Patent ID: 6170874
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
Apparatus for protecting the occupant of a motor vehicle including a seatbelt for restraining said occupant and a stress-bearing structure, said apparatus comprising a steering shaft, a steering column supporting said steering shaft, said steering column displaceably mounted with respect to said stress-bearing structure, a first energy-absorbing unit for absorbing energy upon displacement of said steering column with respect to said stress-bearing structure by said occupant, a sensor for detecting a condition in which said occupant is restrained by said seatbelt, a second energy-absorbing unit for absorbing energy upon displacement of said steering column with respect to said stress-bearing structure by said occupant, and a locking member for permitting said absorption of energy by said second energy-absorbing unit by displacement of said steering column with respect to said stress-bearing structure by said occupant when said condition is detected by said sensor.