The Ultimate Guide to TRIZ for Engineers: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques
What is TRIZ and why do engineers need it?
TRIZ is a Russian acronym that stands for Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. It is a systematic method that helps engineers find creative and effective solutions to complex engineering problems. TRIZ was developed by Genrich Altshuller, a Soviet engineer and inventor, who analyzed thousands of patents and discovered that most inventions follow certain patterns and principles. He then organized these patterns and principles into a set of tools that can be applied to any engineering problem.
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TRIZ has many benefits for engineers who want to improve their problem-solving skills and innovation capabilities. Some of these benefits are:
TRIZ helps engineers define the problem clearly and precisely, avoiding vague or ambiguous statements.
TRIZ helps engineers analyze the system in which the problem occurs, identifying its components, functions, interactions, and contradictions.
TRIZ helps engineers generate a large number of potential solutions, using various techniques such as analogy, abstraction, reversal, combination, elimination, etc.
TRIZ helps engineers evaluate and select the best solution, using criteria such as ideality, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.
TRIZ helps engineers learn from other inventors and industries, using a database of 40 inventive principles and 76 standard solutions that cover most engineering problems.
In this article, we will explain how to use TRIZ for engineering problem-solving, how to learn TRIZ for engineers, and how to download TRIZ for engineers PDFs.
How to use TRIZ for engineering problem-solving
TRIZ consists of four main steps that can be applied to any engineering problem. These steps are:
Define the problem
Analyze the system
Generate solutions
Evaluate and select solutions
We will describe each step in detail below.
Define the problem
The first step of TRIZ is to define the problem clearly and precisely. This means identifying the ideal final result (IFR) and the contradictions that prevent it. The IFR is the desired state of the system or the product, where all the needs and requirements are met, and all the drawbacks and limitations are eliminated. The contradictions are the trade-offs or conflicts that arise when trying to achieve the IFR, such as increasing one parameter while decreasing another, or satisfying one customer while dissatisfying another.
For example, suppose you are an engineer who wants to design a new bicycle. Your IFR might be a bicycle that is fast, comfortable, safe, durable, lightweight, cheap, and environmentally friendly. However, you might face some contradictions, such as:
If you increase the speed of the bicycle, you decrease its safety.
If you increase the comfort of the bicycle, you increase its weight.
If you increase the durability of the bicycle, you increase its cost.
If you increase the environmental friendliness of the bicycle, you decrease its performance.
To define the problem using TRIZ, you need to write a clear and concise statement that includes the IFR and the contradictions. For example:
How to design a bicycle that is fast, comfortable, safe, durable, lightweight, cheap, and environmentally friendly, without compromising any of these parameters?
Analyze the system
The second step of TRIZ is to analyze the system in which the problem occurs. This means identifying its components, functions, interactions, and contradictions. A system is a set of elements that work together to achieve a common goal or perform a common function. A component is an element of the system that has a specific function or role. A function is an action or effect that a component performs or produces. An interaction is a relation or influence between two or more components. A contradiction is a conflict or trade-off between two or more components or functions.
To analyze the system using TRIZ, you need to use two main tools: the 40 inventive principles and the contradiction matrix. The 40 inventive principles are a set of general guidelines that can help you find potential solutions to any engineering problem. They are based on the patterns and principles that Altshuller discovered from analyzing thousands of patents. The contradiction matrix is a table that shows which inventive principles are most likely to solve a specific contradiction. It is based on the statistical analysis of how often each inventive principle was used to solve each type of contradiction in patents.
For example, suppose you are still working on the bicycle problem. To analyze the system using TRIZ, you need to do the following:
Identify the components of the system (e.g., frame, wheels, pedals, brakes, gears, etc.)
Identify the functions of each component (e.g., frame supports weight, wheels provide motion, pedals transfer power, brakes control speed, gears change resistance, etc.)
Identify the interactions between components (e.g., frame connects wheels, pedals connect gears, brakes affect wheels, etc.)
Identify the contradictions between components or functions (e.g., frame vs. weight, speed vs. safety, comfort vs. performance, etc.)
Select one contradiction to focus on (e.g., speed vs. safety)
Use the contradiction matrix to find which inventive principles are most likely to solve this contradiction (e.g., #10 Preliminary Action: perform some action before it is needed; #15 Dynamics: change or adjust characteristics according to conditions; #35 Parameter Changes: change physical or chemical parameters; #39 Inert Atmosphere: replace normal environment with inert one)
Pick one inventive principle and apply it to your problem (e.g., #10 Preliminary Action: add a sensor that detects obstacles and activates brakes automatically)
Generate solutions
Use the substance-field analysis to represent your system using substances (e.g., frame, wheels, pedals, brakes, gears, etc.), fields (e.g., mechanical, electrical, magnetic, etc.), and functions (e.g., support, motion, power, speed, resistance, etc.)
