Location History:
- Tokyo, JP (2012 - 2017)
- Toyota, JP (2002 - 2023)
Company Filing History:
31 out of 36,713 
4 out of 1,819 
3 out of 417 
Years Active: 2002-2023
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Koichi Yonezawa in Hybrid Vehicle Technology
Introduction: Koichi Yonezawa is a prominent inventor based in Toyota, Japan, renowned for his significant contributions to automotive technology, particularly in hybrid vehicles. With an impressive portfolio of 31 patents, Yonezawa has developed groundbreaking methods that enhance the efficiency and performance of hybrid engines.
Latest Patents: Among his notable innovations are two pivotal patents related to hybrid vehicles. The first patent details a hybrid vehicle and method of engine control that involves an internal combustion engine and an electric motor (MG1) mechanically coupled to a drive wheel via a planetary gear system. The design cleverly combines the motive power output from the planetary gear and the electric motor (MG2) to optimize performance. It utilizes a turbocharger, an EGR valve, and a wastegate valve (WGV) to regulate engine functionality, ensuring optimal operating conditions.
His second patent further expands on hybrid technology by encompassing a hybrid vehicle that integrates an internal combustion engine, a rotating electric machine, and a planetary gear mechanism connected to an output shaft. This invention also features a catalyst designed to purify exhaust gases. A built-in controller allows for precise management of the internal combustion engine and the rotating electric machine, effectively maintaining the catalyst temperature within the desired range and minimizing degradation.
Career Highlights: Yonezawa's career has been marked by his tenure at Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha) and Toyota Industries Corporation (Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki). His work within these leading automotive firms has allowed him to push the boundaries of hybrid vehicle technology and contribute to the industry’s evolution.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Yonezawa has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Osamu Maeda and Satoshi Yoshizaki. Their teamwork has fostered innovation, resulting in enhancements to automotive technologies that have far-reaching implications for fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion: Koichi Yonezawa's innovative spirit and dedication to advancing hybrid vehicle technology have earned him recognition in the field of engineering and invention. His patents are not only a testament to his ingenuity but also a significant step towards a more sustainable automotive future. Through his contributions, he continues to inspire future generations of inventors and engineers in the pursuit of innovation.