Taizo Kikuchi

Title: Taizo Kikuchi: Innovator in Automotive Technology

Introduction

Taizo Kikuchi is a prominent inventor based in Wako, Japan, known for his contributions to automotive technology. With a total of seven patents to his name, Kikuchi has made significant advancements in vehicle safety and convenience features.

Latest Patents

One of Kikuchi's latest inventions is an automatic opening/closing apparatus for vehicles. This innovative device achieves a cost-reduced and downsized design by minimizing the number of components involved. The apparatus features a driving unit case that houses a drum, which is rotatably accommodated within a drum housing portion. An electric motor is attached to the case, driving the rotation of the drum. A cable connected to a sliding door is wound around the drum, allowing the door to be opened and closed through the drum's rotation. Additionally, the case includes a substrate housing portion that accommodates a control substrate for managing the electric motor's operation.

Another notable invention is a child lock apparatus that enables electrical control of the child lock function. This mechanism prevents door opening from the vehicle cabin side when a door is operated via the inner handle. The child lock apparatus consists of a child lock mechanism and a controller that manages the mechanism based on driving conditions detected by a driving condition detector. The controller activates the child lock if the vehicle is in motion, enhancing passenger safety.

Career Highlights

Kikuchi has worked with Honda Motor Co., Ltd., where he has contributed to various innovative projects. His experience in the automotive industry has allowed him to develop technologies that improve vehicle functionality and safety.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kikuchi has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Toru Namiki and Ryuichi Nakano. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of groundbreaking automotive technologies.

Conclusion

Taizo Kikuchi's work in automotive technology exemplifies innovation and dedication to enhancing vehicle safety and convenience. His patents reflect a commitment to improving the driving experience for users worldwide.