Claims:We claim:
1. A collapsible steering column assembly (100) for a vehicle for controlled collapse and reusability of the column assembly, wherein the assembly (100) comprising:
a steering wheel (102);
an inner collapsible column (104) having a groove, said inner collapsible column is mounted to the steering wheel (102);
an outer collapsible column (106) having a casing, said outer collapsible column telescopically mounted to the inner collapsible column (104);
at least one actuating pin (114) removably engaged within the groove of the inner collapsible column (104);
at least one piezoelectric strip (108) in connection with the actuating pin (114);
at least one solenoid coil (110) having two ends, wherein one end of the solenoid coil is connected to the actuating pin (114) and the other end of the solenoid coil is connected to the casing of the outer collapsible column (106); and
an Electronic Control Unit (118) wherein the solenoid coil (110) and the piezoelectric strip (108) are in electrical connection with the Electronic Control Unit (118).
2. The collapsible steering column assembly (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein a base of the inner steering column (104) is mounted over a spring (116).
3. The collapsible steering column (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solenoid coil (110) includes a solenoid wiring and a spring.
4. The collapsible steering column (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piezo-electric strip (108) senses the change in a force onto the strip (108) during a collision and sends as a voltage signal to the Electronic Control Unit (118).
5. The collapsible steering column (100), as claimed in claim 4, wherein the Electronic Control Unit (118) gets the signal from a vehicle crash sensor.
6. A method for collapsing vehicle steering column assembly (100), said method comprising:
periodically detecting, by a piezo electric strip (108), a variation in a force exerted on the strip (108);
sending a signal, by the piezo electric strip (108), a voltage representative of said detected force to an Electronic Control Unit (118);
receiving, by said Electronic Control Unit (118), said voltage signal from said piezo electric strip (108);
actuating, by said Electronic Control Unit (118), a solenoid coil (110);
retracting, by said solenoid coils (110), a pair of corresponding actuating pins (114); and
collapsing, by a spring (116), an inner collapsible column (104) of the steering assembly (100).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to a steering column. Further, embodiments herein relate to a collapsible and reusable steering column in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Steering columns in vehicles are designed in such a way that in the event of a frontal crash, the steering column collapses to absorb the load on the vehicle driver’s chest and face thus minimizing the injuries to the driver. To achieve this, conventional columns are designed with pins or studs, that shear upon reaching a threshold to allow for a complete collapse of the steering column. Many factors including material quality inconsistencies / defects, etc. cause variations in the threshold force at which the column collapses, thereby rendering the mechanism potentially ineffective and in extreme cases fatal too. Also, the conventional steering column after collapse needs a replacement of the complete column due to the deformation or structural damage.
[003] Hence, there is a need in the art for a simple collapsible steering column assembly which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art. Further, there exists a need for a reusable steering column, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[005] An object of embodiments herein is to provide a collapsible steering column which is precisely controllable according to the impact.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a collapsible steering column which is non-destructive and reusable.
