Steering column impact protection (Freelander 2)

The steering column is designed to perform two functions in a serious collision. The intermediate shaft is designed to isolate the steering wheel from the movement of the steering rack (changing the angle of the steering wheel affects the deployment of the driver's airbag).

In addition, to prevent injury to the driver when hitting the airbag, the entire upper section of the steering column assembly gradually moves forward when the driver contacts the airbag. This movement helps to safely and gradually stop the driver. The steering column is equipped with a horizontal load limitation system, which is different from conventional systems based on movement along the column axis.

Horizontal load limiting system

Pos.	Spare part number	Name
A	-	Steering column of conventional design
B	-	Horizontal load limiting system
1	-	The direction of force and displacement do not coincide
2	-	The displacement corresponds to the force

The horizontal load limiting system provides a progressive and consistent load limiting characteristic as shown in Illustration "B". The load applied to the steering column causes it to move horizontally with the driver. This movement is controlled by the energy distribution plate. The plate has petals that flex in a controlled manner, absorbing energy and allowing the steering column to move with the driver.



The plate is bolted to the outer steering column bracket, which is attached to the crossmember and inner bracket.

Additional Pyrotechnic Loading Device - North America (NAS) Only

NOTE: Steering column shown unfolded for clarity

Pos.	Spare part number	Name
1	-	Energy distribution plate
2	-	Pin
3	-	Pyrotechnic device
4	-	Electrical connector

On vehicles for the North American market, an additional pyrotechnic device is installed that provides increased energy absorption, allowing the driver to not wear a seat belt. If a collision occurs and the driver is wearing a seat belt, the device does not deploy.

[The material was taken from the specified website: www.LRman.ru]

The pyrotechnic device is located under the energy distribution plate. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened, the system detects this and in the event of an emergency situation in which the airbag is activated, the device is triggered, due to which the pin, which is in engagement with the hole of the central petal on the energy distribution plate, is retracted. This ensures the necessary increase in energy absorption and allows to compensate for the additional load caused by the unfastened driver.