Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Mobile Cleaning Robots for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857139_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Mobile Cleaning Robots for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857139_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857139_0004_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

This inventive concept adapts mobile cleaning robots for operation in high-security facilities, disaster relief environments, extreme weather conditions, and search and rescue operations, providing tailored solutions for unique operational environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a mobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension has limitations in addressing the specific needs of specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating features such as biometric authentication, debris-detection sensors, and weather-resistant enclosures to ensure reliable operation in these unique settings.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises mobile cleaning robots with adjustable suspension, tailored for operation in high-security facilities, disaster relief environments, extreme weather conditions, and search and rescue operations. The robots feature biometric authentication systems to ensure authorized access, sensors to detect debris and navigate through challenging terrain, and weather-resistant enclosures to protect electronic components. Additionally, the robots can be remotely operated in high-security facilities and adapted for specific modes of operation, such as vacuuming or mopping, depending on the environment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features and combinations that are not obvious from the original patent, including the integration of biometric authentication, debris-detection sensors, and weather-resistant enclosures. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of adapting mobile cleaning robots for operation in specialized environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include robots with adjustable wheelbase, robots with modular attachments for different cleaning modes, or robots with autonomous navigation systems. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse operational environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as security, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations. The tailored solutions for unique operational environments would provide a competitive advantage in these markets, enabling efficient and effective cleaning operations in challenging settings.

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 robots with adjustable mechanical systems, encompassing robotic navigation, cleaning mechanisms, and environmental adaptation technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A robotics engineer with expertise in mechanical design, control systems, and autonomous navigation, holding a bachelor's or master's degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field, with 3-5 years of experience in mobile robotic system design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core mobile cleaning robot technology by applying known adaptation techniques to specialized environmental contexts. The fundamental mechanical suspension and wheel stop mechanisms remain substantially consistent, with added sensor and authentication technologies representing standard engineering modifications for specific operational requirements. These variations demonstrate routine problem-solving within autonomous robotic system design, utilizing well-established technological approaches to address environmental challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Mobile cleaning robot with adjustable wheel stop and drive wheel configuration
PTD Variation
Integrating biometric authentication system to control robot access and operational modes
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding authentication to robotic systems is a known technique for access control, representing a predictable design choice for high-security environments using standard security technologies
Source Patent Element
Robotic suspension system capable of mode transitions between vacuuming and mopping
PTD Variation
Adapting suspension for uneven terrain in disaster relief and search and rescue environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying suspension mechanics to handle varied terrain represents a standard engineering approach for expanding robotic operational capabilities, utilizing known mechanical adaptation principles
Source Patent Element
Mobile robot with drive wheel and body configuration
PTD Variation
Adding weather-resistant enclosures to protect electronic components
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing environmental protection for electronic systems is a routine engineering solution for expanding operational environments, using well-established sealing and protective technologies
Source Patent Element
Cleaning robot with gear-based mechanical translation system
PTD Variation
Incorporating remote operation capabilities with communication modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding remote control interfaces represents a predictable technological enhancement using standard wireless communication and control system integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Mobile cleaning robot with adjustable mechanical systems
PTD Variation
Integrating sensor suites for enhanced environmental navigation and debris detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing robotic perception through additional sensors is a standard approach in robotics for improving autonomous navigation and operational capabilities
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857139's disclosed mobile cleaning robot technologies, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious extensions of prior art through routine engineering modifications. A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize these adaptations as predictable solutions employing known techniques to expand robotic operational capabilities across diverse environmental contexts, thereby rendering subsequent claims involving similar technological approaches anticipated and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

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