1 Addressing Secondary Problems – the Last Obstacle on the Way of Successful Problem Solving with TRIZ Boris Zlotin and Alla Zusman Ideation International [email protected]Abstract In Classical TRIZ, limited consideration was given to secondary issues arising in the process of problem solving (step 7.4 in ARIZ-85C recommending thinking about sub-problems that could appear during further development and implementation of the obtained solutions). Unfortunately, even comprehensive TRIZ courses were not long enough to pay proper attention to the last parts of ARIZ. Besides, typical training case studies lacked detail about the real system (situation) while students in most cases had to work with problems out of their professional areas making revealing secondary problems (possible side effects and other drawbacks associated with the obtained solution) on their own very difficult. Moreover, the most typical short TRIZ courses at best included one of the abridged versions of ARIZ from which these parts were typically dropped. At the same time, the importance of addressing secondary (consequent) problems has been increasing with widening practical (professional) application of TRIZ. In fact, the higher is the level of the obtained solution, the wider is the range of subsequent problems (in numbers and complexity) that must be resolved to ensure successful implementation. The proposed paper will address the most typical situations and types of secondary problems and practical recommendations on how to approach them. The paper also will include a number of practical cases illustrating the importance of formulating and prompt resolution of secondary problems.
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Addressing Secondary Problems – the Last Obstacle on the Way of Successful Problem Solving with TRIZ
Describe your problem in a single, simple phrase. Avoid using professional terminology – instead,
use “everyday” language such as that you would use to speak to a high-school science student.
2. Information about the system
2.1 System name
Name the system. (This determines the systemic level from which the problem will be considered).
2.2 System structure
Describe the system's structure by developing a description and associated drawing of the system.
The structure should be described in its static state (i.e., the condition when the system is not
operating). Be sure to indicate all subsystems and important elements.
2.3 Functioning of the system
Describe what the system was designed for – its Primary Useful Function – and the purpose of
performing the Primary Useful Function (i.e., the Primary Useful Function of the super-system).
Describe the functioning of the system, i.e., the system in its “dynamic” state.
2.4 System environment
Describe other systems that are near the system (or which might be near it often).
Describe other systems that interact with the system, especially sources of energy, substances, etc.
3. Information about the problem situation
3.1 Problem that should be resolved
Describe the problem you are faced with.
3.2 Mechanism causing the problem
Describe all known hypotheses (mechanisms) regarding the cause of this problem using “cause-and-
effect” chains.
3.3 Undesired consequences of unresolved problem
Describe the undesired consequences of the problem if it continues to go unresolved.
3.4 History of the problem
Describe the evolution of your system, starting from the moment when the problem first occurred.
Describe the decisions that changed the system from one without this problem to one with this
problem.
Describe all known attempts to eliminate, reduce or prevent the problem – especially the unsuccessful
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ones. State the reasons why these directions were unsuccessful.
3.5 Other systems in which a similar problem exists
Name systems in which similar problem exists, and answer the following questions: Has this problem
been solved? If yes, how was it solved? Why can’t such a solution to the problem you are facing?
3.6 Other problems to be solved
Imagine that the problem you are trying to address is unsolvable. Try to formulate other problems
which, if solved, would eliminate the need to solve the original problem.
4. Ideal vision of solution
Describe the ideal solution using the following template: Everything in the system remains unchanged
or becomes less complicated, while <describe a required function> appears, or <describe a harmful
function> disappears.
5. Available resources
Describe the resources of the system and its surroundings. (Resources are substances, energy,
functional characteristics, and other attributes of a system or its surroundings.)
6. Allowable changes to the system
Describe the allowable changes to the system.
Describe any limitations for changing the system.
7. Criteria for selecting solution concepts
Any process must have a measure for success. Some criteria are so obvious that they are not even
mentioned until they are violated by a developed solution concept. To avoid wasting time and effort
developing useless solution concepts, document the “success criteria” here.
8. Company business environment
Describe the company's products, markets, competition, clients, suppliers, facilities, process systems,
etc. related to the problem.
9. Project data
Project timeline: (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
Project team contact information (name, e-mail, phone, etc.)
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Appendix 2 Idealization (extraction from the Innovation WorkBench® software)
Idealization is a process that targets the ideal system, that is, a system that performs a required function without actually existing. Idealization allows you to approach the ideal situation as closely as possible given the available resources and imposed limitations.
To make your system more ideal, consider the following recommendations (Operators):
Exclude duplicate elements
Use more highly integrated subsystems
Exclude auxiliary functions:
Exclude correcting functions
Exclude preliminary functions
Exclude protective functions
Exclude housing functions
Exclude other auxiliary functions
Self-service
Self-interaction
Exclude elements
Use foam or empty space
Restoration
Consolidation of discrete subsystems
Simplify through total replacement (changing the principle of operation)
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About the Authors:
Mr. Zlotin received his MS in electrical engineering from St. Petersburg
Polytechnic University, Russia. He has over 30 years of experience in TRIZ
and is widely recognized in the TRIZ community and considered one of the
foremost theorists and TRIZ scientists in the world today. He is responsible
for the majority of the advances made to the methodology to date. He
facilitated solving of thousands of various problems, is the author or co-
author of 15 books on TRIZ and several patents and has conducted
numerous seminars, workshops, and lectures. He is the Chief scientist and
VP at Ideation International Inc.
Ms. Zusman received her MS in radio physics from St. Petersburg Polytechnic
University, Russia. She has over 14 years of experience in corporate R&D and
over 25 years of experience as a TRIZ expert with patent education. She is
one of the main contributors to the development of TRIZ applications--
specifically to ARIZ, the patterns of systems evolution, AFD and DE
methodology, and the TRIZSoft® family of software. She is the author or co-
author of 14 books on TRIZ and several patents and has conducted numerous
seminars, workshops, and lectures. She is the Director of TRIZ products