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 comprising a rim and a hub, the 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 and at least the hub between a retracted position and a driving position;
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; and
a work surface integrated with the steering input device.
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.
365 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A steering column system comprising:
-
a steering column shaft; a steering input device comprising a rim and a hub, the 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 and at least the hub between a retracted position and a driving position; 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; and a work surface integrated with the steering input device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A vehicle comprising:
-
a steering column shaft; a steering input device comprising a rim and a hub, the 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; 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; a steering gear; a decoupling assembly configured to decouple the steering input device from the steering gear, at least the rim being non-rotatable in a decoupled condition of the steering input device; and a work surface integrated with the steering input device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of operating a steering column assembly of a vehicle, the method comprising:
-
translating a steering column shaft and at least a hub of a steering input device from a retracted position towards an extended, driving position; sending at least one signal from a steering column shaft component to a controller to indicate 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, 18)
-
Specification