US20050052013A1 - Steering column with foamed in-place structure - Google Patents
Steering column with foamed in-place structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050052013A1 US20050052013A1 US10/971,949 US97194904A US2005052013A1 US 20050052013 A1 US20050052013 A1 US 20050052013A1 US 97194904 A US97194904 A US 97194904A US 2005052013 A1 US2005052013 A1 US 2005052013A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- steering column
- composite
- column jacket
- bracket
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
- B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B15/046—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B1/00—Layered products having a general shape other than plane
- B32B1/08—Tubular products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
- B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B15/08—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F2998/00—Supplementary information concerning processes or compositions relating to powder metallurgy
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2266/00—Composition of foam
- B32B2266/02—Organic
- B32B2266/0214—Materials belonging to B32B27/00
- B32B2266/0278—Polyurethane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2597/00—Tubular articles, e.g. hoses, pipes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2605/00—Vehicles
- B32B2605/08—Cars
Definitions
- This invention relates to a steering column jacket, and more particularly, to a steering column jacket having a composite structure including a foam material.
- beamed structures are used to support a steering column structure.
- the beams often referred to as steering column jackets, are metal tubes having sufficient strength to support the forces encountered during a vehicle collision.
- Current jackets are generally manufactured from either of two metal-forming processes, including welding stampings and tubings, as well as utilizing cast metal parts.
- the metal jackets are designed with the necessary strength to support the forces exerted during a vehicle collision, however, further improvement, including reducing the overall weight and improving strength characteristics is desirable.
- an improvement of a steering column jacket to dampen vibrations produced during travel over rough roads would be desirable.
- an overall weight reduction to a vehicle may be achieved yielding a higher gas mileage.
- a composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area.
- the composite sections are formed of an outer wall having inner and outer surfaces.
- the outer wall also includes a first flange formed thereon.
- An inner wall having inner and outer surfaces is spaced coaxially from the outer wall.
- the inner wall also includes a second flange that mates with the first flange of the outer wall.
- a cavity defined by the space between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall has foam material disposed within.
- the composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight in comparison to a conventional metal steering column jacket.
- an aluminum foam is attached to the outer surfaces of the inner and outer walls to strengthen the overall structure of the composite steering column jacket, in lieu of the foam contained within the cavity
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the composite steering column jacket of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing the first embodiment of the present invention including the mounting brackets;
- FIG. 3A -C details various cross-sectional views of alternative shapes of the composite steering column jacket of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the composite steering column jacket detailing the aluminum foam attached to the outer surfaces of the inner and outer walls.
- the composite steering column jacket 5 comprises a pair of composite sections 10 joined along a flange area 15 .
- Each of the composite sections 10 includes an outer wall 20 having inner 25 and outer 30 surfaces.
- the outer wall 20 includes a first flange 35 formed thereon.
- An inner wall 40 having inner 45 and outer 50 surfaces is coaxially spaced from the outer wall 20 .
- the inner wall 40 also includes a second flange 55 formed thereon that mates with the first flange 35 of the outer wall 20 .
- a cavity 60 is defined by the space between the inner surface 25 of the outer wall 20 and the outer surface 50 of the inner wall 40 .
- a foam material 65 is disposed within the cavity 60 .
- the pair of composite sections 10 forms an annular structure 70 having an outer dimensional shape 75 and an inner dimensional shape 80 .
- the outer wall 20 and inner wall 40 are formed such that when mated as a pair, the shape is rectangular.
- the outer wall 20 is bent such that it forms a U-shaped section having flanges 35 on its outer edges, and the inner wall 40 is bent such that it has a V-shape, again with flanges 55 formed on its edges.
- the metal sheet of the outer 20 and inner 40 walls may be bent on a metal brake or other metal forming apparatus to form the shapes of the outer 20 and inner wall 40 .
- the pair of composite sections 10 forms an annular structure 70 that is rectangular in its outer dimension 75 as well as its inner dimension 80
- other shapes and structures are contemplated for use by the present invention.
