Multi-Segment Robotic Arm for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857282_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multi-Segment Robotic Arm for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857282_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857282_0007_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. 11,857,282.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the multi-segment rotation robotic arm to address various challenges in environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, search and rescue, minimally invasive surgery, and infrastructure inspection.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on the development of a multi-segment rotation robotic arm for general-purpose applications. However, the arm's versatility and adaptability to different environments and tasks were not fully explored. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying the core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, thereby expanding its potential impact and value.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a multi-segment rotation robotic arm that can be integrated with various modules and sensors to tackle specific challenges in diverse fields. For instance, in environmental monitoring, the arm can collect water samples and connect to a water quality analysis module. In precision agriculture, the arm can collect soil samples and connect to a soil analysis module to determine nutrient levels and pH levels. Similarly, in search and rescue, the arm can navigate through debris and connect to a sensor module to detect survivors. In minimally invasive surgery, the arm can be used for precise tissue manipulation and connect to a visualization module for real-time feedback to the surgeon. Lastly, in infrastructure inspection, the arm can inspect bridges and tunnels and connect to a sensor module to detect structural defects.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the robotic arm's potential to address specific challenges in various industries, and the development of tailored modules and sensors to enable these new applications.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifying the robotic arm's design to accommodate different environments, such as underwater or space exploration. Additionally, the arm could be integrated with various other sensors and modules to address specific challenges in fields like disaster response, construction, or healthcare.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, search and rescue, minimally invasive surgery, and infrastructure inspection. The target market includes companies, governments, and organizations operating in these fields, as well as startups and research institutions developing innovative solutions.

Field of Art

Robotics and Mechatronics, with expertise in multi-segment articulated robotic systems, sensor integration, and modular robotic design for specialized applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A robotics engineer with advanced degree, familiar with modular robotic architectures, sensor integration techniques, and cross-domain application of robotic systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the multi-segment rotation robotic arm's inherent adaptability and modularity, understanding that its core mechanical design naturally lends itself to diverse application domains. The source patent's fundamental architecture provides a flexible platform that can be readily adapted with domain-specific sensors and modules. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the base robotic arm technology by simply integrating specialized sensing or analysis modules at connection points already contemplated in the original design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pivoting structure between robotic arm segments with electrical conduction capabilities
PTD Variation
Integrating sensor modules and specialized analysis systems at segment connection points
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of modular sensor integration using existing electrical and mechanical interfaces, representing a predictable design variation
Source Patent Element
Robotic arm with hollow structures penetrating segment ends
PTD Variation
Routing sensor cables, power lines, and data transmission channels through integrated hollow structures
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable solution for managing electrical and data connectivity in a modular robotic system using pre-existing structural features
Source Patent Element
Electric motor and signal processing module for robotic arm control
PTD Variation
Adapting signal processing module to handle domain-specific sensor input and control logic
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering adaptation of existing control architecture to accommodate different sensor inputs and operational requirements
Source Patent Element
Concatenated robotic arm segments with 360-degree rotation capability
PTD Variation
Applying robotic arm in diverse environments like underwater, debris, surgical spaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of base robotic mobility design to novel operational contexts using known mechanical principles
Source Patent Element
Conductive ring combination for electrical connectivity between segments
PTD Variation
Using existing electrical interfaces to power and communicate with specialized sensor modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious implementation of standard electrical engineering practices for modular system design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857282's disclosure of a multi-segment rotation robotic arm with modular segment connectivity, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the proposed variations obvious, as they represent predictable extensions of the base robotic system architecture through routine engineering adaptations and domain-specific sensor integrations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,282
TitleMulti-segment rotation robotic arm