Kouzi Funakoshi

Title: Kouzi Funakoshi: Innovator in Induction Heating Technology

Introduction

Kouzi Funakoshi is a notable inventor based in Osaka, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of induction heating technology. His innovative work has led to the development of a patent that enhances the safety and efficiency of induction heating cooking ovens.

Latest Patents

Kouzi Funakoshi holds a patent for an inverter circuit designed for induction heating cooking ovens with a protection mechanism. This invention includes a protection device for a thyristor inverter circuit that detects commutation failure of a thyristor. It does this by determining if the conduction period of the thyristor is outside a predetermined range or if the voltage applied to the thyristor exceeds a specific magnitude. The protection device is designed to deactivate the inverter to prevent thyristor breakdown and reduce the number of operations of the circuit breaker, which serves as a final protection device. Additionally, the patent includes a linked switch actuator apparatus that ensures a switch for actuating a thyristor control circuit is always actuated before the switch for the heating coil. This design prevents transient high voltage occurrences due to the switching of an inductive load in the inverter circuit. Furthermore, an overheating protection circuit is incorporated to detect abnormal temperature rises of the heating coil and abnormal load conditions, leading to the deactivation of the inverter.

Career Highlights

Kouzi Funakoshi is associated with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., a company renowned for its advancements in electrical and electronic products. His work at this company has been pivotal in enhancing the safety features of induction heating appliances.

Collaborations

Kouzi Funakoshi has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Takumi Mizukawa and Masatatsu Nakamura. Their combined efforts have contributed to the development of innovative technologies in the field.

Conclusion

Kouzi Funakoshi's contributions to induction heating technology through his patent demonstrate his commitment to innovation and safety in cooking appliances. His work continues to influence the industry and improve user experiences.