Norihisa Nihanda

Title: Norihisa Nihanda and Vehicle Drivetrain Control Innovations.

Introduction

Norihisa Nihanda is an inventor based in Wako, Japan, whose patent work focuses on vehicle drivetrain control. His inventions address how driving force is distributed between a vehicle’s front and rear wheels, particularly in four-wheel-drive systems. Nihanda has 5 patents and works at Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Latest Patents

Nihanda’s recent patent work includes two inventions related to driving-force distribution and control.

“Driving Force Distribution Apparatus and Method for Distributing Driving Force” describes a system that calculates a basic distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels using the loads on each axle. A servo controller adjusts that ratio based on the difference between target and measured front-to-rear wheel rotation. An adjuster then ensures that the calculated rear driving force does not exceed the vehicle’s total driving force.

“Driving Force Distribution Control Apparatus for Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle and Driving Force Distribution Control Method for Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle” concerns control of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The apparatus calculates theoretical rotational speeds for the primary and secondary drive wheels using steering angle, vehicle speed, yaw rate, and slip angle. It uses those values to determine a normative rotational difference between the input and output shafts of the driving-force distribution apparatus.

Career Highlights

Nihanda’s patent portfolio reflects a focus on drivetrain systems that coordinate power delivery and wheel rotation. His disclosed inventions use vehicle dynamics and wheel-speed information to guide distribution decisions in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Collaborations

Nihanda’s work is associated with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. His listed coworkers include Takayuki Seki and Shoichi Ohyagi.

Conclusion

Norihisa Nihanda’s patents address practical challenges in four-wheel-drive control, including balancing front and rear driving forces and calculating rotational differences to support drivetrain operation.