Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Multi-Crop Automated Harvesting System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856898_0007_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multi-Crop Automated Harvesting System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856898_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856898_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. 11,856,898.

Background and Problem Solved

The original automated mushroom harvesting system was limited to a specific industry. However, the need for efficient and gentle harvesting methods exists across various agricultural sectors. This invention addresses the problem of adapting the core technology to cater to diverse crops, ensuring broader applicability and commercial viability.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the strategic application of the original automated mushroom harvesting system's core technology to diverse crop categories, introducing innovative solutions for previously unaddressed industries. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for cross-industry adaptation and the development of specialized systems to cater to the unique requirements of each crop.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in robotic assembly designs, harvesting mechanism materials, and integration of additional sensors or AI-powered decision-making systems. These variations could further expand the invention's applicability to other crops, enhance system efficiency, or improve product quality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential across various agricultural industries, including aquaculture, horticulture, and floriculture. The target market includes farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and companies specializing in crop production and distribution. The automated harvesting systems can increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve product quality, ultimately leading to increased revenue and market competitiveness.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01G18/70
A A01 A01G18/62

Field of Art

Agricultural robotics and automated harvesting systems, specifically focusing on precision robotic end effectors for selective crop collection with emphasis on delicate produce handling

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in robotic systems, agricultural automation, and precision end effector design, possessing knowledge of vacuum-assisted harvesting technologies and understanding of cross-industry robotic adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principles of the automated mushroom harvesting system are universally applicable across diverse crop harvesting scenarios. The core technical innovation of a vacuum-assisted, precision end effector can be systematically adapted to different produce types by modifying geometric and operational parameters. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the source patent's core technological concept through systematic, incremental modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible cup affixed to resilient neck connected to vacuum line for precise mushroom harvesting
PTD Variation
Adapting vacuum-assisted end effector for aquatic plant, microgreen, berry, and flower harvesting
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of transferring robotic end effector principles across agricultural domains, with predictable results of precise, damage-minimizing crop collection
Source Patent Element
Helical reinforcing element providing structural support to harvesting mechanism
PTD Variation
Modifying reinforcing element geometry for different crop interaction requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering design choice to optimize end effector structural characteristics based on specific crop handling needs
Source Patent Element
Size and maturity-based selective harvesting approach
PTD Variation
Extending selective harvesting methodology to microgreens, leafy greens, and flowers
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of precision identification and collection techniques across different agricultural produce types
Source Patent Element
Vacuum-assisted collection mechanism
PTD Variation
Replacing vacuum line with alternative transport mechanisms like conveyor belts
Obviousness Reasoning
Known substitution of functionally equivalent transport and collection technologies within robotic harvesting systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856898's automated harvesting system teachings, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed crop-specific robotic harvesting variations obvious through systematic technological adaptation, thereby rendering potential future patent claims covering similar cross-domain robotic harvesting techniques anticipated and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,898
TitleAutomated mushroom harvesting system