Innovation Tool: TRIZ (An Introduction) Jonathan Weaver UDM ME Department Development support by David Roggenkamp and Arun Aakaluashok

References There are numerous books on the subject and web materials available, some of the best are at http://www.aitriz.org/ai/index.php, some specifics: http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/2006/01/07.pdf Kraev’s Corner featured a twelve lesson sequence in the Triz Journal which you might enjoy; the lessons are available at http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/2006/ A full listing of the 40 principles with examples can be found at http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/1997/07/b/index.html The contradiction matrix may be found at http://www.triz40.com/aff_Matrix.htm And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared, by Genrich Altshuller Triz materials from Patsy Brackin, Rose Hulman. Airbag example from: http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/1997/07/a/index.html

How Many Ways Do You Know to Move a Liquid?

Acoustic Cavitation Acoustic Vibrations Archimedes’ Principle Bernoulli’s Theorem Boiling Brush Constructions Capillary Condensation Capillary Evaporation Capillary Pressure Coanda Effect Condensation Coulomb’s Law Deformation Electrocapillary Effect Electroosmosis Electrophoresis Electrostatic Induction Ellipse Evaporation Ferromagnetism Forced Oscillations Funnel Effect Gravity Inertia Ionic Exchange Jet Flow Lorentz Force Magnetostriction Mechanocaloric Effect Osmosis Pascal Law Resonance Shock Wave Spiral Super Thermal Conductivity Superfluidity Surface Tension Thermal Expansion Thermocapillary Effect Thermomechanical Effect Ultrasonic Capillary Effect Ultrasonic Vibrations Use of foam Wetting Knowledge from all fields

"The creative person pays close attention to what appears discordant and contradictory ... and is challenged by such irregularities." Frank Barron (1942-2002), was an internationally known psychologist and UC Berkeley professor who studied highly creative thinkers in architecture, science, mathematics and literature.  He was  Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.  Barron received the American Psychological Association's Richardson Creativity Award and the Rudolf Arnheim Award for Outstanding Contribution to Psychology and the Arts.

Processing Sweet Peppers It used to be a labor-intensive process to de-seed peppers. Now, to remove seeds from peppers, the peppers may be placed in a pressure chamber. The pressure can be slowly increased so that the pressure diffuses through the pepper skin to the interior of the pepper. If the pressure is then suddenly reduced, the stem and seeds explode out of the pepper! (discovered c. 1945) What does this have to do with invention and innovation?

Beyond Peppers Other applications of pressure increase/drop: Removing shells from sunflower seeds (1950) Removing shells from cedar nuts (1950) Cleaning filters Unpacking parts wrapped in protective paper Producing sugar powder from sugar crystal Splitting artificial diamonds along micro-cracks (1972) More generally – store up energy and release it More generally still – store a resource for later use

Genrich Altshullar, Father of TRIZ Born 15-Oct-1926, Age 14, patented underwater breathing apparatus that generated oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. Age 20, as Lieutenant in Caspian Sea Navy, patented method for escaping immobilized submarine without diving gear and was offered position as patent examiner. Age 22, wrote to Stalin to inform him that the Soviet Union’s approach to technology was chaotic and ignorant and that he had devised a systematic approach by which any technical problem could be solved. Age 23, Invited to a meeting and taken into custody. Age 24, Sentenced to 25 years in prison. Age 29, Released early from prison following Stalin’s death and learns his grief stricken mother has committed suicide. Age 30, Publishes Psychology of Inventive Creativity. Age 42, Organizes first TRIZ seminar. Age 43, Publishes Algorithm of Inventing (40 Inventive Principles). Age 50s, Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Age 58, Publishes And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared. Age 63, Named president of newly established Russian TRIZ Association. Age 72, Dies. (1999)

TRIZ Teoriya Resheniya Izobreatatelskikh Zadatch Altshuller recognized that the same fundamental problem (contradiction) had been addressed by a number of inventions in different areas of technology He also observed that the same fundamental solutions were used over and over again, often separated by many years He reasoned that if the latter innovator had had knowledge of the earlier solution, their task would have been straightforward He sought to extract, compile, and organize such information