Identify the substance-field model that corresponds to your problem (e.g., a substance that performs a harmful function on another substance)
Use the standard solution to modify your substance-field model (e.g., introduce a new substance that performs a useful function on the harmful substance)
Translate your modified substance-field model into a concrete solution (e.g., add a sensor that detects obstacles and activates brakes automatically)
Repeat this process for other inventive principles and standard solutions that you want to use (e.g., #15 Dynamics and #15.1 Divide an object into parts capable of movement relative to each other; #35 Parameter Changes and #35.1 Change an object's physical state; #39 Inert Atmosphere and #39.1 Replace a normal environment with an inert one)
By using these tools, you can generate many possible solutions for your problem. For example, some of the solutions that you might come up with are:
Add a sensor that detects obstacles and activates brakes automatically (#10 Preliminary Action and #10.1 Introduce a substance or object that will perform the required action at a given time)
Add a suspension system that adjusts the comfort and performance of the bicycle according to the road conditions (#15 Dynamics and #15.1 Divide an object into parts capable of movement relative to each other)
Add a pneumatic tire that can change its shape and pressure depending on the speed and terrain (#35 Parameter Changes and #35.1 Change an object's physical state)
Add a solar panel that powers the bicycle and reduces its environmental impact (#39 Inert Atmosphere and #39.1 Replace a normal environment with an inert one)
Evaluate and select solutions
The fourth and final step of TRIZ is to evaluate and select the best solution for your problem. This means comparing and ranking the solutions that you generated in the previous step, using criteria such as ideality, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. Ideality is the degree to which a solution achieves the IFR and eliminates the contradictions. Feasibility is the degree to which a solution can be implemented in reality, considering technical, economic, social, ethical, legal, and environmental factors. Cost-effectiveness is the degree to which a solution provides more benefits than costs, considering both short-term and long-term effects.
To evaluate and select solutions using TRIZ, you need to use a simple tool: the decision matrix. The decision matrix is a table that shows how each solution scores on each criterion. It helps you compare and rank the solutions objectively and systematically.
For example, suppose you are still working on the bicycle problem. To evaluate and select solutions using TRIZ, you need to do the following:
List all the solutions that you generated in the previous step (e.g., sensor-brake system, suspension system, pneumatic tire, solar panel)
List all the criteria that you want to use to evaluate the solutions (e.g., ideality, feasibility, cost-effectiveness)
Assign weights to each criterion according to their importance (e.g., ideality = 0.4, feasibility = 0.3, cost-effectiveness = 0.3)
Score each solution on each criterion using a scale from 1 to 10 (e.g., sensor-brake system: ideality = 8, feasibility = 7, cost-effectiveness = 6)
Multiply the scores by the weights and add them up to get the total score for each solution (e.g., sensor-brake system: total score = 8 x 0.4 + 7 x 0.3 + 6 x 0.3 = 7.1)
Rank the solutions according to their total scores from highest to lowest (e.g., sensor-brake system: rank = 1)
Select the solution with the highest rank as the best solution for your problem (e.g., sensor-brake system)
By using this tool, you can evaluate and select the best solution for your problem. For example, the decision matrix for the bicycle problem might look like this:
Solution
Ideality (0.4)
Feasibility (0.3)
Cost-effectiveness (0.3)
Total score
Rank
Sensor-brake system
8
7
6
7.1
1
Suspension system
7
8
5
6.6
2
Pneumatic tire
6
9
4
6.1
3
Solar panel
5
6
7
5.9
4
How to learn TRIZ for engineers
If you are interested in learning more about TRIZ and how to use it for engineering problem-solving, you might be wondering where to start and what resources to use. There are many books, online courses, websites, and blogs that can help you learn TRIZ for engineers. Here are some of the best ones that we recommend:
Books on TRIZ for engineers
Books are a great way to learn TRIZ for engineers, as they provide comprehensive and in-depth explanations of the concepts and tools of TRIZ, as well as examples and exercises to practice your skills. Some of the books that we recommend are:
The Innovation Algorithm: TRIZ, Systematic Innovation and Technical Creativity by Genrich Altshuller. This is the classic book on TRIZ by its founder, Genrich Altshuller. It covers the history and philosophy of TRIZ, as well as the main tools and techniques of TRIZ, such as the 40 inventive principles, the contradiction matrix, the substance-field analysis, and the 76 standard solutions. It also includes many case studies and examples of how TRIZ was used to solve real engineering problems.
The TRIZ Handbook: A Practical Guide for Engineers by Dana W. Clarke. This is a practical and user-friendly book on TRIZ that focuses on how to apply TRIZ to engineering problems. It covers the four steps of TRIZ problem-solving, as well as some advanced tools and techniques of TRIZ, such as ARIZ (Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving), S-Field Modeling (Substance-Field Modeling), Su-Field Analysis (Substance-Field Analysis), and Trends of Engineering System Evolution. It also includes many exercises and examples of how TRIZ was used to solve real engineering problems.
The Art of Inventing (And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared) by Genrich Altshuller. This is a fun and entertaining book on TRIZ that uses stories and anecdotes to illustrate the concepts and tools of TRIZ. It covers the basics of TRIZ, such as the ideal final result, the contradictions, the 40 inventive principles, and the contradiction matrix. It also includes many puzzles and quizzes to test your knowledge and creativity.
