DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Status of Claims
Claims 1-20 of U.S. Application No. 18/261,735 filed on 07/17/2023 were examined. Examiner filed a non-final office action on 10/20/2025.
Applicant filed remarks and amendments on 01/19/2026. Claims 6 and 19 are currently amended. Claims 1-20 are pending in the presented for examination.
Response to Arguments
Regarding the claim rejections under 35 USC 102 and 103: Applicant's arguments filed 01/19/2026 with respect to Windorfer (DE102013107160A1) in view of Wallmeyer et al. (DE102008061259B4) have been fully considered but they are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim 1-2, 5-13, 15 and 18-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Windorfer (DE102013107160A1) in view of Hickey et al. (US9346426B2), hereinafter referred to as Windorfer and Hickey respectively.
Regarding claims 1 and 9, Windorfer discloses An obstacle detection device for a cleaning robot (“The invention relates to an automatically movable floor cleaning device, in particular a floor suction and/or sweeping device, wherein the floor cleaning device is provided with an obstacle detection device” [0001]), comprising:
an action component, provided on an outer side of a main body of the cleaning robot (“an obstacle detection device which comprises at least one button element arranged in a protruding position, wherein a deflection of the button element is used for detecting the obstacle and wherein the button element has a substantially U-shaped configuration following a relevant plan view of the device.” [0001]);
an elastic component, wherein the elastic component is movably connected to the action component, so that the action component is able to move relative to the elastic component, and the elastic component is able to generate deformation during movement of the action component (“These have, in particular for detecting an obstacle located in the travel path, a detection, in particular in the form of a button element, further in particular an electromechanically active element. The button element, which is arranged in the protruding position in particular in the usual direction of travel of the device, is preferably displaced with contacting of an obstacle.” [0002]);
and a controller, configured to control a movement state of the cleaning robot according to the strain signal (“This is fed via an accumulator accommodated in the suction device, which also serves to feed electric motors for driving travel wheels 6. Furthermore, the accumulator serves to supply an electronic system, not shown, in the device 1, in particular for controlling and orienting the same.” [0036]; “A movement in the longitudinal guides, i.e. in the region of the guide parts 13, 14, can be carried out in an overlapping manner. This displacement or component deformation is also detected by the corresponding sensor 20.” [0060] ).
Windorfer does not explicitly teach a detection component, mounted on the elastic component and configured to sense the deformation of the elastic component to generate a strain signal.
However, Hickey does teach a detection component, mounted on the elastic component and configured to sense the deformation of the elastic component to generate a strain signal (“The first and second sensor arrays may be pressure sensitive. Additionally or alternatively, the second sensor array may extend vertically along the height of the angled top portion of the bumper body.” [Col.2 Ln 15-28]). Both Windorfer and Hickey teach methods for cleaning robot obstacle detection. However, Hickey explicitly teaches a detection component, mounted on the elastic component and configured to sense the deformation of the elastic component to generate a strain signal.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to robot control method of Windorfer to also include a detection component, mounted on the elastic component and configured to sense the deformation of the elastic component to generate a strain signal, as taught by Hickey, with a reasonable expectation of success. Doing so improves the robot operation and obstacle detection (With regard to this reasoning, see at least [Hickey, Col.2 Ln 15-28]).
Regarding claim 2, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 1, wherein the action component is provided with two through holes for the elastic component to pass through (“two centering projections 18 arranged at a distance from one another are provided on the inside of the U-shaped web 11. These pass through a window-like opening 22 in the end face of the chassis 2 facing the rear side of the U-shaped web 11, the longitudinal extent of the opening 22-as viewed in the longitudinal extent of the U-shaped web 11-being selected in such a way that a displacement of the U-shaped web 11 both in one direction and in the other direction transversely to the usual direction of travel is made possible when the centering projections 18 are pushed through the opening 22.” [0072]);
and, two ends of the elastic component pass through the two through holes, respectively, and are connected to a base of the cleaning robot (“two centering projections 18 arranged at a distance from one another are provided on the inside of the U-shaped web 11. These pass through a window-like opening 22 in the end face of the chassis 2 facing the rear side of the U-shaped web 11, the longitudinal extent of the opening 22-as viewed in the longitudinal extent of the U-shaped web 11-being selected in such a way that a displacement of the U-shaped web 11 both in one direction and in the other direction transversely to the usual direction of travel is made possible when the centering projections 18 are pushed through the opening 22.” [0072]).
Regarding claims 5 and 18, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 4, wherein the elastic component comprises a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm and a connector, an end of the first elastic arm is connected to an end of the second elastic arm through the connector, and the connector is provided with an avoidance notch (“The button element 9 is preferably also held on the chassis 2 in this embodiment in the region of its U-leg 10. For this purpose, on the inside, i.e. the U-shaped legs 10 correspondingly facing each other, guide parts 14 in the form of engagement sections are provided. In a preferred embodiment, these engage on the top side of the surface of the chassis 2 facing the housing ceiling, slot-like guide parts 13 which are directed in the usual direction of travel r and formed in the chassis top side. In this case, the button element 9 is further supported--with respect to the usual working position--via U-leg-side cross-webs which are supported on the surface of the chassis 2 via the U-legs 10. The transverse webs preferably carry the guide parts 14.” [0068]).
Regarding claims 6 and 19, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 5, wherein the two detection components are located at an end of the first elastic arm and an end of the second elastic arm that are close to the connector, respectively (“In a preferred embodiment, the spring centering is formed by a centering projection which is connected to the button element and extends into the U interior and is supported in a chassis-fixed manner by a spring acting in the horizontal direction.” [0012]).
Regarding claims 7 and 20, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 1, wherein the action component is a circular arc-shaped cover, and the circular arc-shaped cover is provided outside the main body (“In a preferred embodiment, the spring centering is formed by a centering projection which is connected to the button element and extends into the U interior and is supported in a chassis-fixed manner by a spring acting in the horizontal direction. With regard to the spring, it can be a leaf spring, furthermore for example also a cylindrical compression spring or else tension spring.” [0012]).
Regarding claim 8, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 1, wherein the detection component is a strain sensor (“In a further embodiment, the sensors are proximity sensors, and so on, for example, inductive, capacitive magnetic or optical proximity switches.” [0010] and “the sensors 20 are realized in the form of electrical micro-sensors 25 preferably anchored in the chassis 2. Acting on these are, preferably with the interposition of a compression spring 26 compensating for forces which may be too high and act on the micro-sensors 25, a respective wing element 27 which is mounted on the chassis 2 such that it can be pivoted about an axis which is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the floor surface during normal operation of the floor cleaning appliance 1 and is acted upon on the inside, i.e. facing away from the sensor element 9, by the associated compression spring 26 in the direction of the sensor element 9. Accordingly, the sensing surface 28 facing away from the compression spring 26 and preferably configured in a circular segment shape in a plan view lies on the inside of the sensing element 9 against the respective U-leg 10 or the U-web 11.” [0077]).
Regarding claim 10, Windorfer discloses The cleaning robot according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning robot comprises at least one of a sweeping robot, a mopping robot, a floor polishing robot or a weeding robot (“the sensors 20 are realized in the form of electrical micro-sensors 25 preferably anchored in the chassis 2. Acting on these are, preferably with the interposition of a compression spring 26 compensating for forces which may be too high and act on the micro-sensors 25, a respective wing element 27 which is mounted on the chassis 2 such that it can be pivoted about an axis which is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the floor surface during normal operation of the floor cleaning appliance 1 and is acted upon on the inside, i.e. facing away from the sensor element 9, by the associated compression spring 26 in the direction of the sensor element 9. Accordingly, the sensing surface 28 facing away from the compression spring 26 and preferably configured in a circular segment shape in a plan view lies on the inside of the sensing element 9 against the respective U-leg 10 or the U-web 11.” [0001]).
Regarding claim 11, Windorfer discloses The cleaning robot according to claim 9, further comprising: a sweeping component, comprising at least one brush; and a driving motor, configured to drive the at least one brush to rotate (“In a corner region of this rectangular section, in particular in the right corner region viewed in the direction of travel r, an edge processing brush 7 is arranged on the underside. Starting from a mandrel which can be driven by electric motor, this has bristles which project radially outwards and which, viewed in the circumferential direction of the brush 7, project at least partially beyond the circumferential edge of the floor cleaning appliance 1.” [0039]).
Regarding claim 12, Windorfer discloses The cleaning robot according to claim 11, wherein, the least one brush is provided at a bottom of the main body of the cleaning robot; and the driving motor is provided inside the main body of the cleaning robot (“In a corner region of this rectangular section, in particular in the right corner region viewed in the direction of travel r, an edge processing brush 7 is arranged on the underside. Starting from a mandrel which can be driven by electric motor, this has bristles which project radially outwards and which, viewed in the circumferential direction of the brush 7, project at least partially beyond the circumferential edge of the floor cleaning appliance 1.” [0039]).
Regarding claim 13, Windorfer discloses The cleaning robot according to claim 9, further comprising: a walking unit, wherein the walking unit comprises: driving wheels, configured to drive the cleaning robot to move forward or backward; and a guide wheel, configured to change a travel direction of the cleaning robot in a travelling process (“This is fed via an accumulator accommodated in the suction device, which also serves to feed electric motors for driving travel wheels 6. Furthermore, the accumulator serves to supply an electronic system, not shown, in the device 1, in particular for controlling and orienting the same.” [0036]).
Claims 3-4, 14 and 16-17, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Windorfer in view of Wallmeyer8 et al. (DE102008061259B4), hereinafter referred to as Windorfer and Wallmeyer respectively.
Regarding claims 3 and 16, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 1,
Windorfer does not explicitly teach wherein a number of the detection component is one, and the detection component is located in a middle of the elastic component.
However, Wallmeyer does teach wherein a number of the detection component is one, and the detection component is located in a middle of the elastic component (“Due to the foot-side movement detection, the obstacle detection of the collecting device can be limited to only one button element, which extends over a wide circumferential section facing the usual direction of travel of the collecting device.” [0006]). Both Windorfer and Wallmeyer teach methods for cleaning robot obstacle detection. However, Wallmeyer explicitly teaches wherein a number of the detection component is one, and the detection component is located in a middle of the elastic component.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to robot control method of Windorfer to also include wherein a number of the detection component is one, and the detection component is located in a middle of the elastic component, as taught by Wallmeyer, with a reasonable expectation of success. Doing so improves the robot operation and obstacle detection (With regard to this reasoning, see at least [Wallmeyer, 0006]).
Regarding claims 4 and 17, Windorfer discloses The obstacle detection device for the cleaning robot according to claim 1,
Windorfer does not explicitly teach wherein a number of the detection component is two, and two detection components are symmetrically provided on the elastic component.
However, Wallmeyer does teach wherein a number of the detection component is two, and two detection components are symmetrically provided on the elastic component (“One or more proximity sensors or one or more buttons are provided as sensors for detecting the foot-side movement of the button element, for example inductive, capacitive, magnetic or optical proximity switches with regard to proximity sensors.” [0020]). Both Windorfer and Wallmeyer teach methods for cleaning robot obstacle detection. However, Wallmeyer explicitly teaches wherein a number of the detection component is two, and two detection components are symmetrically provided on the elastic component.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to robot control method of Windorfer to also include wherein a number of the detection component is two, and two detection components are symmetrically provided on the elastic component, as taught by Wallmeyer, with a reasonable expectation of success. Doing so improves the robot operation and obstacle detection (With regard to this reasoning, see at least [Wallmeyer, 0020]).
Regarding claim 14, Windorfer discloses The cleaning robot according to claim 13,
Windorfer does not explicitly teach wherein, the driving wheels comprise two driving wheels mounted on two sides of a bottom of the main body of the cleaning robot; and the guide wheel is provided in front of the main body of the cleaning robot in the travel direction.
However, Wallmeyer does teach wherein, the driving wheels comprise two driving wheels mounted on two sides of a bottom of the main body of the cleaning robot; and the guide wheel is provided in front of the main body of the cleaning robot in the travel direction (“Shown and described is a floor dust collector 1 in the form of a cleaning robot with a chassis 2 which, on the underside facing the floor to be cared for, carries electric motor-driven travel wheels (not shown) as well as a brush projecting beyond the lower edge of the chassis floor and also driven by an electric motor. The chassis 2 is covered by a cover 3 in the form of a device hood, whereby the floor cleaning device 1 has a circular floor plan. However, the device 1 can also have a floor plan that deviates from a circular shape, which can further be composed, for example, of a semicircular circular section and an adjoining rectangular section.” [0023]). Both Windorfer and Wallmeyer teach methods for cleaning robot obstacle detection. However, Wallmeyer explicitly teaches the driving wheels comprise two driving wheels mounted on two sides of a bottom of the main body of the cleaning robot; and the guide wheel is provided in front of the main body of the cleaning robot in the travel direction.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to robot control method of Windorfer to also include the driving wheels comprise two driving wheels mounted on two sides of a bottom of the main body of the cleaning robot; and the guide wheel is provided in front of the main body of the cleaning robot in the travel direction, as taught by Wallmeyer, with a reasonable expectation of success. Doing so improves the robot operation and obstacle detection (With regard to this reasoning, see at least [Wallmeyer, 0020]).
Conclusion
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/AA/Examiner, Art Unit 3668
/Fadey S. Jabr/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3668