What is TRIZ, a method for efficient invention?

good day (daytime greeting)What is TRIZ, and how is it an efficient method of invention?"　Here is a note about the

Have you ever heard of TRIZ?

TRIZ" used in problem-solving methods in developmentBut what exactly is TRIZ? And what methods does TRIZ actually use?

This article is compiled with my own desire to "study invention" again.　Please understand that the contents of this article are basic for those who have mastered TRIZ, but I am trying to explain in my own words the basic ideas and ways of capturing the TRIZ methodology.

What is TRIZ?

The Birth of TRIZ

Origin: Inventive problem solving theory originated in the former Soviet Union. A huge number of patents were investigated and the research results of those "inventions" are considered to be TRIZ. TRIZ is considered to be a guide that leads to results and the improvement of creative thinking skills (capability development).

Russian: Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch
English: Theory of solving inventive problems
Theory of inventive problem solving

*Theory: A theory is a method to explain a matter in a legal and unified manner.

TRIZ in a nutshell.

A method of solving new problems by systematizing (systematizing) ideas and methods of invention and problem solving from the past to the present.

or

It is a tool that "supports thinking" about the question "What should I do?" in various processes, and "teaches" how to generate ideas by applying several patterns.

When to use TRIZ

TRIZ is a "scientific" and "systematic" methodology to tackle problems by following a thought process. TRIZ is a "scientific" and "systematic" methodology, which allows us to tackle problems by following a thought process, which results in new approaches to problem solving and breakthroughs in obstacles.

Where TRIZ works

Problem solving is something we work on every day. TRIZ is particularly effective at levels 4 and 5 of the following five levels

1. Easy problem solving
2. Small scale improvements to existing
3. Major improvements to existing
4. Fundamental changes to existing
5. new discovery

Basic Concepts of TRIZ

One of the basic concepts of TRIZ is to "bring ideality closer to infinity.

What is Ideality?
Ideality is expressed by the equation "Ideality = Beneficial Effects / Harmful Effects." The greater the beneficial effect, the higher the ideality, and the smaller the harmful effect, the higher the ideality.

The TRIZ Way

Expanding the range of problems from the smallest to the largest
Minimum problem: A problem in which the objective is to be achieved without making any changes to the current conditions, assuming that everything is as it is now.
*Maximum problem: problem to be taken without making assumptions.

If you can make a breakthrough on the smallest problem, it is practical and inherently innovative problem solving.

Why TRIZ is considered difficult

TRIZ is considered difficult because it is a "systematic methodology" that encompasses a philosophy, a set of methods, and a knowledge database.

TRIZ is composed of three elements: "Thinking Processes," "Techniques," and "Knowledge Database," which are related to each other.

Thinking Process

• ARIZ: Procedures for "defining" and "redefining" problem situations, etc.

2. techniques in each process

3. knowledge database

• 40 Inventive Principles: A "set of rules" for resolving technical contradictions
• 76 standard solutions: "joseki" collection of typified problem solving
• Patterns of technological evolution: a "summary" of patterns of development and progress in technological progress
• IFECTS: "lists" of laws of natural science organized by purpose.

Technical and physical contradictions in TRIZ

Technical inconsistency: When you try to improve one characteristic, you get a characteristic that inhibits it.

Solution: Contradiction Matrix

Physical contradiction: refers to a case in which opposing characteristics are required in the same system.
Solution: Law of Separation

Many companies use TRIZ

There are many companies that use TRIZ as a company-wide approach to create innovative products and technologies in their technology development departments.

Although TRIZ is basically applied to "technical systems" as its scope of application, its application seems to be expanding to the fields of management decision-making and production formation.

TRIZ is a problem-solving strategy, so it is not enough to be able to do just that.

It is very difficult for small and medium-sized engineers like us to go beyond the boundaries of "existing products".
The reason for this is that inventing in response to needs has not taken root.

To go beyond the "framework" of existing products means to make them more attractive in terms of price and functionality, and we believe that a good way to do this is to use "TRIZ" to solve the problems that arise in "QFD," the process of planning products that sell.

I personally get happy when the answers I have developed in my own thinking hit the "Inventive Principle".

I am also faced with technical problems that cause "contradictions" on a daily basis, and I am very happy when, after much thought and consideration, I can confirm that the answer I have come up with fits the "Inventive Principles" of TRIZ.　And I am surprised to find that it is true with a very high probability.　It would be a shame not to know about TRIZ, I think.

The beauty of TRIZ is that you don't know how good it is until you try it.

Engineers don't like other people's ideas.

Simply put, TRIZ solves problems by referring to "other people's ideas," so many engineers are reluctant to try it. However, since ideas are something to be enjoyed, it is not necessary to check whether the answers to the questions in TRIZ are correct or not, but it is better to enjoy the process of generating those ideas.

How to handle the many ideas generated by TRIZ?

It is important to choose which of the many ideas that come up at that time. Also, in order to make the ideas effective, we need to consider what is needed now.

It is said that it is good to activate ideas that are needed depending on the factors required at that time, and we should also consider that ideas generated by TRIZ that were not adopted at that time can be reused when times change.

What we need to do to make TRIZ take root

TRIZ is difficult to challenge suddenly. This is because we think that we need a mechanism to use TRIZ naturally in our daily work, and after using TRIZ, we need a mechanism to naturally "back up" the products developed with TRIZ. We should "try to enjoy the ideas that come out," and it would be good if we could have a mechanism to review those ideas with other engineers.

That's it.

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