Column Collapse Feature

Steering column is designed to collapse if impacted during a collision. Steering shaft and column jacket are both 2-piece units, which are internally injected with plastic. The plastic protrudes from holes in each unit, keeping the 2 separate pieces rigidly together as one unit. See Figure and Figure. If the column or steering wheel is force-fully impacted, the plastic pieces break off, allowing the column and shaft to collapse.