A passenger protection unit for a vehicle can comprise an adjustable steering apparatus configured to be lockable at least in a first position and a second position, an instrument panel, an airbag module comprising at least an airbag, a crash control unit, and a retracting mechanism configured to initiate a movement of the steering apparatus in a retracting direction, wherein the crash control unit is configured to release movement of the steering apparatus at least in the retracting direction upon detecting a crash risk or an upcoming crash, wherein the crash control unit is further configured to activate the retracting mechanism, and wherein the crash control unit is further configured to deploy the airbag upon an upcoming crash.

Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning an airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise one or more sensors, which may be used to detect at least a first directional component of an impact with a vehicle. A steering wheel actuator may be provided to move a vehicle steering wheel laterally in a direction opposite from a lateral component of the impact in response to a signal from the one or more sensors. The system may further comprise an airbag cushion configured to be positioned, following deployment, in a location corresponding with lateral movement caused by the steering wheel actuator.

Provided are a steering column for a vehicle and a vehicle. The steering column includes a first mounting plate, an adjustment plate, an upper column, an adjustment mechanism, and an energy absorption mechanism. The adjustment plate is movably connected to the first mounting plate in a first direction. The upper column is fixed to the adjustment plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a drive portion and a first adjustment portion. The drive portion is fixed to the first mounting plate. The energy absorption mechanism includes an energy absorption block and an energy absorption strip. The energy absorption block is connected to the adjustment plate and the first adjustment portion. The energy absorption block has an energy absorption groove extending in a curved shape. The energy absorption groove is movable along the energy absorption strip in the first direction when an impact force borne by the adjustment plate reaches a predetermined threshold.

A steering column assembly includes a steering wheel having a steering wheel rim, a steering wheel hub, and a rim extension segment. The steering column assembly also includes a motor operatively coupled to the rim extension segment. The steering column assembly further includes a jacket assembly operatively coupled to the steering wheel, wherein the jacket assembly defines a central passage extending in a longitudinal direction of the steering column assembly, wherein the central passage does not include a steering shaft therein.

An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The energy absorbing device includes tear initiation grooves having offset tear initiation points, such that tearing is initiated in the grooves at different points in time, thus balancing loads experienced during a frontal crash and collapse of the steering column assembly.

Provided are a steering column for a vehicle and a vehicle. The steering column includes a first mounting plate, an adjustment plate, an upper column, an adjustment mechanism, and an energy absorption mechanism. The adjustment plate is movably connected to the first mounting plate in a first direction. The upper column is fixed to the adjustment plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a drive portion and a first adjustment portion. The drive portion is fixed to the first mounting plate. The energy absorption mechanism includes an energy absorption block and an energy absorption strip. The energy absorption block is connected to the adjustment plate and the first adjustment portion. The energy absorption block has an energy absorption groove extending in a curved shape. The energy absorption groove is movable along the energy absorption strip in the first direction when an impact force borne by the adjustment plate reaches a predetermined threshold.