Steering column/airbag tunable impact absorption system
First Claim
1. A tunable impact absorption system for a motor vehicle comprising:
- a steering column having a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first sleeve sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve, the sleeves extending between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, and a piston cylinder assembly mounted between the first and second mounting brackets;
a plurality of igniters in communication with the piston cylinder assembly, the plurality of igniters capable of releasing a pressurized fluid when activated to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly;
a plurality of sensors mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling vehicle and driver conditions; and
a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters, the controller activating at least one of the plurality of igniters based on signals received from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A tunable impact absorption system for a motor vehicle comprising:
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a steering column having a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first sleeve sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve, the sleeves extending between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, and a piston cylinder assembly mounted between the first and second mounting brackets;
a plurality of igniters in communication with the piston cylinder assembly, the plurality of igniters capable of releasing a pressurized fluid when activated to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly;
a plurality of sensors mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling vehicle and driver conditions; and
a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters, the controller activating at least one of the plurality of igniters based on signals received from the plurality of sensors during an impact event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for tuning the energy absorption level of an impact absorption system in a motor vehicle during an impact event, the method comprising:
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determining a minimum energy absorption level based on driver and vehicle conditions;
determining severity of an impact event;
adjusting the minimum energy absorption level based on the severity of the impact event if the severity of the impact event requires a greater amount of energy absorption than the minimum energy absorption level; and
activating a safety device to absorb the minimum energy absorption level during the impact event. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification