Patent ID: 9056628
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An S-shaped energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly, said device comprising: a first end configured to couple to a first component of the steering column assembly; a second end configured to couple to a second component of the steering column; an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second ends; a first connecting portion coupled between said first end and said intermediate portion, said first connecting portion being curved and having a radius; an aperture extending through said curved first connecting portion, said aperture configured to shift a collapse characteristic of said energy absorbing device and to facilitate maintaining said radius constant when a force pushes said first end relative to said second end and deforms said energy absorbing device; and a second connecting portion coupled between said second end and said intermediate portion, wherein said second connecting portion is coupled to a first end of said intermediate portion opposite a second end of said intermediate portion that is coupled to said first connecting portion.