Advanced TRIZ Tools

Advanced TRIZ Tools

Reference for Su-Field Analysis, 76 Standard Solutions, ARIZ, and Evolution Trends.

Table of Contents

1. Su-Field Analysis
2. 76 Standard Solutions
3. ARIZ Algorithm
4. Evolution Trends

Su-Field Analysis

Overview

Su-Field (Substance-Field) Analysis models technical systems as interactions between substances and fields.

Basic Structure

A minimal working system requires 3 elements:

     F (Field)
       ↓
S1 ←—————→ S2
(Tool)    (Object)

• S1: Tool (the acting substance)
• S2: Object (the substance being acted upon)
• F: Field (the energy/means of interaction)

Types of Fields

Problem Models

Incomplete Su-Field

Problem: System has only 1-2 elements.

Missing F:   S1 .... S2    → Add a field
Missing S:   F → S1        → Add a tool substance

Solution: Complete the Su-Field by adding missing element.

Insufficient Su-Field

Problem: Interaction is weak or ineffective.

Solutions:

1. Replace F with stronger field
2. Add another field (F2)
3. Modify S1 or S2
4. Add ferromagnetic particles + magnetic field

Harmful Su-Field

Problem: Unwanted harmful effect exists.

     F (harmful)
       ↓
S1 ←——×——→ S2

Solutions:

1. Insert S3 between S1 and S2
2. Add F2 to counteract harmful F
3. Modify S1 or S2 to be unaffected
4. Eliminate source of harm

76 Standard Solutions

Overview

The 76 Standard Solutions are organized into 5 classes based on problem type.

Class Structure

Class 1: Building/Destroying Su-Fields (13 standards)

1.1 Building Su-Fields

• 1.1.1: If object is hard to change, add easily-changed substance
• 1.1.2: If system needs internal additive, use existing internal resources
• 1.1.3: If external additive needed, use existing external resources
• 1.1.4: Use environmental resources
• 1.1.5: Add temporary additives
• 1.1.6: Use large quantity of cheap substance
• 1.1.7: Use field instead of substance
• 1.1.8: Use combination of fields

1.2 Destroying Su-Fields

• 1.2.1: Eliminate harmful effect by adding S3
• 1.2.2: Eliminate harmful effect by modifying S1 or S2
• 1.2.3: Counteract harmful field with opposite field
• 1.2.4: Turn harmful action into useful
• 1.2.5: De-activate harmful field by using another field

Class 2: Improving Su-Fields (23 standards)

2.1 Transition to complex Su-Fields

• Add chain of substances
• Add parallel substances

2.2 Increasing field effectiveness

• Use ferromagnetic particles + magnetic field
• Use capillary/porous structures
• Increase segmentation

2.3 Rhythmic coordination

• Match rhythms/frequencies of actions
• Use resonance

2.4 Use of ferromagnetic materials

• Replace ordinary substance with ferromagnetic
• Use magnetic fluid

Class 3: System Transitions (6 standards)

• Transition to bi-system or poly-system
• Develop links between systems
• Transition to micro-level
• Add empty space (voids)
• Use phase transitions
• Use physical/chemical effects

Class 4: Detection and Measurement (17 standards)

4.1 Indirect methods

• Measure copies/images instead of object
• Measure related parameters

4.2 Adding elements

• Add easily-detectable substances
• Use markers

4.3 Improving measurements

• Use field changes for detection
• Use resonance phenomena

Class 5: Helpers/Simplification (17 standards)

5.1 Using derivatives

• Use by-products
• Use fields from object

5.2 Introducing voids

• Inflatable/porous structures
• Use negative space

5.3 Phase/state changes

• Use dual-state substances
• Exploit transition phenomena

ARIZ Algorithm

Overview

ARIZ (Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving) is the most powerful TRIZ tool for complex problems. Current version: ARIZ-85C.

When to Use

• 85% of problems can be solved with simpler tools
• Use ARIZ for remaining 15% (most complex problems)
• Use when Contradiction Matrix doesn't provide solution

The 9 Parts of ARIZ

Part 1: Problem Analysis

1. Define the mini-problem
2. Identify conflicting elements
3. Make graphical models
4. Choose a conflict (if multiple)

Part 2: Problem Model Analysis

1. Identify operational zone
2. Identify operational time
3. Define substance-field resources

Part 3: Ideal Final Result (IFR)

1. Formulate IFR: "X-element, without complicating the system, eliminates [harm] while maintaining [useful action]"
2. Intensify the formulation
3. Define physical contradiction

Part 4: Mobilizing Resources

1. List resources in operational zone
2. Model with Su-Field analysis
3. Consider system, supersystem, environment resources

Part 5: Apply Knowledge Base

1. Use physical effects database
2. Apply 76 Standard Solutions
3. Use Contradiction Matrix
4. Consider analogous problems

Part 6: Change or Reformulate Problem

1. If stuck, reformulate problem
2. Consider dual problem
3. Return to Part 1 with new formulation

Part 7: Analyze Solution Method

1. Evaluate solution quality
2. Compare to IFR
3. Check for new contradictions

Part 8: Apply Solution

1. Determine implementation requirements
2. Analyze subsystem changes
3. Analyze supersystem changes

Part 9: Analyze Problem-Solving Process

1. Compare actual path to ideal
2. Document lessons learned
3. Update knowledge base

Key ARIZ Concepts

Mini-Problem: Simplify by keeping existing system, just eliminate deficiency.

Physical Contradiction Intensification:

• Must be [Property] to do X
• Must be [Opposite Property] to do Y
• Make properties as extreme as possible

Separation Principles:

• In time
• In space
• In condition
• In scale/level

Evolution Trends

Overview

Technical systems evolve following predictable patterns. Use these to forecast and guide innovation.

The 8 Laws of Technical System Evolution

1. S-Curve Stages

All technologies follow 4 stages:

Performance
    ↑
    |           ╭────── Maturity/Decline
    |         ╱
    |       ╱   Growth
    |     ╱
    |   ╱
    | ╱ Infancy
    +─────────────────→ Time

2. Increasing Ideality

Systems evolve toward higher ideality:

Ideality = (Sum of Benefits) / (Sum of Cost + Harm)

Ultimate: Ideal system doesn't exist, but function is delivered.

3. Non-Uniform Development of Parts

Different parts evolve at different rates. Weakest parts limit system performance.

Action: Identify and improve limiting subsystems.

4. Increasing Dynamism and Controllability

Evolution path:

Rigid → Jointed → Flexible → Fluid → Field-based

Examples:

• Solid → hinged → bendable → liquid → electromagnetic
• Manual → semi-auto → automatic → AI-controlled

5. Increasing Complexity Then Simplification

Simple → Complex → Simplified (integrated)

First: add functions/parts Then: integrate, trim, optimize

6. Matching and Mismatching Parts

Parts must match for efficient energy transfer. Deliberately mismatch for new effects.

7. Transition to Micro-Level

Macro → Micro → Nano → Field

Examples:

• Mechanical switches → transistors → molecular switches
• Bulk materials → particles → molecules → fields

8. Increasing Human Involvement Then Reduction

Manual → Tool-aided → Mechanized → Automated → Autonomous

Additional Evolution Trends

Using Evolution Trends

1. Locate current position on evolution curves
2. Identify next step from trends
3. Generate ideas using suggested direction
4. Combine trends for breakthrough innovation

Example: Mobile Phone Evolution

Choosing the Right Tool