The TRIZ Innovation Method - For Technical and Other Problems
The TRIZ method, whose full name is „Teorija Resenija Izobretatelszkih Zadacs” (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), is a systematic innovation methodology that helps find creative and effective solutions to technical and other problems. TRIZ was developed starting in the late 1940s by Genrich Altshuller, a Russian engineer who formulated the method based on the analysis of thousands of patents.
What makes TRIZ unique is its systematic approach to innovation and problem-solving, leveraging patterns and solution principles that have previously led to successful inventions.
The Essence of the TRIZ Method
The foundation of the TRIZ method is the observation that most inventions and innovations follow similar principles, and these principles can be organized into a system. Altshuller recognized that certain patterns frequently recur in solving technical problems, and these patterns can be applied to solve new problems. The goal of TRIZ is to accelerate creative processes by applying these principles and patterns, facilitating structured problem-solving.
Some key elements of the TRIZ method include:
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Resolving Contradictions: TRIZ recognizes that most innovative solutions resolve contradictions in some form. These contradictions can be technical (e.g., increasing a system's efficiency decreases its stability) or physical (e.g., increasing an object's temperature increases energy consumption).
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40 Inventive Principles: Altshuller identified 40 fundamental principles that can be used to solve most technical problems. These principles provide concrete guidelines on how to approach and resolve a problem.
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Ideal Final Result (IFR): The IFR concept suggests seeking the most ideal solution possible—one that achieves the desired outcome with minimal cost and fewest compromises, ideally solving the problem by itself without additional complexity.
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Utilizing Resources: TRIZ emphasizes maximizing the use of existing resources within the system or its environment during problem-solving.
The Circumstances of TRIZ's Development
Genrich Altshuller, a young Soviet engineer, began developing the TRIZ method after World War II. Working as a patent office clerk, he studied thousands of inventions and noticed that the same underlying principles often appeared behind many of them. Based on this realization, he started working on a system that approached inventions and innovations systematically. Altshuller's work was initially not supported by the Soviet authorities; in fact, he was imprisoned for political reasons, but he continued to develop TRIZ even while incarcerated. After his release, he continued refining and promoting the method.
TRIZ Case Studies and Examples
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Zipper Technology Improvement: One classic example of TRIZ application is the improvement of the zipper mechanism. Original zippers were prone to jamming or splitting. Using TRIZ, engineers developed redesign proposals that minimized such failures, for instance, by using new materials and optimizing the shape of the teeth.
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Wastewater Treatment Enhancement: Another example is the optimization of wastewater treatment. Existing systems consumed too much energy for water purification. Applying the TRIZ method led to solutions like reusing existing heat sources within the process, significantly reducing energy consumption.
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Automotive Innovation: In the automotive industry, TRIZ has been used to increase engine efficiency without increasing engine size or weight. In one specific case, TRIZ helped identify how certain engine components could be designed to serve multiple functions, thereby reducing system complexity and increasing efficiency.
Practical Application of TRIZ
Applying the TRIZ methodology first requires a detailed understanding of the problem. The problem is then typically defined in terms of contradictions and mapped to the TRIZ knowledge base, which contains solution patterns and principles. The next step often involves applying the 40 Inventive Principles to resolve the contradictions, followed by developing a solution aimed at achieving the Ideal Final Result (IFR).
While using TRIZ, problem solvers may encounter solution possibilities they hadn't previously considered. These new approaches often lead to innovative and effective solutions because TRIZ helps expand the boundaries of creative thinking.
The TRIZ method is an extremely useful tool for solving both technical and other types of problems. Through its systematic approach, it aids creative processes and enables the discovery of new and effective methods for problem-solving. Thanks to Altshuller's work, TRIZ has become a valuable tool not only in engineering practice but also in many other industries, contributing to continuous innovation and progress.