Adaptive Speed Control Tech for Autonomous Systems

Publication ID: 24-11856888_0002_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Speed Control Tech for Autonomous Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856888_0002_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856888_0002_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,888.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a speed control system for lawn mowers, but its core technology has broader applicability. The present invention addresses the need for efficient and safe speed control in diverse industries, where the proximity of humans, obstacles, or specific tasks demands adaptability.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications of the core speed control technology, expanding its scope beyond lawn mowers to address specific challenges in various industries. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original technology to cater to distinct use cases, ensuring improved performance, safety, and efficiency.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include integrating the speed control assembly with other sensors, such as lidar or cameras, to enhance obstacle detection. Variations could involve customizing the assembly for specific industries, like incorporating specialized sensors for agricultural or medical applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including warehouse logistics, healthcare, public safety, and agriculture. The target market includes manufacturers of autonomous robots, medical carts, emergency response vehicles, robotic cleaners, and autonomous farming vehicles.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01D34/824
A	A01	A01D34/6806
A	A01	A01D34/78
A	A01	A01D69/02
A	A01	A01D2034/6843
A	A01	A01D2101/00

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Autonomous vehicle control systems, robotics, and speed management technologies with a focus on sensor-driven dynamic speed adjustment across industrial and service applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in control systems, sensor integration, and autonomous vehicle design, possessing knowledge of proximity sensing, speed modulation techniques, and adaptive control algorithms

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core speed control mechanism from the lawn mower patent can be readily adapted to other autonomous systems by substituting context-specific sensors and modifying the control logic to respond to different proximity or environmental inputs. The fundamental technical approach of using sensor-based position detection to dynamically adjust speed is directly transferable across multiple domains. The variations represent predictable engineering solutions that apply a known technical method to solve analogous technical challenges in different operational contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Sensor generating output signal based on grip position relative to handle assembly

PTD Variation

Proximity sensors detecting distance between autonomous robot and warehouse worker

Obviousness Reasoning

Substituting sensor type while maintaining core speed control logic represents a predictable variation using known sensor integration techniques

Source Patent Element

Controller configured to receive sensor output and control drive assembly

PTD Variation

Speed control assembly for emergency response vehicles adjusting speed based on pedestrian proximity

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying identical control architecture to different vehicle types with modified sensor inputs constitutes a standard engineering design adaptation

Source Patent Element

Moveable grip generating variable speed control signal

PTD Variation

Medical cart speed dynamically adjusted based on proximity to medical professionals

Obviousness Reasoning

Transferring speed modulation principle to safety-critical environments represents an obvious extension of the original technological concept

Source Patent Element

Force-sensitive sensor for detecting grip interaction

PTD Variation

Agricultural vehicle speed control based on crop type and harvesting conditions

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying sensor input parameters to accommodate different environmental contexts is a routine engineering modification

Source Patent Element

Handle assembly with cross member enabling grip movement

PTD Variation

Robotic cleaner speed control based on surface type detection

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending speed control mechanism to respond to surface characteristics represents a predictable technological evolution

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856888's disclosure of a sensor-driven speed control system, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would find obvious the application of said speed control methodology to diverse autonomous systems by predictably substituting sensor types, input parameters, and operational contexts while maintaining the fundamental control architecture, thereby rendering obvious any claims directed to context-specific speed control implementations.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,888
Title	Speed control assembly
Assignee(s)	Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited