbing the shock.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column adjustment and energy absorbing mechanism includes a steering column tube slidably mounted in a support member. A toothed slipper releasably engages with a toothed rack on the tube to lock the steering column relatively to the support member, a cam being provided to provide the locking action. The energy absorbing mechanism is provided by a strap which is rigidly joined to the slipper and is bent over a pin so that, in the event of vehicle crash with the rack and slipper locked together, energy imparted to the steering column causes the outer tube to move to cause the slipper to draw the strap around the pin, thereby to absorb energy.

Abstract: Rotation of a steering wheel (7) is transferred to a steering gear (17) via a pipe-like first shaft (2) and a second shaft (3), which is inserted in the first shaft (2) so that transfer of rotation between the two shafts (2), (3) and relative axial movement between the two shafts (2), (3) are allowable. A ball (23) inserted in a through hole (20) formed through the first shaft (2) is held by a recess (21) formed on the outer surface of the second shaft (3), so that a portion of the ball (23) is projected from the outer surface of the second shaft (3). The inner surface of the first shaft (2) is plasticly deformed by the ball (23) by displacing the recess (21) away from the through hole (20) to form a groove (25).

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a system transported on board a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, said system being connected to the structure of the vehicle via at least one element having a cylindrical body and a telescopic rod. According to the invention, the body and the rod of each element together define two internal fluid chambers which are normally isolated from each other, a communication passage being provided between the two chambers and normally being closed by an associated throttling valve, the throttling valve being controlled by acceleration-sensing means using a mass that is movable in the axial direction of the telescopic element and that is associated with a rated spring. The means is organized to cause the throttling valve to open as soon as the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold which is predetermined as a function of the system to be protected, the acceleration of the system thus being kept below the threshold by the telescopic element changing in length.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly with means to absorb energy transmitted by the steering column upon collapse, including a deformable U-shaped wire clip engaged around a pair of pins. A skid member adjoins the clip and is coupled to the steering column so that, upon collapse of the steering column, the skid member is urged in a direction to deform the wire clip by drawing it over the pins. The clip and skid member are accommodated in a fixed mounting bracket for the steering column.

Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus with a motorized power steering device secures an amount of displacement in a secondary collision in spite of the presence of a housing for supporting an electric motor. A housing fixed to the fore end portion of the steering column is supported on a vehicle body by an energy absorbing member. During a secondary collision, the energy absorbing member permits the forward displacement of the steering shaft and steering column while being plastically deformed. When the distance between a first and a second universal joint is shortened with the displacement, the full length of a transmission shaft is shortened.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for the steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises a pair of generally U-shaped straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to a bracket affixed to vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. In a collision, the straps resist movement of the steering column and gradually absorb energy to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver. A connection between the steering column and the bracket prevents vibration of the steering column during normal operation of the vehicle. This connection is releasable in response to initial vehicle impact to allow controlled movement of the steering column under the restraining influence of the straps.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus having a deformable strip (20) with prefabricated projections (28) thereon is disclosed for use in passive restraint systems of motor vehicles (10). Examples are shown with the energy absorbing apparatus integrated in a steering column system (12) and a seat belt system (14). Specifically, the prefabricated projections (28) on the deformable strip (20) permit an impact force to be dissipated at a variable rate as the deformable strip (20) is drawn through a set of rollers (30,32).