Psychological Inertia Vector A better solution might lie over here Your training and biases may bring you down this path

Altshuller’s Research Results Patents (World Wide) Inventive KEY FINDINGS Definition of inventive problems Levels of invention Patterns of evolution Patterns of invention 40,000 200,000

Five Levels of Invention LEVEL 1: Apparent (no invention) Established solutions Well-known and readily accessible Example: Adjustable pedals in a car (already was commonplace in airplanes) LEVEL 2: Minor Improvement Small improvement of an existing system, usually with some compromise Example: Bifocals

Five Levels of Invention (Cont.) LEVEL 3: Invention Inside Paradigm Significant improvement of an existing system Example: Automatic transmission LEVEL 4: Invention Outside Paradigm Involves changing the principle of performing the primary function of an existing system Example: jet engine applied to aircraft LEVEL 5: Discovery Pioneer invention of an essentially new system Example: first airplane

Level of Invention Writing Example 1. Apparent Write with a piece of graphite 2. Minor Improvement Pencil (wrapped graphite) 3. Significant Improvement Pen (ink replaces graphite) 4. Change in Principle for Primary Function Printer 5. New System Electronic pen and paper http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Level_of_Invention

Levels of Innovation (Cont.)

Two Types of Contradiction Physical Contradiction A conflict between two mutually exclusive physical requirements to the same parameter of an element of the system Element should be hot and cold Element should be hard and soft Technical Contradiction (commonly referred to as a trade-off) A conflict between characteristics within a system when improving one parameter of the system causes the deterioration of other parameter Increasing the power of the motor (a desired effect) may cause the weight of the motor to increase (a negative effect).

Dealing with Physical Contradictions Four principles for overcoming physical contradiction: Separation of contradictory properties in time or on condition Separation of contradictory properties in space System transformations (or separation between the parts and the whole) Phase transformation, or physical-chemical transformation of substances Glasses lens should be clear and dark – separate on condition of sunlight Bandage separates in space – sticks around wound but not to wound Bike chain is system transformation – at component level is rigid, at system level is flexible An abrasive must be present and absent – use dry ice for sandblasting Funnel – ‘large and small’ separated in space

Examples of Physical Contradictions Separation of contradictory properties in time For overcoming nail’s rotation into the wall, we can propose to make the nail with a noncircular section shape. But the process for production of these nails should be changed for making the new shape and it is expensive! Separation of contradictory properties in space Bifocals by Ben Franklin System transformations For measuring contact force between a door’s seal and housing of the refrigerator, we can use some special electronic sensors between them. But what kind of sensors do we need  and how to get them? Is there a simpler way to solve the problem?

Automotive Examples of Physical Contradictions Highways should be wide for easy traffic flow but narrow for low impact on communities. Braking should be instantaneous to avoid road hazards but braking should be gradual for control. Upholstery should be luxurious but be easy to maintain. The frame should be heavy (for structural safety) but the frame should be light (for cost and ease of assembly.) Manufacturing should be done in small lots for flexibility but manufacturing should be done in large lots for low cost.

Airbag Examples of Physical Contradictions The deployment threshold should be high and low The air bag should be aggressive and de-powered The air bag should protect everyone and harm no one The gas should be generated quickly and slowly The sensor should be complex and simple The air bag should exist and should not exist

Automotive Examples of Technical Contradictions The vehicle has higher horsepower, but uses more fuel The vehicle has high acceleration but uses more fuel The ride feels smoother, but the handling is difficult on high speed curves A pick-up truck has high load capacity (stiff rear suspension) but the ride is rough. Putting controls on stalks increases driver convenience, but makes assembly of the steering column more complex. Electric vehicles can go long distances between recharging, but the battery weight gets too high to move at all!

