Patent ID: 6478333
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A collapsible steering column assembly, comprising a steering column, means for mounting the steering column and means for absorbing energy transmitted by the steering column upon collapse, said means for absorbing energy including a deformable element associated with said mounting means of the steering column, said mounting means including a mounting bracket slidably housing a skid member coupled to the steering column and disposed so that, upon collapse of the steering column, said skid member is urged in a direction to deform said deformable element for absorbing collapse energy, said deformable element being in the form of a length of wire, with arms arranged to embrace, during steering column collapse, at least one extendable and retractable pin, said skid member acting to draw the wire over said at least one pin to deform the wire,wherein a plurality of said deformable wires are provided and the assembly further comprises means for selectively extending each pin in accordance with a predetermined setting for energy absorption depending upon data received from sensors for a vehicle occupant in order to select or de-select wires to increase or decrease, resepectively, the energy absorption capability.