Collapsible steering column
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United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Jul 30, 1985
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Sep 24, 1982
filing date -
Sep 24, 1982
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A bellows-type energy absorbing device comprising at least two elongated bellows sections each having an adjacent tubular support section assembly wherein one bellows and tubular support section is sized to fit within the other. The sections are reversed and arranged so that the bellows and tube sections are arranged coaxially aligned with each other. The tubular support section of one bellows provides an alignment support for the adjacent bellows with the other support section providing the alignment support for the other adjacent bellows section. The bellows and tube assemblies are joined together at their ends by welding to form a sealed tubular unit. The support sections are arranged to telescope and retain the overall axial alignment of the device during collapse of the convolutes of the bellows section during the application of impact energy at either end of the device. This impact energy causes the convolutes to deform causing a progressive sequential deformation of the bellows sections producing the energy absorbing process. Another embodiment of the invention provides each of the support tubes with a longitudinal taper whereby the contact with the bellows during the energy absorbing deformation is progressively restricted depending upon their overall taper and position to vary the rate of energy absorption.
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