Bidirectional locking mechanism for steering column

Abstract

A bi-directional locking mechanism for a telescopic steering column includes an energy absorbing band having a first leg, a second leg, and a curved transition connecting the first leg and the second leg, where the second leg includes a first plurality of teeth. The locking mechanism also includes a tooth bracket having a second plurality of teeth. The locking mechanism also includes a cam wherein rotation of the cam selectively moves the first plurality of teeth to engage and disengage with the second plurality of teeth to define a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively.

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