Smart Cleaning Systems through Synergistic Combinations

Publication ID: 24-11857134_0008_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Smart Cleaning Systems through Synergistic Combinations,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857134_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857134_0008_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. 11,857,134.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Integrating retrofittable sensor units with cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create optimized, sustainable, and connected cleaning systems.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a retrofittable sensor unit for controlling a dosing device of a cleaning machine. However, it had limitations in terms of data analysis, security, and integration with other technologies. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by combining the sensor unit with AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly cleaning system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept involves integrating the retrofittable sensor unit with various technologies to create a smart cleaning system. For instance, the system can include a machine learning-based predictive analytics module to determine optimal dosing commands based on historical usage patterns and real-time sensor data. Additionally, a blockchain-based secure data storage module can be used to store and share cleaning process data. The system can also incorporate IoT-enabled retrofittable sensor units, 3D printing modules for creating customized cleaning agents, robotic arms for automated cleaning agent dispensing, and novel nanomaterial-based cleaning agents. Furthermore, the system can be integrated with voice-controlled AI assistants to provide real-time feedback on cleaning efficacy and energy consumption.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel combinations of the retrofittable sensor unit with AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials, which provide a synergistic effect and create a more powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly cleaning system. The inventive step lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to create a system that is more than the sum of its parts.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the retrofittable sensor unit with other technologies like computer vision, robotics, or advanced materials. Variations could include using different types of sensors, machine learning algorithms, or blockchain protocols to create a customized cleaning system.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the cleaning industry, particularly in industrial, commercial, and residential cleaning applications. The integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies can provide a competitive advantage in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings. The target market includes cleaning machine manufacturers, cleaning service providers, and consumers seeking advanced cleaning solutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A47 A47L15/4297
A A47 A47L15/0055
A A47 A47L15/449
D D06 D06F33/57
D D06 D06F34/22
D D06 D06F2103/02
D D06 D06F2103/18
D D06 D06F2103/20
D D06 D06F2105/42
D D06 D06F2105/58

Field of Art

Cleaning machine systems and sensor technologies, specifically focusing on retrofittable sensor units for monitoring and controlling cleaning processes. Requires expertise in mechanical engineering, sensor design, data analytics, and cleaning equipment integration

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled engineer with knowledge of sensor technologies, cleaning machine design, data processing, and interdisciplinary system integration. Capable of understanding sensor functionality, communication protocols, and adaptive control systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and machine learning with existing sensor units represents a predictable extension of the source patent's core technology. The fundamental sensor architecture provides a natural platform for incorporating intelligent data processing and adaptive control mechanisms. The disclosed variations leverage standard engineering techniques to enhance the functionality of the original retrofittable sensor unit.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Retrofittable sensor unit with viscosity, turbidity, and optical sensors for monitoring washing solution
PTD Variation
Adding machine learning-based predictive analytics to interpret sensor data and generate optimized dosing commands
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to sensor data is a known technique for improving system performance, representing a predictable application of existing data processing technologies
Source Patent Element
Wireless communication unit for connecting cleaning machines and user terminals
PTD Variation
Integrating IoT connectivity and blockchain-based data storage for enhanced system communication and data management
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending wireless communication capabilities using standard IoT and blockchain protocols is an obvious design choice for improving system connectivity and data security
Source Patent Element
Sensor unit capable of measuring multiple variables like viscosity and thermal characteristics
PTD Variation
Incorporating nanomaterial-based cleaning agents with sensor-driven adaptive dosing based on real-time condition monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining advanced materials with existing sensor monitoring represents a logical progression in cleaning system design, utilizing the sensor unit's inherent capability to detect and respond to changing solution characteristics
Source Patent Element
Sensor unit with optical sensors and communication capabilities
PTD Variation
Adding voice-controlled AI assistant integration for interactive system control and performance feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing voice control and AI assistants is a standard approach for enhancing user interaction with sensor-enabled systems, representing a predictable technological evolution
Source Patent Element
Energy conversion system with dynamo for generating electrical energy
PTD Variation
Integrating 3D printing and robotic dispensing modules to create customized cleaning solutions based on sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending the sensor unit's functionality to include adaptive manufacturing and dispensing represents a natural progression in smart manufacturing and process control technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857134's disclosure of a retrofittable sensor unit, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the integration of AI, IoT, machine learning, and advanced materials with existing sensor technologies to be an obvious and predictable extension of the prior art, thereby rendering potential claims to such combinations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,134
TitleRetrofittable sensor unit for controlling a dosing device
Assignee(s)Henkel AG & Co. KGaA