[007] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The foregoing and other features of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[009] Figure 1 represents the schematic view of a collapsible steering column in the original condition according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0010] Figure 2 represents the schematic view of a collapsible steering column in the collapsed condition according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A collapsible steering column assembly (100) and its method of collapsing thereof for a vehicle for precise collapse and reusability of the column assembly, wherein the assembly (100) comprising a steering wheel (102); an inner collapsible column (104) having a groove; an outer collapsible column (106) telescopically mounted to the inner collapsible column (104); at least one actuating pin (114) removably engaged within the groove of the inner collapsible column (104); at least one piezoelectric strip (108) in connection with the actuating pin (114); at least one solenoid coil (110) having two ends; wherein one end of the solenoid coil is connected to the actuating pin (114) and the other end of the solenoid coil is connected to the casing of the outer collapsible column (106); and an Electronic Control Unit (118) wherein the solenoid coil (110) and the piezoelectric strip (108) are in electrical connection with the Electronic Control Unit (118).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0013] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0014] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining an embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a”, "an”, and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises”, "comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0015] When an element is referred to as being "mounted on”, “engaged to”, "connected to”, or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
[0016] The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another component, region, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
[0017] Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, "beneath”, "below”, "lower”, "above”, "upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve a steering column. Further, embodiments herein achieve a collapsible steering column for use in vehicles, which facilitate precise collapse of the steering column without any physical damage thus ensuring reusability. Referring now to the drawings Figures 1 and 2, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0019] Figure 1 depicts a schematic view of the collapsible steering column assembly (100) in normal condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Figure 2 depicts a schematic view of the collapsible steering column assembly (100) in collapsed condition, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the collapsible steering column assembly (100) comprises a steering wheel (102), an inner collapsible column (104), an outer collapsible column (106), Piezoelectric Strips (108), solenoid coils (110), a pair of actuating pins (114), a steering column base spring (116) and an Electronic Control Unit (118). In an embodiment of the invention, the solenoid coil (110) includes a solenoid wiring and a spring. One end of the solenoid coil is connected to the actuating pin (114) and the other end of the solenoid coil is connected to the casing of the outer collapsible column (106).For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the collapsible steering column assembly (100) is explained herein below with reference to be used in a vehicle to facilitate precise collapse of the steering column during a collision without damaging the column. However, it is also within the scope of embodiments herein to use the collapsible steering column assembly (100) in aircrafts, water vessels, or to use the column assembly (100) for precise collapsing under a collision without physically damaging the assembly in any other applications.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention as represented in Figure 1, a steering wheel (102) is mounted to the steering column wherein the steering column includes an inner collapsible column (104) and an outer collapsible column (106) arranged in a telescopic manner. The inner collapsible column (104) is provided with a groove or a slot. The groove in the inner collapsible column (104) accommodates a pair of actuating pins (114) coupled with piezoelectric strips (108) under normal condition. The outer collapsible column (106) is provided with a small casing in alignment with the groove in the inner collapsible column (104). A pair of actuating pins (114) with the piezoelectric strips (108) and solenoid coils (110) are enclosed between the groove of the inner collapsible column (104) and the casing in the outer collapsible column (106). An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (118) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric strips (108) and the solenoid coils (110). A spring (116) under tension is connected between the inner collapsible column (104) and the outer collapsible column (106).
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the Electronic Control Unit (118) is electrically connected to a vehicle crash sensor or an air bag sensor (not shown).
[0022] In an embodiment of the invention as depicted in Figure 2, wherein the actuating pins (114) are in the retracted position from the groove of the inner collapsible column (104) with the spring (116) connecting the inner collapsible column (104) and the outer collapsible column (106) in the compressed state.
[0023] The working of the steering column assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the invention in accordance with the collapsibility requirements is as follows. The Electronic Control Unit (118) of the vehicle receives the signal from at least one piezoelectric strip (108). The piezoelectric strip (108) provides a voltage signal to the Electronic Control Unit (118) if there is any varied force from the inner collapsible column (104) acting on it. The varied force acts on the piezoelectric strip (108) primarily due to an impact or collision. The Electronic Control Unit (118) is tuned to actuate the solenoid coils (110) if the voltage signal received from the piezoelectric strips (108) exceeds the preset threshold value. The threshold value of the voltage varies from vehicle to vehicle and hence it is programmed in Electronic Control Unit (118) based on the vehicle type. As the solenoid coils (110) gets powered, it quickly actuates the actuating pins(114) connected to it, thus retracting the pins (114) from the groove of the inner collapsible column (104). As the actuating pins (114) are the only connecting members which keep the inner collapsible column (104) and the outer collapsible column (106) in the normal working condition, the retraction of the pins makes the inner collapsible column (104) to move downwards due to the gravity. The inner collapsible column (104) is connected via a spring (116) under tension to the outer collapsible column (106). As the spring (116) is under tension, the inner collapsible column (104) swiftly moves towards the inner side of the outer collapsible column (106).
[0024] As the complete action works on the non-destructive mechanism, the same collapsible column assembly (100) is put into original working state by pulling the inner collapsible column (104) against the spring force to lock against the actuating pins (114).
[0025] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0026] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a collapsible steering column, that allows at least for:
Reuse of the complete assembly post collision;
Customization of the threshold collapse force; and
Swift collapse of the steering column ensuring complete safety.
[0027] The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0028] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0029] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[0030] Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
[0031] Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
[0032] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.