Robotics for Enhanced Productivity and Safety
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the patient lifting robot to create innovative solutions for warehouse inventory management, autonomous crop monitoring, disaster response, warehouse automation, and search and rescue operations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patient lifting robot patent addressed the need for efficient and safe patient transfer in healthcare settings. However, its core technology has broader applicability. This inventive concept tackles the limitations of the original patent by adapting its force sensing control and telescopic collapsible columns to tackle complex problems in diverse industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe a system for warehouse inventory management, a method for autonomous crop monitoring, a robotic system for disaster response, a warehouse automation system, and a search and rescue system. Each of these applications leverages the patient lifting robot's core technology, including its omni-directional driving mechanism, telescopic collapsible columns and beam, interchangeable hook, base assembly, and battery housing. These components enable the robots to navigate complex environments, interact with users, and perform tasks efficiently and safely.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the patient lifting robot's core technology, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of its capabilities. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original technology to address distinct problems in diverse industries, showcasing the versatility and potential of the underlying innovation.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include adaptations for construction site management, environmental monitoring, or public safety applications. Variations might involve integrating additional sensors, such as computer vision or acoustic sensors, to enhance the robots' capabilities and responsiveness.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including logistics, agriculture, emergency response, and manufacturing. The target market includes companies seeking to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety in their operations. The innovative solutions offered by this concept can provide a competitive edge in these markets.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61G7/1019 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/053 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/1048 |
| A | A61 | A61G7/1061 |
| B | B25 | B25J5/007 |
| B | B25 | B25J11/009 |
| B | B25 | B25J18/025 |
| A | A61 | A61G2203/32 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotics and assistive technology, specifically mobile robotic systems for industrial, agricultural, and emergency response applications, with expertise in mechanical design, sensor integration, and human-robot interaction
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with advanced degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, or mechatronics, experienced in designing adaptable robotic platforms with modular architectures, sensor integration, and multi-purpose mobility systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technical elements of the patient lifting robot - telescopic columns, force sensing control, omni-directional mobility, and interchangeable attachments - are readily adaptable to diverse operational environments by systematically replacing the medical context with alternative industrial and emergency response scenarios. The fundamental mechanical and control principles remain consistent across these applications, representing predictable engineering extensions of the original robotic platform design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,478 |
|---|---|
| Title | Patient lifting robot |
| Assignee(s) | Blue Ocean Robotics, ApS |