Patent ID: 8065931
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An adjustable steering column assembly comprising: a lower column member slidingly engaged at one end with an upper column member; an adjustment mechanism having a locked state in which the upper column member is secured and an unlocked state in which the upper column member can be moved; a ride down mechanism engaging the upper column member to permit ride down of the upper column member when a force above a predetermined level is applied to the upper column member, the ride down mechanism comprising; a mounting bracket fixed to part of a body structure of a motor vehicle; a carriage connected to the upper column member; a clamping means to apply a predetermined clamping force between the mounting bracket and the carriage so as to inhibit relative sliding between the carriage and the mounting bracket during normal use but allowing relative movement between the carriage and the mounting bracket when an axial force above a predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper column member in the event of a vehicle crash, the clamping means provides a slidable connection between the carriage and the mounting bracket; wherein when the adjustment mechanism is in the unlocked state a load transfer means is engaged to bypass the ride down mechanism to prevent the transfer of axial load from the upper column member through the ride down mechanism during adjustment of the upper steering column member, the load transfer means comprises: a retention strap having one end connected to the mounting plate; and at least one detent formed at an opposite end that interacts with the carriage and engages with the lower column member when the adjustment mechanism is in the unlocked state so as to prevent relative movement between the carriage and the mounting bracket, the at least one detent being retracted when the adjustment mechanism is in the locked state so as to permit relative movement between the carriage and the mounting bracket when an axial force above the predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper column member in the event of a vehicle crash.