Steering column/airbag tunable impact absorption system

• US 20060290115A1
• Filed: 06/03/2005
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Bannon, Sean A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,380,827 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01558 monitoring crash strength
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/192 Yieldable or collapsible columns
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/195 Yieldable supports for the steering column

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.

Claims

1. A method for tuning the energy absorption level of an impact absorption system in a motor vehicle during an impact event, the method comprising:

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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the minimum energy absorption level further includes reading a plurality of vehicle and driver condition sensors.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the severity of an impact event includes reading an impact sensor.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the safety device is activated in stages for absorbing different levels of impact energy and activating a safety device includes activating a minimum number of stages to absorb the minimum impact absorption level.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein activating a safety device includes activating an airbag deployment system.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein activating a safety device includes activating a collapsible steering column system.