Keiji Sekimoto

Title: Keiji Sekimoto: Innovator in Vehicle Armrest Design

Introduction

Keiji Sekimoto is a notable inventor based in Hiroshima, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in the design of vehicle components. His innovative approach has led to the development of a unique armrest structure that enhances both functionality and safety in vehicles.

Latest Patents

Keiji Sekimoto holds a patent for an "Armrest structure for vehicle." This invention features a structure of an armrest that protrudes and extends toward a passenger from an inside wall of a vehicle compartment. The design includes a trim body portion that covers the inside wall, an armrest face portion extending horizontally, and a support face portion that extends downward. A weak portion is incorporated between the trim body and the armrest face to promote deformation under lateral loads. Additionally, a garnish covers the weak portion from the vehicle compartment. This design ensures sufficient resistance to vertical loads while providing proper impact-absorption during side collisions.

Career Highlights

Keiji Sekimoto is currently employed at Mazda Motor Corporation, where he continues to innovate and improve vehicle designs. His work has been instrumental in enhancing passenger safety and comfort in Mazda vehicles.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Sekimoto has collaborated with talented colleagues, including Yasunari Hirotani and Shingo Kunihiro. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies.

Conclusion

Keiji Sekimoto's contributions to vehicle design, particularly through his patented armrest structure, demonstrate his commitment to innovation and safety in the automotive industry. His work at Mazda Motor Corporation continues to influence the future of vehicle design.