Tomoyuki Kanou

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Tomoyuki Kanou

Introduction

Tomoyuki Kanou is a notable inventor based in Toyota, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of automotive engineering, particularly in transmission systems. With a total of 3 patents to his name, Kanou's work has had a considerable impact on vehicle performance and efficiency.

Latest Patents

One of Kanou's latest patents is a synchronizer for transmission. This invention involves balls that are moved radially outward by centrifugal force, which are held in a clutch hub. Projections extending around the outer circumferences of the balls are united with a synchronizer ring. The projections that confront the balls are designed with slopes to create an axial force that pushes the synchronizer ring away from the spline piece based on the centrifugal force of the balls. This design increases the axial force for disengaging the synchronizer ring from a rotating member, effectively preventing chatter at low revolutions and reducing drag torque at high revolutions.

Another significant patent is a gear speed change system with two counter shafts. This system includes an input shaft and an output shaft that are coaxial, along with a first counter shaft that is parallel to both. The second counter shaft is coaxial with the first. The input shaft and the first counter shaft, as well as the second counter shaft and the output shaft, are coupled at a fixed ratio. This innovative design allows for speed changes by the first counter shaft, the second counter shaft, and their combination, thereby reducing the number of required gear sets compared to traditional systems.

Career Highlights

Tomoyuki Kanou is currently employed at Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, where he continues to innovate and develop advanced automotive technologies. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the performance and reliability of Toyota vehicles.

Collaborations

Kanou has collaborated with several talented individuals in his field, including Shinji Ogawa and Masayuki Kii. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of cutting-edge automotive solutions.

Conclusion

Tomoyuki Kanou's contributions to automotive engineering through his innovative patents have significantly advanced transmission technology. His work exemplifies the importance of innovation in enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency.