Mobile Robot with Adjustable Suspension for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857139_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Mobile Robot with Adjustable Suspension for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857139_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857139_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. 11,857,139.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original mobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension to create a versatile platform for various industries, including agriculture, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on autonomous mobile cleaning robots for home environments, but the limitations of the design prevented its application to more challenging terrains and tasks. This inventive concept addresses the need for a mobile robot that can adapt to diverse environments and tasks, ensuring efficient and effective operation.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The mobile robot with adjustable suspension is designed to navigate across various terrains and perform tasks such as autonomous farming, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The adjustable suspension enables the robot to adapt to changing environmental conditions, optimizing its movement and task performance. The robot can be equipped with specialized tools and sensors to collect data and perform tasks specific to each industry.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the adjustable suspension technology to entirely different industries, providing a non-obvious solution to the challenges of operating in diverse environments. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the suspension system to accommodate the unique requirements of each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include varying the suspension system's adjustability, incorporating additional sensors or tools, or designing the robot for specific industries. Variations could include using different types of suspension materials, adjusting the robot's size and shape, or integrating the robot with other systems or platforms.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The adaptable nature of the mobile robot with adjustable suspension makes it an attractive solution for companies and organizations operating in diverse environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A47 A47L9/066
A A47 A47L7/009
A A47 A47L9/009
A A47 A47L9/2847
A A47 A47L9/2852
A A47 A47L11/28
A A47 A47L11/4011
A A47 A47L11/4036
A A47 A47L11/4055
A A47 A47L11/4061
A A47 A47L11/4063
A A47 A47L11/4072
A A47 A47L2201/04
A A47 A47L2201/06

Field of Art

Autonomous mobile robotics, specifically cleaning and multi-terrain robotic systems with adjustable mechanical suspension and navigation capabilities

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A robotics engineer with expertise in mechanical design, control systems, and autonomous navigation, familiar with robotic platforms for environmental adaptation and task-specific mobility

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core suspension technology from the mobile cleaning robot can be readily adapted to alternative domains by modifying sensor packages and control algorithms. The fundamental mechanical suspension mechanism provides a versatile platform for navigating diverse terrains through predictable engineering modifications. The extension of the adjustable suspension concept to agricultural, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring applications represents a straightforward technological translation using standard robotic design principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Adjustable wheel stop mechanism for changing robot operational modes
PTD Variation
Adapting suspension mechanism to adjust for different terrain types in agricultural and search and rescue environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of modifying mechanical suspension to accommodate varying environmental conditions, representing a predictable design adaptation
Source Patent Element
Drive system operable to change robot operational modes between vacuuming and mopping
PTD Variation
Implementing mode-switching capabilities for different task-specific robotic operations in farm management and environmental monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending existing mode-switching logic to alternative domain-specific tasks using standard control system design approaches
Source Patent Element
Mobile robot with integrated sensor and movement systems
PTD Variation
Replacing cleaning sensors with specialized agricultural or environmental monitoring sensors while maintaining core suspension architecture
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable sensor substitution within a consistent mechanical platform, representing a routine engineering modification
Source Patent Element
Autonomous navigation capabilities for indoor cleaning environments
PTD Variation
Extending navigation algorithms to handle unstructured outdoor terrains in search and rescue and agricultural applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying known robotic navigation techniques to progressively more complex environmental contexts using established algorithmic approaches
Source Patent Element
Modular robotic platform with interchangeable functional components
PTD Variation
Creating industry-specific robot variants by maintaining core suspension technology and swapping specialized end effectors
Obviousness Reasoning
Demonstrating a standard engineering approach of platform standardization with modular component adaptation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857139's disclosure of an adjustable suspension mobile robot, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the extension of such robotic platforms to alternative domains an obvious technological progression. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering adaptations that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight beyond the existing technological foundation.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,139
TitleMobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension
Assignee(s)iRobot Corporation