Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-26
2001-09-18
Culbreth, Eric (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C074S493000, C280S777000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290258
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle.
Developments are now progressing towards “smart” steering columns, and this invention has for its purpose to provide a steering column which can be collapsed in the event of a vehicle crash in a way that takes into account various physical characteristics of the driver, such as weight, posture, position and dimensions.
A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle is known which comprises an actuator coupled to a rack and pinion or other geared arrangement of a clamping device for clamping the steering column in a desired position, the actuator being electrically powered either by a motor or a solenoid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a smart version of such a mechanism.
According to the present invention, there is provided a clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle, comprising an actuator coupled to a clamp to clamp the steering column in a desired position, there being control means for the actuator to adjust the clamping force of the clamp on the steering column in the event of vehicle crash, thereby to control energy absorption at the steering column assembly during collapse.
The actuator can be electrically controlled. The clamping mechanism can incorporate a geared arrangement as discussed above.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5188392 (1993-02-01), Sugiki et al.
patent: 5609365 (1997-03-01), Holka
patent: 5690362 (1997-11-01), Peitsmeier et al.
patent: 5941130 (1999-08-01), Olgren et al.
Henry Nicholas
Parkinson Steven
Culbreth Eric
Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
Nastech Europe Limited
LandOfFree
Collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2452257