Airbag Examples of Technical Contradictions High power ("aggressive") deployment saves lives of average-sized drivers, but increases injuries to unbelted or small passengers Adding more sensors to customize the deployment to the circumstances, and thereby save lives of small and unbelted people, increases the complexity of the system

Handling Technical Contradiction Altshuller identified a set of engineering parameters such that a contradiction can be stated in the form improving one parameter causes deterioration of the other parameter A set of inventive principles are developed A tool is provided which helps direct the inventor to a appropriate principles for a given contradiction Based on his patent research, Altshuller identified the 39 engineering parameters that may be involved in a contradiction

Altshuller’s 39 Engineering Parameters Weight of moving object Weight of non-moving object Length of moving object Length of non-moving object Area of moving object Area of non-moving object Volume of moving object Volume of non-moving object Speed Force Tension, pressure. Shape Stability of object Strength Durability of moving object Durability of non-moving object Temperature Brightness Energy spent by moving object Energy spent by non-moving object Ask students to identify conflict with a backpack – want to carry more, but that can increase weight

Altshuller’s 39 Engineering Parameters (Cont.) Power Waste of energy Waste of substance Loss of information Waste of time Amount of substance Reliability Accuracy of measurement Accuracy of manufacturing Harmful factors acting on object Harmful side effects Manufacturability Convenience of use Repairability Adaptability Complexity of device Complexity of control Level of automation Productivity

Inventive Principles Based on his patent research, Altshuller identified a total of 40 inventive principles that can be applied to resolve contradictions amongst the engineering parameters.

40 Inventive Principles Segmentation Extraction Local Quality Asymmetry Combining Universality Nesting Counterweight Prior counter-action Prior action Cushion in advance Equipotentiality Inversion Spheroidality Dynamicity Partial or overdone action Moving to a new dimension Mechanical vibration Periodic action Continuity of useful action

40 Inventive Principles (Cont.) Rushing through Convert harm into benefit Feedback Mediator Self-service Copying An inexpensive short-lived object instead of an expensive durable one Replacement of a mechanical system Use a pneumatic or hydraulic construction Flexible film or thin membranes Use of porous material Changing the color Homogeneity Discarding and Recovering Transformation of physical and chemical states of an object Phase transition Thermal expansion Use strong oxidizers Inert environment Composite materials

Principle 1: Segmentation Divide an object into independent parts Replace mainframe computer by personal computers Replace a large truck by a truck and trailer Make an object easy to disassemble Modular furniture Quick disconnect joints in plumbing Increase the degree of fragmentation or segmentation Replace solid shades with Venetian blinds Use powdered welding metal instead of foil or rod to get better penetration of the joint Ask how they’d paint the stairs without blocking up/down access using segmentation?

Example of Segmentation   If we have to paint the wooden stairs that lead us to the second floor, then, we should paint every other step and then once those steps are dried then we will paint the rest of the steps. This allows us to use the stairs without having to wait for all of them to dry with just some minor inconveniences.

Principle 2: Taking Out Separate an interfering part or property from an object, or single out the only necessary part (or property) of an object. Locate a noisy compressor outside the building where compressed air is used Use fiber optics or a light pipe to separate the hot light source from the location where light is needed Use the sound of a barking dog, without the dog, as a burglar alarm

Principle 3: Local Quality Change an object's structure from uniform to non-uniform, change an external environment (or external influence) from uniform to non-uniform Use a temperature, density, or pressure gradient instead of constant temperature, density or pressure Make each part of an object function in conditions most suitable for its operation Lunch box with hot and cold compartments Make each part of an object fulfill a different and useful function. Pencil with eraser

A complete list of the principles with examples can be found where these three samples were obtained: http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/1997/07/b/index.html

Principle 1: Segmentation International Space Station has highly modularized architecture Most of the examples on the next several slides are courtesy of MPD Cohort 11 Students Principle 2: Extraction Isolate the outhouse

Principle 3: Local Quality A Swiss Army Knife where each part fulfills a different and useful function Source: walmart.com Principle 4: Asymmetry NASCAR circle track suspension is asymmetric to favor left turns Most of the examples on the next several slides are courtesy of MPD Cohort 11 Students

Principle 3: Local Quality A Swiss Army Knife where each part fulfills a different and useful function Source: walmart.com Principle 4: Asymmetry NASCAR circle track suspension is asymmetric to favor left turns Most of the examples on the next several slides are courtesy of MPD Cohort 11 Students

Principle 6: Universality Principle 5: Combining A washer/dryer combo Source: http://www.haier.com/index.htm Principle 6: Universality An iPhone performs many functions (Yes it’s an example of Combining too.)

