Enhanced Mobile Cleaning Robot with Adaptive Suspension
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,139 |
|---|---|
| Title | Mobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension |
| Assignee(s) | iRobot Corporation |