- other cross-sectional shapes such as square, circular, ovoid, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other shapes may be utilized to form the outer dimensional shape 75 and inner dimensional shape 80 of the annular structure 70 .
- the only limitation as to the various shapes and structures is that the composite steering column jacket 5 have the requisite strength and characteristics for use in an automotive application.
- the cavity 60 defined by the space between the inner surface 25 of the outer wall 20 and the outer surface 50 of the inner wall 40 is filled with a foam material that preferably comprises a polyurethane foam.
- the polyurethane foam acts as a damping agent to absorb vibrations produced while driving.
- the polyurethane foam also provides a rigidity when cured to the composite steering column jacket 5 by filling the cavity 60 between the outer 20 and inner 40 walls.
- the overall weight of the composite structure is less than that of a conventional metal steering column jacket and provides increased dampening and strength characteristics.
- the outer wall 20 and inner wall 40 are shaped on metal forming rolling dies to an appropriate shape as determined by the application.
- the four flanges comprising the first 35 and second 55 flanges of the pair of composite sections 10 are seam welded, while polyurethane foam is injected in place.
- a continuous manufacturing process may be utilized to shape the walls from coils of sheet metal and wherein foam is injected to expand and harden while the halves of the parts are brought together for fastening at the flanges.
- the proper lengths of steering column jackets may then be cut from the continuously manufactured steering column jacket 5 for use in a variety of vehicles.
- the flange area 15 comprises the portion of the first 35 and second 55 flanges that are joined to form a seam.
- the flange area 15 of the first of the pair of composite sections is joined with the flange area 15 of the second of the pair of composite sections 10 to form the composite steering column jacket 5 .
- the actual order in which the flanges 35 , 55 are joined may vary depending on the desired processing used by the manufacturer.
- the first 35 and second 55 flanges may be seam welded to provide a seal and then a second of the pair of composite sections 10 may have the first 35 and second flanges 55 seam welded wherein the flange area 15 formed in the first of the pair is then seam welded with the flange area 15 of the second of the pair of composite sections 10 to form the composite steering column jacket 5 .
- all four flanges 35 , 55 may be joined in a single operation, such as that referred to above wherein the flanges 35 , 55 are joined and polyurethane foam is injected into the cavity 65 .
- the order in which the flanges 35 , 55 are sealed is not limiting on the inventive aspect of the composite steering column jacket 5 of the present invention.
- a first embodiment of the composite steering column jacket 5 there is preferably included at least one mounting bracket 85 attached to the outer surface 30 of the outer wall 20 .
- three mounting brackets including an adapter bracket 90 , shear bracket 95 , and a lower bracket 100 are attached to the outer surface 30 of the outer wall 20 .
- the adapter bracket 90 is preferably positioned at a top end 150 of the steering column jacket 5 and is designed to receive the upper steering column on which a hand wheel is positioned.
- the shear bracket 95 and lower bracket 100 are positioned along a mid-portion 155 and lower end 160 respectively of the steering column jacket 5 .
- the shear bracket 95 includes notches 170 formed therein wherein plastic pins are injected to provide a breakaway feature commonly utilized in collapsible steering columns.
- the shear bracket 95 and lower bracket 100 include channel portions 105 for receiving the flange area 15 of the pair of composite sections 10 .
- the channel 105 allows the brackets 95 , 100 to be slid in place for ease of manufacture without having to remove portions of the flange area 15 to allow mounting of the brackets 95 , 100 .
- All of the mounting brackets 85 including the adapter bracket 90 , shear bracket 95 , and lower bracket 100 are attached to the outer surface 30 of the outer wall 20 .
- the brackets 85 may be bonded with adhesive, or other fastening means to provide a reliable bond.
- the composite steering column jacket 5 includes a pre-stress cable 110 attached to the adapter bracket 90 and the lower bracket 100 .
- the pre-stress cable 110 is maintained under tension to provide a compression force to the composite steering column jacket 5 for negating a shear force that may be placed on the composite steering column jacket 5 during a crash.
