Yoichi Kunimoto

Title: Yoichi Kunimoto: Innovator in Electrical Safety Technology

Introduction

Yoichi Kunimoto is a notable inventor based in Osaka, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical safety technology, holding a total of 3 patents. His work focuses on developing innovative solutions to detect and prevent electrical faults, enhancing safety in electrical systems.

Latest Patents

One of Kunimoto's latest patents is a ground fault interrupter. This device includes a zero-phase current transformer designed to detect unbalanced current flowing in electric lines. A switch is integrated into the electric lines, and a detection resistor is connected in parallel to the zero-phase current transformer. This resistor converts the current outputted from the transformer into voltage. A controller determines whether an electric leak occurs based on the voltage of the detection resistor and opens the switch if a leak is detected. Additionally, at least one filter is provided to remove high-frequency elements in the voltage of the resistor, ensuring accurate detection.

Another significant patent is a method for discriminating abnormal current, including arc current in AC load circuits. This method involves extracting a predetermined transition pattern from the peak values of three continuous half waves of alternating current. By counting the appearances of this pattern and comparing it with a predetermined threshold, the method can detect series arcs and arc short-circuit phenomena that may not be identified by instantaneous breakers.

Career Highlights

Kunimoto is currently employed at Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., where he continues to innovate in the field of electrical safety. His work has been instrumental in developing technologies that enhance the reliability and safety of electrical systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kunimoto has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Yasuo Itimura and Akimi Shiokawa. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of electrical safety technologies.

Conclusion

Yoichi Kunimoto's contributions to electrical safety technology through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing safety in electrical systems. His work continues to impact the industry positively, making electrical environments safer for everyone.