Low initial resistance steering column crash apparatus

Abstract

An adjustable steering column () that is designed to absorb energy by collapsing is described. The steering column () has a jacket body () secured to the vehicle and a steering shaft assembly () adjustably and slidably positioned in the jacket body (). An energy absorbing strap () has a second end () secured to the jacket body () and a first end () releasably secured to the steering shaft assembly (). The energy absorbing strap () being disposed to deform to absorb energy when the steering shaft assembly () is displaced with respect to the jacket body (). The energy absorbing strap () is deformed at a second predetermined energy absorbing rate. A spring plate () has its first end () secured to the jacket body () and a second end () releasably engaging the energy absorbing strap (). At least one elongated slot () is positioned adjacent the first end () of the spring plate (). A securing device () is positioned in the at least one slot () to secure the spring plate () to the jacket body (). The securing device () secures the spring plate () to the jacket body () at a first energy absorbing rate. The first energy absorbing rate being lower than the second energy absorbing rate.