Principle 7: Nesting Construction cones nest for easy storage Principle 8: Counterweight Dirigibles are naturally weighted to prevent roll

Principle 9: Prior Counter-action TBD Principle 10: Prior Action Lunchables conveniently pre-gather everything needed

Principle 13: The Other Way Around Rotate the wheel rather than the tire iron Principle 18: Mechanical Vibration Drive nails with 35 strikes per second Source: gizmo.com Principle 34: Discarding and Recovering External fuel tank and twin rockets recovered after launch Source: howstuffworks.com

Contradiction Table 39 Parameters Engineering Parameters Inventive Principles useful to solve the contradiction

Worsening feature Excerpt of the Contradiction Table from http://www.triz40.com/aff_Matrix.htm

The Direct Path Can Be Elusive Your Problem Your Solution Generic Problem Generic Solution

Fertilizer Example The Problem: Optimal use of fertilizer requires that it be applied when the soil reaches a specific temperature. Because soil temperatures change continually, the challenge for tomato growers was being able to distribute fertilizer over a vast amount of acreage at the precise moment the soil reaches optimal temperature.

Fertilizer Example (Cont.) In TRIZ terms, this problem presents as one of production rate vs temperature. If we look at the contradiction matrix, we find the intersection of production rate and temperature and infer four suggested principles to apply: #10: Preliminary Action (perform before needed) #21: Skipping #28: Mechanics Substitution #35: Parameter Changes (such as state changes)

Fertilizer Example (Cont.) These four principles would be investigated to see if they lead to any new ideas In this case, principle 10 leads to an excellent solution: If the fertilizer is packaged in capsules containing a liquefied gas, the capsules can be applied to the soil ahead of time. When the soil reaches optimum temperature, the gas expands, breaks the capsule, and releases the fertilizer.

Airbag Example It would take a while to go through the airbag example in detail See “Contradictions: Air Bag Applications” at http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/1997/07/a/index.html

Piping of Steel Shot Example Pipe for transporting steel shot Problem: Pipe wears out at spots from steel shot movement. Conflict: Shot must move, but movement causes wear. TRIZ Conflict Improving objective: Productivity (#39) Worsening objective: Loss of substance (#23)

Piping of Steel Shot Example (Cont.) Suggested principles: #10: Preliminary action, #23: Feedback, #35: Parameter changes, and #28: Mechanical interaction substitution -- Use electrical, magnetic fields to interact with object. Source: slides from Patsy Brackin, Rose-Hulman

Piping of Steel Shot Example (Cont.) Solution Place a magnet at high wear spots (corners) to adhere shot to pipe to create a coating. Source: slides from Patsy Brackin, Rose-Hulman

Final Remarks (Cont.) Try to avoid some of the common dysfunctions exhibited by development teams during concept generation, which include: Consideration of just a few alternatives, often proposed by the most assertive members of the team. Failure to consider carefully the usefulness of the concepts employed by other firms in related and unrelated products. Involvement of only one or two people in the process, resulting in a lack of confidence and commitment by the rest of the team. Ineffective integration of promising partial solutions. Failure to consider entire categories of solutions.

Final Remarks Thinking out of the box is severely over rated in my opinion; the real key is to make the box as large as possible, and make sure the right stuff is in the box! Triz is one tool that can help enlarge – and fill with the appropriate stuff – your box!