- the pre-stress cable 110 is manufactured such that it is attached to the adapter bracket 90 and lower bracket 100 under a stressed condition. Specifically, a tension can be applied to the pre-stress cable 110 to place a compression load on the composite steering column jacket 5 as desired by a manufacturer.
- a foam material 115 is disposed on the outer surfaces 30 , 50 of the outer 20 and inner 40 walls, respectively.
- the foam material 115 comprises an aluminum foam that provides a stiffness and strength to the outer 20 and inner 40 walls of the composite sections 10 .
- a particularly preferred aluminum foam includes that manufactured by ERG materials and Aerospace Corporation under the trademarked name Duocel®.
- the aluminum foam 115 may be applied to the outer surfaces 30 , 50 of the outer 20 and inner 40 walls with the exception of the flange areas 35 , 55 prior to sealing the flanges 35 , 55 as described in the manufacturing process disclosed in the first embodiment.
- the flanges 35 , 55 may be seam welded while the foam 115 is being applied to the outer surfaces 30 , 50 in a continuous manufacturing process.
Abstract
A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.
Description
- This invention relates to a steering column jacket, and more particularly, to a steering column jacket having a composite structure including a foam material.
- Generally, beamed structures are used to support a steering column structure. The beams, often referred to as steering column jackets, are metal tubes having sufficient strength to support the forces encountered during a vehicle collision. Current jackets are generally manufactured from either of two metal-forming processes, including welding stampings and tubings, as well as utilizing cast metal parts. The metal jackets are designed with the necessary strength to support the forces exerted during a vehicle collision, however, further improvement, including reducing the overall weight and improving strength characteristics is desirable.
- Also, an improvement of a steering column jacket to dampen vibrations produced during travel over rough roads would be desirable. By eliminating a portion of the weight of conventional steering metal column jackets, an overall weight reduction to a vehicle may be achieved yielding a higher gas mileage.
- There is therefore a need for a composite steering column jacket that is lighter in weight when compared with metal steering column jackets, and has improved dampening characteristics, without a sacrifice in strength.
- A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections are formed of an outer wall having inner and outer surfaces. The outer wall also includes a first flange formed thereon. An inner wall having inner and outer surfaces is spaced coaxially from the outer wall. The inner wall also includes a second flange that mates with the first flange of the outer wall. A cavity defined by the space between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall has foam material disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight in comparison to a conventional metal steering column jacket.
- In an alternative embodiment, an aluminum foam is attached to the outer surfaces of the inner and outer walls to strengthen the overall structure of the composite steering column jacket, in lieu of the foam contained within the cavity
- These features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, where:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the composite steering column jacket of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing the first embodiment of the present invention including the mounting brackets; -
FIG. 3A -C details various cross-sectional views of alternative shapes of the composite steering column jacket of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the composite steering column jacket detailing the aluminum foam attached to the outer surfaces of the inner and outer walls. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , there is shown the composite steering column jacket 5 of the present invention. The composite steering column jacket 5 comprises a pair ofcomposite sections 10 joined along aflange area 15. Each of thecomposite sections 10 includes anouter wall 20 having inner 25 and outer 30 surfaces. Theouter wall 20 includes afirst flange 35 formed thereon. Aninner wall 40 having inner 45 and outer 50 surfaces is coaxially spaced from theouter wall 20. Theinner wall 40 also includes asecond flange 55 formed thereon that mates with thefirst flange 35 of theouter wall 20. Acavity 60 is defined by the space between theinner surface 25 of theouter wall 20 and theouter surface 50 of theinner wall 40. Afoam material 65 is disposed within thecavity 60. - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , the pair ofcomposite sections 10 forms an annular structure 70 having an outerdimensional shape 75 and an innerdimensional shape 80. As shown inFIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment, theouter wall 20 andinner wall 40 are formed such that when mated as a pair, the shape is rectangular. As shown in the pictured preferred embodiment, theouter wall 20 is bent such that it forms a U-shapedsection having flanges 35 on its outer edges, and theinner wall 40 is bent such that it has a V-shape, again withflanges 55 formed on its edges. The metal sheet of the outer 20 and inner 40 walls may be bent on a metal brake or other metal forming apparatus to form the shapes of the outer 20 andinner wall 40. While in the pictured preferred embodiment, the pair ofcomposite sections 10 forms an annular structure 70 that is rectangular in itsouter dimension 75 as well as itsinner dimension 80, other shapes and structures are contemplated for use by the present invention. For example, as shown inFIG. 