Can some principles in TRIZ be generalized or combined so that we can have a more simplified model to learn and to use? The first few priciples reminds me about the whole-part relationships I learned from artifical intelligence, so I try to use this kind of whole-part idea to generalize the TRIZ priciples.
In below whole-part model, “whole” can refer to the whole object, whole time period, or whole sequence of actions.
Here is the model:
1. Divide the original “whole” into parts, where each part has its own characteristics.
2. Identify important characteristics of each part.
3. Identify important interactions between parts (system view).
4. Add new / replace parts to enhance the original “whole”.
5. Add new / modify the characteristics of a part.
This whole-part model may have some relationships with different fields including granular computing in artificial intelligence, system biology where proteins interact with other proteins, and possibly related to intelligent design. (This inspires me to create another blog to discuss about the relationship between intelligent design and creativity.)
Here is the details of the model which includes some examples:
1. Divide the original “whole” into parts, where each part has its own characteristics.
TRIZ principles that are generalized: 1, 4, 10, 15, 19, 24, 34
E.g.:
· Sectional furniture, modular computer components, folding wooden ruler
· Garden hoses can be joined together to form any length needed
· Make one side of a tire stronger than the other to withstand impact with the curb
· Utility knife blade made with a groove allowing the dull part of the blade to be broken off, restoring sharpness
· A flashlight with a flexible gooseneck between the body and the lamp head.
· A warning lamp flashes so that it is even more noticeable than when continuously lit
· Rocket boosters separate after serving their function
2. Identify important characteristics of each part
TRIZ principles that are generalized: 2
E.g.:
· To frighten birds away from the airport, use a tape recorder to reproduce the sound known to excite birds. (The sound is thus separated from the birds.)
3. Identify important interactions between parts (system view)
4. Add new / replace parts to enhance the original “whole”
TRIZ principles that are generalized: 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 17, 38, 39, 40.
E.g.:
· A pencil and eraser in one unit.
· The working element of a rotary excavator has special steam nozzles to defrost and soften the frozen ground
· Sofa which converts into a bed
· A rear wing in racing cars which increases pressure from the car to the ground
· Merchandise is magnetized to deter shoplifting.
· A greenhouse which has a concave reflector on the northern part of the house to improve illumination of that part of the house by reflecting sunlight during the day.
· To obtain more heat from a torch, oxygen is fed to the torch instead of atmospheric air
· To prevent cotton from catching fire in a warehouse, it is treated with inert gas while being transported to the storage area.
· Military aircraft wings are made of composites of plastics and carbon fibers for high strength and low weight
5. Add new / modify the characteristics of a part
Some special characteristics:
· Nesting (Contain the object inside another)
TRIZ principles that are generalized: 7, 12, 13, 14, 18, 25, 27, 29, 32, 35
E.g.:
· Telescoping antenna
· Chairs which stack on top of each other for storage
· Automobile engine oil is changed by workers in a pit to avoid using expensive lifting equipment
· Replace linear parts or flat surfaces with curved ones; replace cubical shapes with spherical shapes
· Set an object into oscillation such as a vibrating toothbrush
· Replace an expensive object by a collection of inexpensive ones, forgoing properties such as disposable diapers
· For shipping fragile products, air bubble envelopes or foam-like materials are used.
· Change the color or its surroundings
Note:
Principles in TRIZ that are not classified in our model include 9, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 36, and 37. Some of these principle may be too domain specific to engineering problems.
In summary, this is my rough idea in using whole-part model in generalize TRIZ priciples. Without go back to fine tune this idea, I think the next important question is how to use this whole-part model in creative problem solving. I am going to work on this issue.
A related book:
No comments:
Post a Comment