This inventor holds 15 USPTO granted patents and 6 EPO patents. Top assignees: Jtekt Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation. Active years: 2012-2021.
Company Filing History:
15 out of 2,463 
2 out of 4,743 
Years Active: 2012-2021
Title: Tomohiro Nozu: Innovator in Drive Force Transmission Technology
Introduction
Tomohiro Nozu is a prominent inventor based in Anjo, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of automotive technology, particularly in drive force transmission systems. With a total of 15 patents to his name, Nozu's work has had a considerable impact on vehicle performance and safety.
Latest Patents
One of Nozu's latest inventions is a drive force transmission apparatus designed for four-wheel drive vehicles. This apparatus allows the vehicle to switch between a four-wheel drive mode, which transmits engine power to both front and rear wheels, and a two-wheel drive mode, which only powers the front wheels. The system includes a multi-plate clutch, a piston for pressing the clutch, an actuator for moving the piston, and a control unit that manages the actuator's operation. The control unit can detect conditions that indicate a need to switch to four-wheel drive and adjusts the piston accordingly.
Another notable patent is an apparatus for controlling four-wheel drive vehicles. This system features a tire friction circle calculator that assesses the friction circle size for each wheel based on vehicle data, including tire vertical load. It also includes a resultant force calculator and a tire-friction-force usage rate calculator. The driving-braking force adjustment controller in this apparatus ensures optimal driving and braking forces are applied to each wheel, enhancing vehicle stability and performance.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Tomohiro Nozu has worked with notable companies such as Jtekt Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to refine his skills and contribute to innovative automotive solutions.
Collaborations
Nozu has collaborated with talented individuals in the industry, including Ryohei Shigeta and Shotaro Niimi. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of advanced technologies in vehicle dynamics.
Conclusion
Tomohiro Nozu's contributions to automotive technology, particularly in drive force transmission systems, have established him as a key figure in the field. His innovative patents and collaborations continue to influence the industry, paving the way for future advancements in vehicle performance and safety.