Patent attributes
An adjustable-force energy absorbing device includes first and second support members connected for sliding movement in a direction parallel with the steering shaft axis of a vehicle, the first support member being secured to the vehicle chassis, and the second support member being connected with the outer tube of the steering mechanism. Upon impact, the second support member is displaced from its normal first position spaced from one end of the first support member toward a second position adjacent the first support member one end. This displacement is resisted by at least one U-shaped energy absorbing element, the number and/or degree of operability of the energy absorbing elements being controlled by at least one impact-responsive pyrotechnic device.
