Delphi's One Touch Adjustable Steering Column Increases Driver Comfort, Safety
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TROY, Mich., April 4 / -- With the new One Touch Adjustable Column, drivers can experience luxury convenience without the luxury cost. Delphi Corp.'s latest technology allows for easier adjustment to steering wheel position without using an expensive full-power adjustable column.
"We've found that many drivers adjust their steering wheel position every time they get in and out of their car but unless they have a luxury vehicle with an electronic system they often have to use a cumbersome manual lever located below their steering wheel," said Richard Riefe, senior staff research scientist, Delphi Steering. "Delphi's answer to that problem allows drivers to obtain the perfect position by simply pressing a button and easily moving the wheel and column into the optimal location."
The One Touch Adjustable system replaces a traditional manual lever with a button located on or near the steering wheel. The driver uses the button to control an electromechanical actuator that locks and unlocks an adjustable column. When the button is pressed, drivers can control rake (up and down placement of the entire column), tilt (up and placement of the wheel) and telescoping (column length) position.
"Even though the system increases convenience and looks like a more expensive system, it really is a cost effective way to boost driver comfort," said Riefe.
Besides increasing comfort and convenience, the One Touch Adjustable Column also helps increase driver safety. The system improves natural frequency and static stiffness performance while improving crashworthiness by helping to ensure the column is fully locked in its intended position.
Safety is also increased due to the location of the button. The system can be adjusted without the driver removing their hands from the steering wheel. Furthermore, a power lockout feature can prevent inadvertent column adjustment while the vehicle is being driven.
The system will be ready to enter the market in 2008.
The Delphi One Touch Adjustable Steering Column is the latest in a long line of Delphi comfort and safety steering innovations. Delphi introduced Tilt-wheel steering technology in 1962 and introduced energy absorbing columns in 1967.
For more information about Delphi Corporation (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ), visit www.delphi.com/ .
Source: Delphi Corporation
CONTACT: Andrea Knapp of Delphi, +1-248-813-2985,
andrea.knapp@delphi.com
Web site: www.delphi.com/media
