Safety mechanism for vehicle steering columns - has S-shaped column support with weak link to permit column to fold upwards

摘要

The steering column absorbs kinetic energy of a collision without complete failure. The advantage over other designs which have telescoping parts is that there is no column movement. This is particularly useful where a steering column anti-theft device is fitted. The two part column support has a front section fixed to the chassis and the rear section held in the dashboard. There is a flexible connection between the two sections consisting of an S shaped section with vertical and horizontal notches in the rear end where the steering column fits through. There is a weak plate actually holding the column to the support so that the column folds upwards if the driver is thrown against the steering wheel.