Shunji Sakuma

Title: Shunji Sakuma: Innovator in Automotive Transmission Technology

Introduction

Shunji Sakuma is a notable inventor based in Wako, Japan, recognized for his contributions to automotive transmission technology. With a total of two patents to his name, Sakuma has made significant advancements in vehicular transmission systems.

Latest Patents

Sakuma's latest patents include a vehicular transmission select and shift mechanism. This innovative mechanism features multiple gear trains, including an ultra-low speed for all-wheel operation. The design incorporates a select shaft and a shift shaft that are rotatably mounted perpendicular to each other. A shift piece is slidably mounted on another shaft to engage the shift forks, establishing the selected gear train. An arm mounted on the select shaft pivots to engage the shift piece for selecting the desired shift fork. Additionally, another arm on the shift shaft causes the shifting of the gear trains. Push-pull wires from the driver's position facilitate the rotation of the select and shift shafts through external levers. An interlock plate is included to prevent the selection of the shift fork for ultra-low speed unless a transfer gear clutch is engaged for all-wheel vehicle operation.

Another patent involves a driving gear for the front and rear wheels of an automobile. This design comprises an engine with a crankshaft oriented in the width direction of the car body, along with a transmission supported on an engine case. A clutch is positioned between the engine and the transmission, with a first differential gear coupled to the transmission. The second and third differential gears transmit outputs to the left and right wheels on both the front and rear. The first differential gear is of planetary gear type, while the second is of bevel gear type, both positioned on the same axis parallel to the crankshaft.

Career Highlights

Sakuma is currently employed at Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, where he continues to innovate in the field of automotive technology. His work has contributed to the development of more efficient and effective vehicular transmission systems.

Collaborations

Sakuma has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Kiyokazu Okubo and Noboru Ashikawa, who have also made significant contributions to automotive engineering.

Conclusion

Shunji Sakuma's innovative work in automotive transmission technology has led to advancements that enhance vehicle performance and efficiency. His patents reflect a deep understanding of mechanical engineering