Toyota Motor North America R&D Leads in Patents

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Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) said today that it has been awarded more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than any other automaker, according to an annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO). Toyota Motor North America Research & Development – head office in Ann Arbor, Michigan – has led the automotive industry for 10th consecutive years. During 2023 there was 3% overall decline in patents granted across all industries in the United States. Toyota ranked seventh among all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2667 patents. Toyota globally spends ~$1 million per hour on Research & Development.

“Our focus is on creating sustainable and advanced technological solutions and contributing to the betterment of society and the industry at large, all while ensuring our innovations are recognized through filings with the USPTO,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate Resources and chief legal officer at Toyota Motor North America.

Toyota’s 2023 Patents

• Kinetic Seat Cushion for Vehicles: A key element of the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, debuting exclusively on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. It is said to provide a smooth ride for those in the driver and front passenger seats. The ISO D seat assembly absorbs vehicle inputs vertically and laterally, reducing the overall load and impacts onto the vehicle occupant.
• Woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Steel Matrix Composite: A carbon fiber fabric of long, organized fibers within a steel matrix that produces a lighter weight material without sacrificing performance. By layering the carbon fiber in a weaving pattern sintered with steel nano-material, the composite is stiff. This can be used for light-weighting vehicle parts where engineered forms of steel are needed.
• Systems and Methods with Dual Function Coil Providing In-vehicle Wireless Power: This invention for traction-battery-equipped vehicles (PHEVs & BEVs) uses a dual function coil, installed in the vehicle, that can wirelessly receive power from the grid for recharging the battery and transmit power for the integrated auxiliary power supply. The technology eliminates the need for bulky cables, many connectors, and duty plugs to provide in-vehicle charging and small load power supply (for cabin lights, screens, mobile devices, etc.), thereby enhancing convenience and system integration, as well as reducing space needs, cost, and weight of the vehicle.

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