Energy absorbing support system for a vehicle steering mechanism

摘要

A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the support mechanism as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting as a principal component. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations.