Enhanced Mobile Cleaning Robot with Adaptive Suspension

Publication ID: 24-11857139_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Mobile Cleaning Robot with Adaptive Suspension,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857139_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857139_0006_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

An improved mobile cleaning robot featuring adjustable suspension, self-leveling, and terrain-adaptive capabilities to enhance cleaning performance, stability, and versatility in various operating environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a mobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension, but it had limitations in adapting to different terrain types and operating modes. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a self-leveling system, shock-absorbing components, and terrain-adaptive wheel systems to ensure optimal ground clearance, reduced vibrations, and improved traction.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced mobile cleaning robot features an adjustable suspension system that dynamically adjusts stiffness based on the robot's operating mode and terrain type. The self-leveling system maintains optimal ground clearance in various operating modes, ensuring consistent cleaning performance. A shock-absorbing component reduces vibrations, improving overall robot stability. The terrain-adaptive wheel system improves traction and reduces slippage on various surfaces. The system also includes a sensor to detect terrain type and a controller to adjust suspension stiffness accordingly.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel combination of self-leveling, shock-absorbing, and terrain-adaptive components that enable the mobile cleaning robot to adapt to different operating environments, which is not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the dynamic adjustment of suspension stiffness based on operating mode and terrain type, ensuring optimal performance and stability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include different types of sensors for terrain detection, such as lidar or ultrasonic sensors. Variations may also include different types of shock-absorbing components, such as hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Additionally, the terrain-adaptive wheel system could be implemented using different materials or designs, such as retractable or adjustable wheel treads.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced mobile cleaning robot has significant commercial potential in the home robotics and cleaning industries, particularly in markets with diverse terrain types, such as homes with hardwood floors, carpets, and pet owners. The improved performance, stability, and versatility of the robot will appeal to consumers seeking efficient and effective cleaning solutions.

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 cleaning robotics, with specialized expertise in robotic suspension systems, terrain adaptation, and cleaning mechanism design for domestic and commercial environments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A robotics engineer with a mechanical engineering background, experienced in autonomous mobile platforms, mechatronic design, sensor integration, and adaptive control systems for cleaning robots

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's terrain-adaptive suspension and self-leveling mechanisms represent predictable engineering variations of the source patent's mobile cleaning robot design. The disclosed improvements leverage standard robotic engineering techniques to enhance ground clearance, stability, and performance across different surface conditions. These modifications represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize mobile cleaning robot functionality.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Drive wheel connected to body with movable wheel stop
PTD Variation
Terrain-adaptive wheel system with dynamic traction control
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to modify wheel stop mechanisms to improve surface interaction, using known sensor and control techniques to adjust wheel performance
Source Patent Element
Gear assembly for translating wheel stop position
PTD Variation
Self-leveling suspension system with stiffness adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending the existing gear-based positional control to include suspension stiffness represents a predictable application of known mechanical control principles
Source Patent Element
Mode changing between vacuuming and mopping
PTD Variation
Dynamic suspension adaptation based on operating mode and terrain type
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing mode-specific suspension characteristics is a logical design extension using standard control system engineering approaches
Source Patent Element
Mobile robot with adjustable components
PTD Variation
Shock-absorbing suspension to reduce vibrations and improve stability
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding vibration mitigation is a known technique for improving robotic platform performance, representing an obvious design optimization
Source Patent Element
Autonomous cleaning robot navigation system
PTD Variation
Sensor-based terrain detection for suspension and wheel adaptation
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating environmental sensing for dynamic system adjustment is a standard approach in autonomous robotic design with predictable implementation strategies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857139 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations of mobile cleaning robot suspension and terrain adaptation systems to be obvious modifications. The disclosed improvements represent predictable engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance autonomous cleaning robot performance through incremental mechanical and control system design modifications.

Original Patent Information

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