Koichi Itoh

Title: Koichi Itoh: Innovator in Vehicle Steering Systems

Introduction

Koichi Itoh is a prominent inventor based in Toyota, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of vehicle technology, particularly in steering systems. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Itoh's work has been instrumental in advancing automotive engineering.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a vehicle steering system that includes a steering actuator with an electric motor, a steering rod for wheel steering, and a motion converting mechanism. This system is designed to convert the rotating motion of a motor rotation shaft into the motion of the steering rod. It also features first and second motor rotation angle sensors to detect the motor rotation angle, along with a steering amount sensor to measure the motion amount of the steering rod. A controller is integrated to execute steering amount control and to determine the appropriateness of detection values from the sensors.

Another notable patent is a control device for a steer-by-wire vehicle. This device includes a turning motor that actuates a turning device to turn the wheel and a reaction torque generation device that applies a reaction torque to the steering wheel. The control device manages the turning of the wheel and the reaction torque based on the steering wheel's rotation. It also incorporates power output limiting processing to enhance the steering wheel's resistance when necessary.

Career Highlights

Koichi Itoh has dedicated his career to innovation at Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, where he has developed cutting-edge technologies that enhance vehicle performance and safety. His expertise in steering systems has positioned him as a key figure in automotive research and development.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Itoh has collaborated with talented colleagues such as Kenji Shibata and Takafumi Sato. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of innovative solutions in vehicle technology.

Conclusion

Koichi Itoh's contributions to vehicle steering systems exemplify his commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. His patents reflect a deep understanding of technology and a dedication to improving vehicle performance. His work continues to influence the future of automotive engineering.