Deformable steering wheel assembly - has apertured tube with zones deformable under differing loads

摘要

Steering assembly has a progressively deformable part in the form of a tube (1) coupled between the steering wheel (2) and a steering shaft or spindle (3). The tube has an array f openings (4, 5) in zones (A, B) which deform subject to differing forces. The openings, square or circular, are larger nearer the steering wheel. Initial deformation occurs here upon impact of a head. Upon a greater impact force supplied by a body, further deformation occurs involving the smaller openings. The tube is a sheet rolled into a tube with its longitudinal edges joined.