Theory of Inventive Problem Solving

Theory of Inventive Problem Solving

Abstract

Creative thinkers are distinguished by their ability to synthesize new combinations of ideas and concepts into meaningful and useful forms. Engineering creativity is more akin to inventiveness than research. Contrary to the popular might that creative ideas arrive with flash like spontaneity, most creative idea occur by a slow, deliberate process that can be cultivated and enchanted with study and practice. Edison has made a famous comments, "Invention is 95% perspiration and 5% inspiration".

Improving creativity is a popular endeavor and one important and useful approach is TRIZ. TRIZ is an Russian acronym of the Theory of inventive problem solving. It is a creative problem - solving methodology especially tailored for scientific and engineering problems. This approach was developed by Genrich Altshuller and his coworkers which rules out the need of any compromise traditionally made in technical contractions or system conflicts e.g. conflict between reliability vs complexity, productivity vs accuracy, strength vs ductility.

Altshuller identified that only AO inventive principles are sufficient to overcome all the different types of system conflicts. TRIZ method consists of a series of tools; out of which

• The idea of contradictions
• The algorithm of inventive problem solving (ARIZ) are explained in this writing. A case study of a metal pipe which was used to pneumatically transport plastic pellets and later on a change in the process required that metal powder now be used with the pipe instead off plastic, explains the soul and methodology of TRIZ. Lastly the ARIZ which is the main analytical and solution tool of TRIZ is explained.

Introduction

The theory of inventive problem solving, is n Russian acronym of TRIZ. It is a creative problem-solving methodology especially tailored for scientific and engg. problems. This approach as developed by Genrich Altshuller and his coworkers in Russia starting around 1946.

As the start of a problem-solving process we are faced with an initial situation involving certain disadvantages that need to be eliminated, traditionally these disadvantages can be resolved with trade off's (or compromise) but TRIZ aims at eliminating the need for such compromise.

Classification of Area of Problem solving & TRIZ Genrich Altshuller and has coworkers studied over 1.5 million patents, worldwide organized the problem solutions from the patent literature into five levels.

LEVEL 1 : Routine design solution arrived at by methods well known in the specially area. (30% of total)
LEVEL 2 : Minor corrections to an existing system by methods known in the industry. (45% of total)
LEVEL 3 : Fundamental improvements to an existing system which resolve contradictors within the industry. (20% of total)
LEVEL 4 : Solutions based on applications off new scientific principle to perform the primary functions of the design. (4% of total)
LEVEL 5 : Pioneering inventions based on rare scientific discovery. (Less than 1% of total)

TRIZ is aimed at improving design concepts at levels 3 & 4, where straight application of good engg. practice doesn't yield acceptable results. Such problems typically contain a fundamental technical contradict where improving are attribute of a system degrades another e.g. aircraft crashworthiness and light weight Traditionally technical contradictions are resolved with trade-offs, but TRIZ aims at eliminating the need for such compromise.

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