3A -C, other cross-sectional shapes (shown without a flange) such as square, circular, ovoid, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other shapes may be utilized to form the outerdimensional shape 75 and innerdimensional shape 80 of the annular structure 70. The only limitation as to the various shapes and structures is that the composite steering column jacket 5 have the requisite strength and characteristics for use in an automotive application. - In the picture preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1 , thecavity 60 defined by the space between theinner surface 25 of theouter wall 20 and theouter surface 50 of theinner wall 40 is filled with a foam material that preferably comprises a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam acts as a damping agent to absorb vibrations produced while driving. The polyurethane foam also provides a rigidity when cured to the composite steering column jacket 5 by filling thecavity 60 between the outer 20 and inner 40 walls. The overall weight of the composite structure is less than that of a conventional metal steering column jacket and provides increased dampening and strength characteristics. - When forming the
composite sections 10 of the present invention, theouter wall 20 andinner wall 40 are shaped on metal forming rolling dies to an appropriate shape as determined by the application. The four flanges comprising the first 35 and second 55 flanges of the pair ofcomposite sections 10 are seam welded, while polyurethane foam is injected in place. A continuous manufacturing process may be utilized to shape the walls from coils of sheet metal and wherein foam is injected to expand and harden while the halves of the parts are brought together for fastening at the flanges. The proper lengths of steering column jackets may then be cut from the continuously manufactured steering column jacket 5 for use in a variety of vehicles. Theflange area 15 comprises the portion of the first 35 and second 55 flanges that are joined to form a seam. Theflange area 15 of the first of the pair of composite sections is joined with theflange area 15 of the second of the pair ofcomposite sections 10 to form the composite steering column jacket 5. The actual order in which theflanges composite sections 10 may have the first 35 andsecond flanges 55 seam welded wherein theflange area 15 formed in the first of the pair is then seam welded with theflange area 15 of the second of the pair ofcomposite sections 10 to form the composite steering column jacket 5. However, all fourflanges flanges cavity 65. The order in which theflanges - In a first embodiment of the composite steering column jacket 5, as shown in
FIG. 2 , there is preferably included at least onemounting bracket 85 attached to theouter surface 30 of theouter wall 20. In a preferred embodiment, three mounting brackets including anadapter bracket 90,shear bracket 95, and alower bracket 100 are attached to theouter surface 30 of theouter wall 20. Theadapter bracket 90 is preferably positioned at atop end 150 of the steering column jacket 5 and is designed to receive the upper steering column on which a hand wheel is positioned. Theshear bracket 95 andlower bracket 100 are positioned along a mid-portion 155 andlower end 160 respectively of the steering column jacket 5. Theshear bracket 95 includesnotches 170 formed therein wherein plastic pins are injected to provide a breakaway feature commonly utilized in collapsible steering columns. Theshear bracket 95 andlower bracket 100 includechannel portions 105 for receiving theflange area 15 of the pair ofcomposite sections 10. Thechannel 105 allows thebrackets flange area 15 to allow mounting of thebrackets mounting brackets 85 including theadapter bracket 90,shear bracket 95, andlower bracket 100 are attached to theouter surface 30 of theouter wall 20. Thebrackets 85 may be bonded with adhesive, or other fastening means to provide a reliable bond. - Again with reference to
FIG. 2 , in a first embodiment the composite steering column jacket 5 includes a pre-stress cable 110 attached to theadapter bracket 90 and thelower bracket 100. The pre-stress cable 110 is maintained under tension to provide a compression force to the composite steering column jacket 5 for negating a shear force that may be placed on the composite steering column jacket 5 during a crash. The pre-stress cable 110 is manufactured such that it is attached to theadapter bracket 90 andlower bracket 100 under a stressed condition. Specifically, a tension can be applied to the pre-stress cable 110 to place a compression load on the composite steering column jacket 5 as desired by a manufacturer. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a second embodiment of the composite steering column jacket 5 of the present invention. The second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment with the exception that rather than disposing afoam material 65 within acavity 60 as disclosed in the first embodiment, afoam material 115 is disposed on theouter surfaces foam material 115 comprises an aluminum foam that provides a stiffness and strength to the outer 20 and inner 40 walls of thecomposite sections 10. A particularly preferred aluminum foam includes that manufactured by ERG materials and Aerospace Corporation under the trademarked name Duocel®. When manufacturing a composite steering column jacket 5 according to the second embodiment, thealuminum foam 115 may be applied to theouter surfaces flange areas flanges flanges foam 115 is being applied to theouter surfaces - While preferred embodiments are disclosed, a worker in this art would understand that various modifications would come within the scope of the invention. Thus, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of the invention.
