Steering column energy absorbing release bushing and deforming bracket

摘要

An energy absorbing steering column assembly for a motor vehicle steering wheel. The column has a tubular jacket supported from the vehicle body by upper and lower sheet metal brackets. The upper bracket is connected to the body by releasable capsules. The jacket has a plastic end cap bushing fitted on its forward end. The bushing is releasably press fitted in a concentric collar portion of the lower bracket. Under predetermined impact loading on the steering wheel and column assembly, the capsules release the upper bracket allowing the column to be guided forward axially causing radial tabs on the bushing to be sheared-off in a first level energy absorption. Continued travel of the column assembly in a controlled lateral path provides second higher level energy absorption wherein the lower bracket is deformed in a controlled manner.