Tomotsugu Sakai

Title: Tomotsugu Sakai: Patents in Tube Joints and Joining Technology

Introduction

Tomotsugu Sakai is an inventor associated with Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha in Okazaki, Japan. His patent work addresses mechanical joining and fastening, including designs intended to improve the performance of flared tube connections and joining processes. He is associated with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Sakai’s listed patents include “Single Flare Tube and Joint Structure of Single Flare Tube” and “Joining Jig and Joining Member Coupling Method Using the Joining Jig.”

“Single Flare Tube and Joint Structure of Single Flare Tube” describes a tube-and-union connection designed to limit plastic deformation of the flare and reduce tensile stress during fastening. The joint uses a flare nut and a union, with a narrow inner circumferential groove in the flare that remains substantially closed as the components are tightened. The patent also describes preferred dimensional and curvature relationships intended to support the flare’s shape and strength.

“Joining Jig and Joining Member Coupling Method Using the Joining Jig” concerns a process for tightening sleeves around bolt shafts to join workpieces. A jig presses the workpiece while dies draw the sleeve walls inward. As tightening proceeds, the compressed sleeve material moves into a relief portion of the jig. Because the jig’s thrust does not act directly along the bolt shafts, the method can apply tightening force without being limited by the shafts’ strength.

Career Highlights

Sakai’s listed inventions focus on practical mechanical engineering challenges: maintaining the integrity of a flared tube joint and applying sufficient force during sleeve-based joining. Both patents describe structural or process features intended to improve fastening performance.

Collaborations

Sakai’s listed coworkers include Tatsuhiko Yoshimura and Hiroyuki Iguchi. His company affiliation is Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha.

Conclusion

Tomotsugu Sakai’s patent portfolio highlights engineering approaches to reliable tube connections and controlled workpiece joining, reflecting a focus on fastening design and manufacturing methods.