Toshio Imanaka

Title: Inventor Toshio Imanaka: Pioneering Marine Drive Technology

Introduction

Toshio Imanaka, an accomplished inventor based in Osaka, Japan, has made significant contributions to marine propulsion technology. With a portfolio of five patents, Imanaka has innovated systems that enhance the efficiency and performance of marine drive mechanisms. His inventions reflect a deep understanding of engineering principles and a commitment to improving marine transportation systems.

Latest Patents

Among Imanaka's notable inventions is the Hydraulic Saildrive Apparatus. This apparatus features an upper unit connected to an engine inside a boat and a lower unit with an output shaft that includes a propeller shaft. Notably, the upper unit is equipped with a hydraulic forward and reverse switching clutch, enabling the rotation direction of the input shaft to be transmitted to the propeller shaft, allowing for both forward and reverse movements.

His recent patent also includes a novel method to assemble a marine drive system. This method establishes an acceptable-unacceptable criterion for torsional vibration of a shaft based on the relationship between the torsional stiffness of a propeller shaft and the moment of inertia of a propeller. By selecting a desirable elastic coupling for the marine drive shaft based on these criteria, the assembly of the marine drive system incorporates a flywheel, marine reverse and reduction gear, and a variable property elastic coupling.

Career Highlights

Toshio Imanaka’s career includes notable tenures at Yanmar Co., Ltd. and Yanmar Diesel Engine Co., Ltd. His dedication and expertise have positioned him as a key figure in the development of advanced marine drive technologies. Throughout his career, he has been driven by the goal of enhancing the functionality and reliability of marine propulsion systems.

Collaborations

During his career, Imanaka has collaborated with other talented professionals, including Hisanori Mori and Mitsuhiro Nakagaki. These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of ideas and innovations, ultimately contributing to the advancement of marine engineering practices.

Conclusion

Toshio Imanaka stands out as a visionary in the field of marine propulsion. His patents not only reflect his inventive spirit but also mark significant advancements in marine drive technology. Through his work, Imanaka continues to influence the development of more efficient and effective marine systems, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.