Energy-absorbing Steering Column/Wheel
Both the steering column and steering wheel are designed to absorb impact energy during a collision.
Steering Wheel
The steering wheel absorbs the energy of a collision through the deformation of the spoke portion. Should the impact
absorbing capacity of the column side decrease due to the deformation of the vehicle body during a collision, the steering
wheel will help absorb the impact.
Steering Column
The steering column is fastened on the body through a U-shaped plate, and the lower part of the column is inserted into
a lower holder. Due to this construction, the steering column will slide in its axial direction when a large impact is given
in the axial direction of the column. Since the U-shaped plate is fastened to the body, the U-shaped plate is bent and
deformed along the guide when the column slides in its axial direction. Through the deformation of the plate, the energy
is absorbed and the column slides forward. When exposed to a greater impact, a shear pin will break and the energy
is absorbed by the lower shaft.
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
U-PLATE
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >U-PLATE
GUIDE
The U-plates absorb an energy
while they are straightened by
the upper bracket.
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
SHEAR PINS
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >
STEERING JOINT
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
SPOKE
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >
Both the steering column and steering wheel are designed to absorb impact energy during a collision.
Steering Wheel
The steering wheel absorbs the energy of a collision through the deformation of the spoke portion. Should the impact
absorbing capacity of the column side decrease due to the deformation of the vehicle body during a collision, the steering
wheel will help absorb the impact.
Steering Column
The steering column is fastened on the body through a U-shaped plate, and the lower part of the column is inserted into
a lower holder. Due to this construction, the steering column will slide in its axial direction when a large impact is given
in the axial direction of the column. Since the U-shaped plate is fastened to the body, the U-shaped plate is bent and
deformed along the guide when the column slides in its axial direction. Through the deformation of the plate, the energy
is absorbed and the column slides forward. When exposed to a greater impact, a shear pin will break and the energy
is absorbed by the lower shaft.
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
U-PLATE
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >U-PLATE
GUIDE
The U-plates absorb an energy
while they are straightened by
the upper bracket.
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
SHEAR PINS
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >
STEERING JOINT
< UNDER NORMAL CONDITION >
SPOKE
< AT TIME OF IMPACT >