ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION

id061400100700

Construction

• Due to impact absorbing mechanisms at two points on the steering shaft, when a collision occurs, the steering shaft effectively absorbs the impact energy that would be transmitted to the driver, thereby reducing injury.

Operation

• At the moment of a collision, the rearward collapse of the steering gear and linkage (first stage impact) takes in the impact energy from the front, causing the intermediate shaft connecting the steering gear and linkage with the steering shaft to contract, thereby absorbing the impact energy. (Section X in the figure)
• Then, as the steering wheel contacts the body of the driver (second stage impact), the fixing bracket of the steering shaft comes off the dashboard member causing inner shafts A and B to contract, thereby absorbing the impact energy. (Section Y in the figure)

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