Patent ID: 7172217

Claim:
An energy absorption device for use in a steering column assembly in a motor vehicle, the energy absorption device comprising; a steering column bracket having a groove formed therein extending in a first direction; a sheet strap mounted within said groove in a hooked configuration and having a first end and a second end; an insert mounted on said first end of said sheet strap to prevent said sheet strap from moving in a direction other than said first direction; a rivet mounted to said steering column bracket and extending across said groove to prevent said insert from moving relative to said steering column bracket; and a pin mounted on said second end of said sheet strap opposite said first end, said pin adapted to be coupled to a fixed portion of the motor vehicle and capable of moving relative to said steering column bracket within said groove; wherein during an impact event said steering column bracket moves relative to said pin and said first end moves in said first direction such that said sheet strap unwinds from said hooked configuration thereby absorbing energy from said impact event.