Patent ID: 7661711
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising: a bracket for attachment to the vehicle; a column jacket moveable relative to said bracket along a longitudinal axis during a collision event; a plate coupled to one of said bracket and said column jacket with said plate defining an opening and a slot extending from said opening parallel to said longitudinal axis with said slot defining a pre-determined width; and a pin coupled to one of said bracket and said column jacket and horizontally moveable relative to said plate along said longitudinal axis during the collision event with said pin including a diameter greater than said pre-determined width of said slot and transversely moveable along a transverse axis relative to said plate between a disengaged position withdrawn from said opening and an engaged position extending into said opening and engaging said slot for deforming said slot in response to said horizontal movement of said plate relative to said pin.