Grow Your Box! You Your company Your industry All industries The world All that can ever be known

"Because ideas have to be original only with regard to their adaptation to the problem at hand, I am always extremely interested in how others have used them." Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was one of the most prolific inventors in American history, holding more than 1,000 patents. He is best known for invention of a long burning light bulb and applying mass production and team work to the process of invention. Edison's inventions also included the phonograph and motion picture camera. This message on the cultural side of innovation is brought to you by ideaology www.ideaologists.com Marketing / Innovation Catalysts The Inventive Organization "Because ideas have to be original only with regard to their adaptation to the problem at hand, I am always extremely interested in how others have used them." Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was one of the most prolific inventors in American history, holding more than 1,000 patents. He is best known for invention of a long burning light bulb and applying mass production and team work to the process of invention. Edison's inventions also included the phonograph and motion picture camera. Editor's Note: William Kamkwamba knows that innovation isn't limited to space age technology. Ideas can be pulled forward from the past. They can also be adapted from another field or culture. The only key is that an idea must be original with regard to the problem at hand. Here are the highlights of Kamkwamba's story for those of you who can't click to see it yourself: Armed with a passion to do something to help his family and African community deal with a crippling drought, William focused on the only thing his town had in abundance -- wind. He devoured books in the library, showing how to construct a windmill, and headed out to the local dump. There, he gathered an odd variety of parts. Locals called him crazy, but William persevered. Now he has five windmills that generate electricity and pump water for his town. In his world, William Kamkwamba is as much an innovator in 2002 as Thomas Edison was in 1879. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/10/05/malawi.wind.boy/index.html Can you inventively create opportunities going backward into the past, forward into the future and sideways into other fields? If your inventive muscle is not balanced, practice in other directions to expand your inventive capacity. What can Ideaology do? Effective innovators have empowered relationships with failure, rules, open-ended exploration and resources that enable them to consider possibilities overlooked by others. Field experiences and experiments provide opportunities for participants of Ideaology's Experiential Learning Opportunities to distinguish and shift limiting attitudes. The result: expanded inventive capacities. Sue McPhail, APR, President ideaology

Closing This is intended to be a brief introduction to TRIZ. There is an awful lot more available on the topic readily available for anyone wanting to learn more! Time permitting, let’s take a look at some of the examples in Kraev’s Corner: Lesson 6

SIT Structured Inventive Thinking (SIT) is a method for developing creative solutions to technical problems. It is an outgrowth of the "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving" Triz was extensively revised and simplified, enabling the method to be learned in a significantly shorter time, and with less reliance on external databases.

SIT (Cont.) SIT aims to: focus the problem solver on the essence of the problem overcome psychological barriers to creative thinking enable the discovery of inventive solutions make the process an efficient one More info on SIT can be found on the web or on your company’s intranet

SIT Derailing Detector Example Background Braking system of trains includes a pipe that passes along the train, in which the air is at a pressure of 5 atmospheres. When the pressure drops, the train stops. Under emergency conditions (such as derailing), the air must be released very quickly. To ensure fast enough release of the air, it should exit through an opening that is at least 10 cm2. During normal operating conditions, this opening should be closed with a stopper. The stopper should be released by the air pressure itself. A new derailing detector has been developed. The idea is that in normal operation, the stopper is to held in place by the derailing detector, and when derailing occurs the detector stops exerting force on the stopper and it is released. The problem is that the derailing detector can exert only 0.5 Kgf, not enough to balance the 50 Kgf applied by the internal pressure.

SIT Derailing Detector Example (Cont.) Routine Ideas 1. To use a lever 2. To add more derailing detectors, each will support a smaller stopper 3. To squeeze the stopper in its place so that friction will carry out some of the load

SIT Derailing Detector Example (Cont.) Inventive solution is shown The stopper will be multiplied. The new copy (or copies) of this object will exert on the stopper a force that is identical and in opposite direction to the force exerted by air pressure 4. Determine the necessary modifications of the new copies of the selected object, so that it can carry out the desired operation: The new stopper should be slightly smaller than the original one so that the derailing detector will still have to carry some load .