Reactive energy absorbing system

摘要

An energy absorbing device for a steering column includes first and second elongated plastically deformable straps connected to the steering column. A bushing connected to stationary vehicle support structure is engagable with the straps in a manner such that when the steering column collapses the straps advance linearly across the bushing and thereby resist collapse of the steering column. One of the straps may be disconnected from the steering column at the instant of a crash event, in circumstances where less resistance to steering column collapse is desired.