Additional TRIZ Tools

Additional TRIZ Tools:

The TRIZ methodology can be adapted to different kinds of problem solving. The method described before is relatively simple but forces the user to pre-formulate the problem in terms of standard engineering parameters. It rarely leads to an exhaustive set of solutions. It is used primarily to solve relatively easy problems. More difficult problems are solved with the following more precise tools.

ARIZ (Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving):

A systematic procedure for identifying solutions without apparent contradictions. Depending on the nature of the problem, anywhere from five to sixty steps may be involved. From an unclear technical problem, the underlying technical problem can be revealed. It can be used with levels two, three, and four problems. Basic steps are:

1. Formulate the problem

2. Transform the problem into a model

3. Analyze the model

4. Resolve physical contradictions

5. Formulate ideal solution

Su-Field Analysis:

        A tool for expressing function statements in terms of one object acting on another object. The objects are called substances and the action a field. Su-field analysis is helpful in identifying functional failures. By looking at actions as fields, undesirable or insufficient actions can be countered by applying opposing or an intensified fields.

Anticipatory Failure Determination (AFD):

        Prevention of unanticipated failures is important in new product development. AFD, in effect, invents failure mechanisms and then examines the possibilities of their actually occurring. Factors contributing to the failures can be eliminated with this highly pro-active technique.

Directed Product Evolution (DPE):

        Traditional technological forecasting tries to predict the "future characteristics of � machines, procedures, or techniques." It relies on surveys, simulations, and trends to create a probabilistic model of future developments. It gives a forecast, but does not invent the technology being forecasted.

        Altshuller, by studying hundreds of thousands of patents, was able to determine eight patterns of how technological systems develop over time. Based upon the patterns of how people think rather than what people think, DPE is like a road map into the future. Rather than predicting future technologies, one can systematically invent future technologies using DPE. The eight patterns of Directed Product Evolution are:

1.	Technology follows a life cycle of birth, growth, maturity, decline.
2.	Increasing ideality.
3.	Uneven development of subsystems resulting in contradictions.
4.	Increasing dynamism and controllability.
5.	Increasing complexity, followed by simplicity through integration.
6.	Matching and mismatching of parts.
7.	Transition from macrosystems to microsystems using energy fields to achieve better performance or control.
8.	Decreasing human involvement with increasing automation.

By analyzing the current technology level and contradictions in our products, TRIZ can be used to see the evolutionary progress and create the future. Direct Product Evolution can be used to develop patents for future technology before one's competitors.