CHRYSLER STEERING COLUMN PROVIDES DRIVER WITH PROTECTION EVEN DURING OBLIQUE IMPACT

THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE 1970 CHRYSLER CAR WAS REDESIGNED TO PROVIDE OMNIDIRECTIONAL ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY PROTECTING THE DRIVER EVEN DURING AN OBLIQUE IMPACT. A THIN-WALL, CONVOLUTED CYLINDER, DESIGNED TO COLLAPSE UNDER A SET LOAD, IS LOCATED BETWEEN STEERING-WHEEL ARMATURE AND THE REST OF STEERING COLUMN. AN ANTI-THEFT FEATURE IS PROVIDED THAT MEETS FEDERAL STANDARD NO. 114 AS FOLLOWS: (1) WHEN THE KEY CYLINDER IS TURNED TO LOCK POSITION AND THE KEY IS REMOVED, ACTIVATION OF THE CAR ENGINE IS PREVENTED, ALONG WITH ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR; (2) AN OFF POSITION IS PROVIDED WHERE THE ENGINE IS DE-ACTIVATED WITHOUT LOCKING THE STEERING; (3) THERE ARE THREE THOUSAND KEY COMBINATIONS; AND (4) A BUZZER WARNS THE DRIVER AS HE IS LEAVING THE CAR IF HE HAS LEFT HIS KEY IN THE IGNITION.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Vol 78, No 2, PP 54-56, 5 FIG, 2 REF
• Authors:
  • Adams, D
  • Cassle, R S
• Publication Date: 1970-2

Media Info

• Serial:
  • SAE Journal of Automotive Engineering
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drivers; Dynamic loads; Energy absorbing materials; Energy absorption; Prevention; Steering wheels; Theft
• Old TRIS Terms: Energy absorbers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00220754
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 13 1970 12:00AM