Delphi Technologies, Inc.

Robert L Stearns

Richard Kremer Riefe

Ray Garnet Armstrong

Marvin V Manwaring

Ravindra Jwalapathy

Lee M Tinnin

Jacob Stearns

A coupling device for releasably coupling two parts with one another includes first and second coupling members having magnets for holding the members with a magnetic holding force to self-center the members in an intermediate position. The coupling members are slidable to a locked condition in which mutual interlock portions engage and slidable to an unlocked position in which mutual unlock portions engage. The coupling members are uncoupled by sliding the members along a first unlocking path to the unlocked position and further moving the members along a directionally different separation path.

Magnetic coupling device with mechanical interlock features

A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.

Telltale indicator for adaptive energy absorbing system

Growing community of inventors

Troy, MI, United States of America

Robert L Stearns