Patent ID: 6799486
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An intractive energy absorbing system comprising:a steering column housing moveable along a collapse stroke corresponding to a force of impact by an operator; an energy absorbing component exerting a resistance force for resisting movement of the steering column housing along the collapse stroke, the energy absorbing component including a deformable strap engaging a stationary reaction member and a moveable reaction member, the stationary and moveable reaction members having an adjustable total active surface area for engaging the deformable strap and generating the resistance force; the moveable reaction member moving to adjust the total active surface area in response to application of the force of impact by the operator whereby the resistance force exerted by the energy absorbing component is caused to vary as a function of a magnitude of the force of impact thereby optimizing the performance of the energy absorbing system.