Adaptable Four-Wheel Steering Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses the application of four-wheel steering technology, originally developed for knee walkers, to various industries and use cases, including agriculture, search and rescue, golf, amphibious vessels, and commercial landscaping.
Background and Problem Solved
The original knee walker patent, while providing improved maneuverability and stability, was limited to its specific application. However, the core technology of four-wheel steering has the potential to revolutionize other fields where precision, control, and adaptability are crucial. The present inventive concept addresses the need for adaptable, high-performance steering systems in diverse industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable four-wheel steering technology comprises a modular system, allowing for easy integration into various platforms and devices. The system features a central steering column, connected to a first end of a center crossbar, and a rear crossbar connected to a second end of the center crossbar. The first and second linkage mechanisms, such as tie-rods or cables, facilitate smooth and precise steering. The inventive concept's adaptability is demonstrated through its application in five distinct use cases: (1) modular, all-terrain agricultural platforms; (2) rescue vehicles for search and rescue operations; (3) wheelchair-accessible golf carts; (4) modular, amphibious search and rescue vessels; and (5) robotic lawn mowers for commercial landscaping.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of four-wheel steering technology to entirely new industries and use cases, not considered in the original patent. The inventive step is in the recognition of the core technology's potential for broader applications and the development of modular systems that enable seamless integration into diverse platforms.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the linkage mechanisms, such as using hydraulic or pneumatic systems, or incorporating advanced sensors and AI algorithms to enhance steering performance. Additionally, the modular system could be adapted for use in other industries, such as construction, mining, or environmental monitoring.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable four-wheel steering technology has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, search and rescue, golf, amphibious vessels, and commercial landscaping. The target market includes manufacturers of specialized vehicles and equipment, as well as companies seeking to integrate advanced steering systems into their products.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61H3/04 |
| B | B62 | B62K5/003 |
| B | B62 | B62K25/02 |
| A | A61 | A61H2003/005 |
| A | A61 | A61H2003/046 |
| B | B62 | B62K2025/025 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mobility Assistance Devices and Vehicle Steering Systems, encompassing medical mobility aids, agricultural platforms, and specialized vehicle design with expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and adaptive vehicle control systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in vehicle design, familiar with adaptive mobility technologies, capable of translating core mechanical principles across different technical domains and understanding modular design strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental four-wheel steering mechanism disclosed in the source patent as a transferable technological concept that can be readily adapted to multiple platforms. The core mechanical principles of linkage-based steering are universally applicable across diverse mobility and transportation contexts. The modular design approach demonstrated in the PTD represents a predictable engineering extension of the original knee walker technology.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,485 |
|---|---|
| Title | Knee walker with four-wheel steering |
| Assignee(s) | ROVER MOBILITY, LLC |