Energy Absorbing System Construction/Operation - Mazda RX-8 2004 Service Highlights

ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION

Construction
• Due to impact absorbing mechanisms at two points on the steering shaft, when a collision occurs, the steering
shaft effectively absorbs the impact energy that would be transmitted to the driver, thereby reducing injury.
Operation
• At the moment of a collision, the rearward collapse of the steering gear and linkage takes in the impact energy
from the front (first stage impact), causing the intermediate shaft connecting the steering gear and linkage with
the steering shaft to contract, thereby absorbing the impact energy. (Section X in the figure)
• Then, as the steering wheel contacts the body of the driver (second stage impact), the fixing bracket of the
steering shaft comes off the dashboard member causing inner shafts A and B to contract, thereby absorbing
the impact energy. (Section Y in the figure)
CROSS-SECTION X
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
STEERING GEAR
End Of Sie
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)
INSTRUMENT PANEL MEMBER
SECTION X
STEERING GEAR SIDE
INNER SHAFT B
SECTION Y
STEERING SHAFT
STEERING WHEEL SIDE
FIXING BRACKET
INNER SHAFT A
CROSS-SECTION Y
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CHU0613S013
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