Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation

Robert D Bueche

Robert W Dubay

Damian Z Gosztyla

Michael C Vermeersch

James Edward Rouleau

Arthur W Nellett

Michael Patrick Anspaugh

Donald A Buzzard

Randy W Jones

Roger A Bourbina

Edward A Cana

Matthew J T Vincent

Matthew T Vincent

Mathew T Vincent

Embodiments described herein are for an absolute position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly. The absolute position sensor system comprises: a sector connected to a rake adjustment mechanism of the steering column assembly and operable to be moved thereby; a gear coupled to the sector and operable to be rotated by the movement thereof; a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear; and a sensor device positioned below the magnet and connected to a stationary part of the steering column assembly. The sensor device is configured to: detect an angle of rotation of the magnet, where the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponds to a position of the rake adjustment mechanism.

Absolute position non-contact rake sensor for a steering column

An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly also includes a component positioned proximate the adjustment lever, the component rotating at a speed less than a rotational speed of the adjustment lever during adjustment between the locked position to the unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the component during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the component.

Adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column

Low profile modular shift assembly

A collapse-limiting assembly for a steering system is provided. The collapse-limiting assembly comprises a housing and a moveable member. A pyrotechnic charge is located in the housing and, in response to an impact event, is caused to fire the moveable member into a discharged position and limit the amount of collapse of a steering column. The steering column includes at least two axially moveable portions that move axially relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position. When the moveable member is fired into the discharged position, it is located in a travel path of at least one of the axially moveable portions.

System, method and apparatus for a stowable steering column having a collapse-limited position

Embodiments described herein are for a position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The position sensor includes an elongated target comprising a sloping top surface, a first arcuate lateral surface, a second arcuate lateral surface, and an attachment feature for connecting the elongated target to a moveable part of the steering column assembly. The position sensor also includes a sensor device comprising an attachment feature for connecting the sensor device to a stationary part of the steering column assembly and a sensor situated over the sloping top surface of the elongated target. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the elongated target relative to the sensor, where the position of the elongated target corresponds to a position of a steering column of the steering column assembly.

Contactless absolute rake position sensor for power adjustable columns

A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a collapse limiter having an inner strap and an outer strap, the inner strap being at least partially nested within the outer strap, the collapse limiter being moveable with the upper jacket to provide a collapse distance of the collapsible steering column assembly that is constant regardless of a telescopic position of the upper jacket.

Steering column assembly collapse limiter

A lever assembly includes a lever, a first lever member, and a second lever member. The first lever member has a first lever member first portion and a first lever member second portion. The first lever member first portion defines a first opening and a notch. The second lever member defines a tab that extends into the notch and a first post that extends into the first opening to connect the second lever member to the first lever member first portion.

Low profile steering column clamp mechanism

A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a modular shift assembly that is operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The modular shift assembly includes a shift bracket, a shaft, and a shift clevis. The shift bracket has a first shift bracket portion that defines a shift bracket first opening and a second shift bracket portion. The second shift bracket portion defines a shift bracket second opening. The shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The second shaft portion is at least partially received within the shift bracket opening. The shift clevis extends at least partially through the first shaft opening.

Modular shift assembly

A portion of a steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap and a breakaway member. The energy absorption strap has a first strap portion coupled to an upper jacket assembly and a second strap portion coupled to a lower jacket assembly. The breakaway member has a first breakaway member, a second breakaway member, and a frangible area. The first breakaway member defines a first opening that receives the first strap portion. The second breakaway member defines a second opening that receives the second strap portion. The frangible area joins the first breakaway member to the second breakaway member.

Growing community of inventors

Montrose, MI, United States of America

Robert D Bueche