RETRACTABLE STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A steering column system comprising:
- a steering column shaft;
a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft;
an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device;
a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and
,at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is operational.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and at least one signal indicating if the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is operational.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A steering column system comprising:
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a steering column shaft; a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft; an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device; a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and
,at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is operational. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vehicle comprising:
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a steering column shaft; a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft; an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device; a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and
,at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of the vehicle is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is operational. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of operating a steering column assembly of a vehicle, the method comprising:
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translating a steering column shaft from a retracted position towards an extended, driving position; sending at least one signal from a steering column shaft component to a controller when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position; and
,engaging an energy absorbing mechanism to be operational when the steering column shaft is in the extended, driving position, as indicated by the at least one signal. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification