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Safety steering column, motor vehicle with a safety system and safety method

  • US 7,461,863 B2
  • Filed: 07/13/2006
  • Issued: 12/09/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/11/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a safety steering system for a motor vehicle including a carriage coupled to a steering column for adjustment of the steering column in its axial direction and comfort positioning means for the steering column whereby the steering column can be set for driver operation in any selected axial position, the improvement comprising:

  • a gas generator mounted on the carriage for generating a gas and a gas pressure for introduction into the steering column;

    the steering column defining at least one opening communicating with the gas generator to enable generated gas pressure to be introduced into the steering column;

    an igniter affixed to the gas generator and ignitable responsive to a vehicle crash; and

    a mechanism mounted inside the steering column actuatable by introduced gas pressure for initiating release of the comfort positioning means enabling the steering column to move axially away from the driver in case of the vehicle crash.

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