• Due to impact absorbing mechanisms at two points on the steering shaft, when a collision occurs, the steering shaft effectively absorbs the impact energy that would be transmitted to the driver, thereby reducing injury.
Operation
• At the moment of a collision, the rearward collapse of the steering gear and linkage (first stage impact) due to the impact energy from the front causes the intermediate shaft to contract. At this time, the sliding sleeve between the outer and inner tubes of the intermediate shaft slides and the impact energy is absorbed through this friction. (Section X in the figure)
• Then, as the steering wheel contacts the body of the driver (second stage impact), the column jacket and inner bracket slide together as a single unit along the guide. The impact energy is then absorbed due to force that deforms the bending sheet connected between the inner and outer brackets. (Section Y in the figure)