Claims (1)
1. A composite steering column jacket assembly comprising:
a longitudinally extending outer tubular wall member;
a longitudinally extending inner tubular wall member disposed in said outer tubular wall member and defining a space between said inner and outer tubular wall members;
said inner and outer tubular wall members joined immovably to one another by at least one longitudinally extending side flange, wherein said at least one longitudinally extending side flange includes first and second longitudinally extending side flanges;
including foam material disposed in said space, wherein said foam material is polyurethane foam; and
at least one mounting bracket fabricated separately from said inner and outer tubular wall members and coupled to said first and second flanges, wherein there are three of said mounting brackets including an adapter bracket, a shear bracket and a lower bracket, and including a cable extending between said adapter bracket and said lower bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/971,949 US20050052013A1 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2004-10-22 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,464 US6814374B2 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
US10/971,949 US20050052013A1 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2004-10-22 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,464 Continuation US6814374B2 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050052013A1 true US20050052013A1 (en) | 2005-03-10 |
Family
ID=29779364
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,464 Expired - Fee Related US6814374B2 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
US10/971,949 Abandoned US20050052013A1 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2004-10-22 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,464 Expired - Fee Related US6814374B2 (en) | 2002-06-28 | 2002-06-28 | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6814374B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004002805A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7635114B2 (en) * | 2002-06-18 | 2009-12-22 | Mfs, Llc | Rotationally molded, reinforced decorative fence post and method of making same |
US6814374B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-11-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
DE102004016134A1 (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2005-11-03 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Motor vehicle with a roof |
US7941585B2 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2011-05-10 | Cavium Networks, Inc. | Local scratchpad and data caching system |
EP1724183A3 (en) * | 2005-05-19 | 2011-06-22 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Steering column assembly having a vibration dampener |
US20080174095A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2008-07-24 | Ridgway Jason R | Energy absorption mechanism for collapsible assembly |
US9259886B2 (en) | 2009-12-15 | 2016-02-16 | The Boeing Company | Curing composites out-of-autoclave using induction heating with smart susceptors |
FR2954949B1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2012-02-24 | Franciaflex | LATERAL SLIDING APRON GUIDE ASSEMBLY |
JP5299571B2 (en) * | 2010-06-08 | 2013-09-25 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle steering column support structure |
US9180960B2 (en) * | 2011-06-10 | 2015-11-10 | The Boeing Company | Boron fiber reinforced structural components |
US9820339B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2017-11-14 | The Boeing Company | Induction heating using induction coils in series-parallel circuits |
GB2557256B (en) * | 2016-12-02 | 2022-07-20 | Trw Ltd | A collapsible, non-adjustable steering column assembly |
US11378597B2 (en) | 2019-11-29 | 2022-07-05 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Closed-loop compensation of current measurement offset errors in alternating current motor drives |
Citations (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2576073A (en) * | 1946-01-19 | 1951-11-20 | American Cyanamid Co | Fabricated structure comprising porous compositions of matter |
US3331174A (en) * | 1963-12-17 | 1967-07-18 | Wesch Ludwig | Composite plates or panels |
US3538783A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1970-11-10 | Gen Motors Corp | Energy absorbing device and method of assembly thereof |
US3572156A (en) * | 1968-03-20 | 1971-03-23 | Peugeot | Safety steering column for an automobile vehicle |
US3724286A (en) * | 1969-10-02 | 1973-04-03 | Ford Motor Co | Energy absorbing steering column assembly |
US3888502A (en) * | 1972-05-08 | 1975-06-10 | Gen Motors Corp | Energy absorber components for use in vehicles particularly motor vehicles |
