Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Speed Control for Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

Publication ID: 24-11856888_0007_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Speed Control for Robotic Vacuum Cleaners,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856888_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856888_0007_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 it was limited to a specific application. The new invention addresses the need for adaptive speed control in robotic vacuum cleaners, which currently lack user-input-based speed adjustment, leading to inefficient cleaning and user frustration.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention introduces the concept of adaptive speed control for robotic vacuum cleaners, leveraging user input and predefined cleaning patterns to optimize cleaning performance. This is a significant departure from the original patent's focus on lawn mowers, and the inventive step lies in applying the core technology to a new, unrelated field.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include integrating the speed control system with other robotic devices, such as robotic lawn mowers or autonomous floor scrubbers. Variations could include using different sensor types, such as pressure sensors or force-sensitive sensors, or incorporating additional user input methods, like voice commands or gesture recognition.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the robotic vacuum cleaner market, which is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. The adaptive speed control system could be integrated into existing products or used as a key differentiator for new market entrants, providing a competitive edge in terms of cleaning efficiency and user experience.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D34/824
A A01 A01D34/6806
A A01 A01D34/78
A A01 A01D69/02
A A01 A01D2034/6843
A A01 A01D2101/00

Field of Art

Robotic and autonomous vehicle control systems, with expertise in sensor-based speed and movement control for mobile devices including lawn mowers and cleaning robots

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, familiar with sensor integration, control systems, and adaptive movement technologies for autonomous devices

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core speed control mechanism disclosed in the source patent for lawn mowers represents a generalizable control system that can be readily adapted to other mobile robotic platforms like vacuum cleaners. The fundamental technical elements of sensor-based grip position detection, output signal generation, and controller-driven movement are directly transferable across different mobile device contexts. The variations introduced in the PTD represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage existing control system architectures.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Sensor generating output signal based on grip position relative to handle assembly
PTD Variation
Applying sensor position detection to robotic vacuum cleaner movement control
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of translating user input sensor data to device movement, representing a predictable design adaptation across mobile platforms
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to receive sensor output and control drive assembly
PTD Variation
Extending controller functionality to manage robotic vacuum cleaner's cleaning patterns and speed
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing control system architecture to a different mobile device context with substantially similar technical requirements
Source Patent Element
Pressure and force-sensitive sensor configurations
PTD Variation
Implementing alternative sensor types for detecting user walking pace or interaction
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of known sensor technologies that a PHOSITA would recognize as interchangeable for detecting user input and movement characteristics
Source Patent Element
Handle assembly with moveable grip
PTD Variation
Adapting handle assembly concept to robotic vacuum cleaner's user interaction interface
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design translation representing a standard method of implementing user input mechanisms across different mobile device platforms
Source Patent Element
Speed control system for lawn mower movement
PTD Variation
Implementing analogous speed control system for robotic vacuum cleaner navigation
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering solution applying known control system principles across similar autonomous mobile device domains
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856888, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations in the robotic vacuum cleaner control system to be obvious and anticipated, as the technical elements represent predictable adaptations of existing sensor-based movement control technologies across mobile device platforms.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,888
TitleSpeed control assembly
Assignee(s)Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited