Autonomous Object Routing Using Potential Flow Path Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current route planning methods for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles require excessive human input, are prone to errors, and are not scalable, especially in dynamic and uncertain environments, failing to account for heterogeneous node types and information packet priorities.

Innovation Solution

Modeling vehicle routes as fluid dynamics potential flow, using irrotational velocity fields to calculate optimal paths dynamically, incorporating stream functions and potential flows to navigate around obstacles and destinations, allowing for decentralized computation and low-bandwidth communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If current route planning methods are used, then human input and control are required, but this increases operational complexity and reduces scalability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of route planningVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical route planning with a computational fluid dynamics-based automated system. The route planning problem is transformed into a potential flow calculation, where mathematical models compute optimal paths automatically without human intervention, thereby increasing automation while managing complexity through mathematical abstraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of route planning from manual geometric waypoint definition to fluid dynamics-based potential flow calculations. By transforming the problem into a different mathematical domain (potential flow with stream functions and velocity potentials), the system achieves automated computation while maintaining manageable complexity through established mathematical frameworks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional routing systems are used, then they work for simple networks, but they fail to adapt to heterogeneous node types and dynamic network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to heterogeneous networksVSAvoidrouting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal routing framework based on potential flow theory that can handle diverse network topologies and node types uniformly. The mathematical model treats all nodes and edges in terms of flow potential and stream functions, enabling the same algorithm to adapt to heterogeneous networks without requiring node-specific handling, thereby improving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts route calculations to changing network conditions by continuously updating potential flow fields. The routing paths are not static but evolve with network dynamics, allowing the system to respond to heterogeneous node capabilities and time-varying conditions in real-time, thereby enhancing reliability in dynamic environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If centralized routing control is used, then coordination is improved, but this increases communication bandwidth requirements and reduces system autonomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables route calculation to be performed locally at each node using distributed potential flow computations. Each node autonomously calculates its contribution to the overall flow field and determines its routing decisions based on local potential and stream function values, eliminating the need for continuous centralized control and significantly reducing communication bandwidth requirements while maintaining coordination efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The routing problem is segmented into local computations at individual nodes rather than a single centralized calculation. The potential flow field is divided into contributions from different nodes, allowing each node to independently compute its routing decisions based on local conditions, thereby reducing communication overhead while maintaining system-wide coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If manual waypoint designation is used, then route planning is simple, but this increases error rates and reduces scalability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute planning speedVSAvoidroute planning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual geometric waypoint designation with automated potential flow-based route calculation. The system automatically computes optimal routes by solving potential flow equations, eliminating human errors in waypoint placement while significantly improving route planning speed and scalability through computational automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the potential flow field is continuously updated based on actual network conditions and routing decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to refine route calculations in real-time, improving accuracy while maintaining high productivity through automated iterative optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables scalable, real-time route planning for multiple vehicles with reduced computational and bandwidth requirements, adapting to dynamic environments and obstacles, and reducing reliance on centralized control networks.

Implementation Method 1

modeling a route for the object as a fluid dynamics potential flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPotential flow:

Implementation Method 2

irrotational velocity fields to calculate optimal paths dynamically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIrrotational velocity field:

Implementation Method 3

irrotational and incompressible potential flow that independently represents a flow phenomenon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPotential flow:

Implementation Method 4

Intermediate destinations from the origin to the destination for the object are defined as a stream function (Ψ)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStream function:

Data Source

PatentUS20260012412A1System and method for the automatic routing objects

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 INCUCOMM INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for the automatic routing of an object from an origin to a destination. In one embodiment, the method includes modeling a route as a fluid dynamics potential flow. The object is an analogue of a flow particle, the origin is an analogue of a source, and the destination is an analogue of a sink. Intermediate destinations from the origin to the destination are defined as a stream function (Ψ) defined by irrotational and incompressible potential flow that independently represents a flow phenomenon operable to influence the route. The method includes dynamically calculating an optimal route for the object based on a current location and an aggregate stream function including a sum of each of the flow phenomena acting on the object between the current location and the destination. The method also includes routing the object through the intermediate destinations based on the optimal route to the destination.