Online courses on TRIZ for engineers
Online courses are another great way to learn TRIZ for engineers, as they provide interactive and flexible learning opportunities that can fit your schedule and pace. Some of the online courses that we recommend are:
TRIZ for Engineers by Coursera. This is a comprehensive and engaging online course on TRIZ that covers the theory and practice of TRIZ for engineering problem-solving. It covers the four steps of TRIZ problem-solving, as well as some advanced tools and techniques of TRIZ, such as ARIZ, S-Field Modeling, Su-Field Analysis, and Trends of Engineering System Evolution. It also includes many quizzes, assignments, and projects to help you apply TRIZ to real engineering problems.
TRIZ Basics: Theory of Inventive Problem Solving by Udemy. This is a concise and practical online course on TRIZ that covers the basics of TRIZ for engineering problem-solving. It covers the four steps of TRIZ problem-solving, as well as the main tools and techniques of TRIZ, such as the 40 inventive principles, the contradiction matrix, the substance-field analysis, and the 76 standard solutions. It also includes many examples and exercises to help you practice your skills.
TRIZ Fundamentals by edX. This is a beginner-friendly and accessible online course on TRIZ that covers the fundamentals of TRIZ for engineering problem-solving. It covers the history and philosophy of TRIZ, as well as the main tools and techniques of TRIZ, such as the ideal final result, the contradictions, the 40 inventive principles, and the contradiction matrix. It also includes many videos, animations, and interactive activities to help you learn and enjoy TRIZ.
Websites and blogs on TRIZ for engineers
Websites and blogs are another great way to learn TRIZ for engineers, as they provide up-to-date and relevant information and insights on TRIZ, as well as tips and tricks to improve your problem-solving skills. Some of the websites and blogs that we recommend are:
The Triz Journal. This is a website that publishes articles, news, events, reviews, and resources on TRIZ. It covers various topics related to TRIZ, such as innovation management, product development, process improvement, quality control, patent analysis, etc. It also features interviews with experts and practitioners of TRIZ from different industries and fields.
The Triz Blog. This is a blog that shares stories, experiences, opinions, and advice on TRIZ. It covers various aspects of TRIZ, such as its history, philosophy, applications, challenges, trends, etc. It also features guest posts from experts and practitioners of TRIZ from different industries and fields.
The Triz Site. This is a website that provides information and resources on TRIZ. It covers the basics and advanced topics of TRIZ, such as the 40 inventive principles, the contradiction matrix, the substance-field analysis, the 76 standard solutions, ARIZ, S-Field Modeling, Su-Field Analysis, and Trends of Engineering System Evolution. It also includes many examples and case studies of how TRIZ was used to solve real engineering problems.
How to download TRIZ for engineers PDFs
If you are looking for TRIZ for engineers PDFs that you can download and read offline, you might be wondering where to find them and how to download them. There are many sources and methods for downloading TRIZ for engineers PDFs. Here are some of the best ones that we recommend:
Why download TRIZ for engineers PDFs?
Downloading TRIZ for engineers PDFs has many advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages are:
You can access them anytime and anywhere, even without an internet connection.
You can save them on your device or print them out for your convenience.
You can highlight, annotate, or bookmark them for your reference.
You can share them with others who might be interested in TRIZ.
Some of the disadvantages are:
You might need to pay a fee or register an account to download them from some websites.
You might need to install a PDF reader or converter software on your device to open or edit them.
You might need to check the quality and accuracy of the PDFs before downloading them.
You might need to respect the copyright and fair use policies of the authors and publishers of the PDFs.
Where to download TRIZ for engineers PDFs?
There are many reliable and legal websites that offer TRIZ for engineers PDFs that you can download for free or for a fee. Some of the websites that we recommend are:
The Triz Journal. This website offers a collection of articles on TRIZ that you can download as PDFs for free. You can browse the articles by category, date, author, or keyword. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to get the latest articles on TRIZ delivered to your inbox.
The Triz Site. This website offers a collection of books on TRIZ that you can download as PDFs for free. You can browse the books by title, author, language, or keyword. You can also request a book that is not available on the website.
Amazon Kindle Store. This website offers a collection of books on TRIZ that you can buy as PDFs or e-books. You can browse the books by category, rating, price, or keyword. You can also read reviews and previews of the books before buying them. You need to have an Amazon account and a Kindle device or app to access the books.
How to download TRIZ for engineers PDFs?
The process of downloading TRIZ for engineers PDFs varies depending on the website that you use. However, here are some general steps that you can follow:
Go to the website that offers the PDF that you want to download.
Search for the PDF by title, author, keyword, or category.
Select the PDF that you want to download and click on it.
Follow the instructions on the website to download the PDF. You might need to pay a fee or register an account to access some PDFs.
Save the PDF on your device or print it out if you prefer.
Open the PDF with a PDF reader or converter software on your device or online.
Enjoy reading and learning from the PDF!
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what TRIZ is and why engineers need it. We have also shown how to use T