US3968561A (en) * | 1972-04-12 | 1976-07-13 | Thomas Francis Oakes | Method of fabricating hollow, foam-filled, metal structural members |
US3980314A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1976-09-14 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Safety steering for motor vehicles |
US4009622A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-03-01 | Hinderks M V | Collapsible member |
US4603752A (en) * | 1984-12-12 | 1986-08-05 | Figgie International Inc. | Speed and direction control apparatus for a vehicle |
US4643448A (en) * | 1985-08-05 | 1987-02-17 | Michael Ladney | Energy absorbing steering assembly |
US4762352A (en) * | 1985-11-29 | 1988-08-09 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Synthetic resin bumper assembly |
US4903446A (en) * | 1988-04-26 | 1990-02-27 | Wesley Staples | Prestressed plastic foam structural member |
US5213391A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1993-05-25 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Body skeleton element of vehicle and manufacturing method thereof |
US5761966A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-06-09 | Delphi France Automotive Systems | Clamping device for a steering column |
US5855600A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-01-05 | Inflow Dynamics Inc. | Flexible implantable stent with composite design |
US5870930A (en) * | 1996-09-03 | 1999-02-16 | Means Industries | Steering column assembly |
US6040350A (en) * | 1997-08-26 | 2000-03-21 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Epoxy resin type composition for stiffening vehicle body and method for stiffening vehicle body |
US6096403A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 2000-08-01 | Henkel Corporation | Reinforced structural members |
US6134983A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-10-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Motor vehicle steering column and method |
US6138525A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-10-31 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Motor vehicle steering column and method |
US6389924B1 (en) * | 2000-12-05 | 2002-05-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column for motor vehicle |
US6435555B1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2002-08-20 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Collapsible steering column and method |
US6517114B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2003-02-11 | Delphi Technologies Inc | Steering column structural support system and method |
US6586110B1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2003-07-01 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Contoured metal structural members and methods for making the same |
US6799779B2 (en) * | 2001-10-23 | 2004-10-05 | Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd. | Shock-absorbing tilt type steering column |
US6814374B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-11-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5888600A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-03-30 | Henkel Corporation | Reinforced channel-shaped structural member |
-
2002
- 2002-06-28 US US10/184,464 patent/US6814374B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-06-26 WO PCT/US2003/020440 patent/WO2004002805A2/en active Application Filing
-
2004
- 2004-10-22 US US10/971,949 patent/US20050052013A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2576073A (en) * | 1946-01-19 | 1951-11-20 | American Cyanamid Co | Fabricated structure comprising porous compositions of matter |
US3331174A (en) * | 1963-12-17 | 1967-07-18 | Wesch Ludwig | Composite plates or panels |
US3572156A (en) * | 1968-03-20 | 1971-03-23 | Peugeot | Safety steering column for an automobile vehicle |
US3538783A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1970-11-10 | Gen Motors Corp | Energy absorbing device and method of assembly thereof |
US3724286A (en) * | 1969-10-02 | 1973-04-03 | Ford Motor Co | Energy absorbing steering column assembly |
US3968561A (en) * | 1972-04-12 | 1976-07-13 | Thomas Francis Oakes | Method of fabricating hollow, foam-filled, metal structural members |
US3888502A (en) * | 1972-05-08 | 1975-06-10 | Gen Motors Corp | Energy absorber components for use in vehicles particularly motor vehicles |
US3980314A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1976-09-14 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft | Safety steering for motor vehicles |
US4009622A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-03-01 | Hinderks M V | Collapsible member |
US4603752A (en) * | 1984-12-12 | 1986-08-05 | Figgie International Inc. | Speed and direction control apparatus for a vehicle |
