Tomoharu Ooi

Title: Tomoharu Ooi: Innovator in Seat Belt Technology

Introduction

Tomoharu Ooi is a notable inventor based in Yokohama, Japan. He has made significant contributions to automotive safety through his innovative designs. His work primarily focuses on enhancing the functionality and reliability of seat belt systems.

Latest Patents

Ooi holds a patent for a seat belt pretensioner device. This device includes a seat belt buckle that is supported in a movable manner. It features a power generator that moves the buckle to increase the tension of the seat belt. Additionally, it incorporates a reverse preventing device that stops the buckle from reversing its movement. The reverse preventing device consists of a ball-type one-way clutch, which defines multiple chambers between an inner race and an outer race. Each chamber narrows in a rotational direction and contains a ball and a spring that urges the ball toward the narrower part of the chamber. The springs are uniquely formed by bending projections from a single disk-shaped plate member into a wavy form. This design simplifies the management of component parts and facilitates assembly, even when the one-way clutch is not designed as a subassembly.

Career Highlights

Tomoharu Ooi is currently employed at NHK Spring Co., Ltd., where he continues to innovate in the field of automotive safety. His work has garnered attention for its practical applications and contributions to vehicle safety standards.

Collaborations

Ooi has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Kou Masuda and Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi. Their combined expertise has further advanced the development of safety technologies in the automotive industry.

Conclusion

Tomoharu Ooi's contributions to seat belt technology exemplify the importance of innovation in enhancing vehicle safety. His patented designs reflect a commitment to improving the effectiveness of safety devices in automobiles.