US4643448A (en) * | 1985-08-05 | 1987-02-17 | Michael Ladney | Energy absorbing steering assembly |
US4762352A (en) * | 1985-11-29 | 1988-08-09 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Synthetic resin bumper assembly |
US4903446A (en) * | 1988-04-26 | 1990-02-27 | Wesley Staples | Prestressed plastic foam structural member |
US5213391A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1993-05-25 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Body skeleton element of vehicle and manufacturing method thereof |
US5761966A (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 1998-06-09 | Delphi France Automotive Systems | Clamping device for a steering column |
US5870930A (en) * | 1996-09-03 | 1999-02-16 | Means Industries | Steering column assembly |
US6096403A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 2000-08-01 | Henkel Corporation | Reinforced structural members |
US5855600A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-01-05 | Inflow Dynamics Inc. | Flexible implantable stent with composite design |
US6040350A (en) * | 1997-08-26 | 2000-03-21 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Epoxy resin type composition for stiffening vehicle body and method for stiffening vehicle body |
US6134983A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-10-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Motor vehicle steering column and method |
US6138525A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-10-31 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Motor vehicle steering column and method |
US6435555B1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2002-08-20 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Collapsible steering column and method |
US6517114B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2003-02-11 | Delphi Technologies Inc | Steering column structural support system and method |
US6586110B1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2003-07-01 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Contoured metal structural members and methods for making the same |
US6389924B1 (en) * | 2000-12-05 | 2002-05-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column for motor vehicle |
US6799779B2 (en) * | 2001-10-23 | 2004-10-05 | Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd. | Shock-absorbing tilt type steering column |
US6814374B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-11-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column with foamed in-place structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040000782A1 (en) | 2004-01-01 |
US6814374B2 (en) | 2004-11-09 |
WO2004002805A3 (en) | 2004-05-27 |
WO2004002805A2 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6814374B2 (en) | Steering column with foamed in-place structure | |
JP5587696B2 (en) | Vehicle shock absorber and vehicle bumper device | |
CA2540844C (en) | Hybrid component | |
US8210583B2 (en) | Energy absorber device and method of forming same | |
US20050110302A1 (en) | Integrated steel cross-car beam | |
US8312629B2 (en) | Method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support | |
US20070068335A1 (en) | Integrally molded composite steering wheels | |
KR20000075975A (en) | Deformation element, method for its production and its use | |
JPH04310477A (en) | Side member of vehicle | |
JP6494321B2 (en) | Anti-vibration device bracket, anti-vibration device with bracket, and manufacturing method of anti-vibration device bracket | |
JP2876872B2 (en) | Connection structure of vehicle body strength members | |
US20070068334A1 (en) | Integrally molded composite steering wheels | |
US7222912B2 (en) | Automotive vehicle body with hydroformed cowl | |
JP2019158028A (en) | Vehicle collision energy absorption component | |
JP2002160032A (en) | Structural member and its production method | |
CA2224503A1 (en) | Method of manufacturing a hollow vehicle frame component having a sharp bend | |
KR101619877B1 (en) | Sub frame of dissimilar materials using embossed reinforce panel | |
JP4297213B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of tubular member with flange | |
KR100435346B1 (en) | Cowl cross bar assembly for automobile and method for manufacturing it | |
JP5609322B2 (en) | Method for manufacturing tube member | |
JPH0664559A (en) | Dash panel for automobile | |
KR102478127B1 (en) | Combination structure of automobile side member and cross member | |
JP3833880B2 (en) | Hydroform molded product and body member using hydrofoam molded product | |
JPH0525570B2 (en) | ||
JPH11208504A (en) | Reinforcement structure of car body frame |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |