Short Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

• What is the core principle behind the evolution of technical systems according to the "Invention Factory Blue Print"?

• What are the two common-sense strategies derived from TRIZ that the author highlights?

• What are the three key components that define a technical solution, as outlined in the text?

• Explain the difference between the optimization criterion (K) and the evaluation criterion (L) in technical system evolution.

• Why is the "maximal" objective, achieved by removing constraints on existing systems, considered the highest stimulus for creative solutions?

• What is the purpose of a morphological map in the invention process?

• What is the significance of conducting patent searches and competitive product analysis in the development of an invention?

• Describe the four-step process for analyzing technical solutions outlined in the text.

• What is the importance of distinguishing between mandatory and auxiliary requirements when analyzing the quality of a technical system?

• How does the "Invention Factory Blue Print" suggest selecting the best technical solution from a range of possibilities?

Answer Key

• Technical systems evolve towards increased ideality, defined as the ratio of benefits to the sum of costs and harm. Systems strive to increase benefits while decreasing costs and harm.

• The two strategies are: a) formulating the Ideal Final Result (IFR), an implementation-free description of the problem's solution, and b) gradually departing from the IFR when it's unachievable, using methods to get as close as possible.

• A technical solution is defined by its: a) Function/Use, b) Components/Parts, and c) Characteristics (material, shape, dimensions, properties, color).

• The optimization criterion (K) is a parameter that changes toward an extreme value, driving system improvement. The evaluation criterion (L) sets mandatory quality limits for the function, ensuring basic functionality.

• Removing constraints opens up a broader range of possibilities, pushing boundaries and forcing inventors to consider unconventional solutions. This leads to greater innovation compared to simply optimizing existing systems.

• A morphological map visually organizes potential technical solutions for each function of an invention. It facilitates a systematic exploration of different combinations of solutions, fostering creativity and comprehensive analysis.

• Patent searches help determine the novelty of an idea and potential legal hurdles. Competitive product analysis reveals existing solutions, their costs, and market positioning, informing the inventor's strategy and highlighting potential differentiation.

• The four steps are: a) listing mandatory requirements for each partial function, b) eliminating incompatible partial solutions, c) creating a compatibility matrix for remaining solutions, and d) listing all viable combinations of partial solutions.

• Mandatory requirements are essential for the system's basic operation; their absence leads to system failure. Auxiliary requirements enhance performance, and their lack leads to decreased quality. This distinction ensures both functionality and optimization.

• The text advocates listing auxiliary requirements, ranking them by weight, evaluating each solution's compliance with these requirements on a scale, and calculating a selection criterion (M) by summing weighted compliance scores. The solution with the highest M is chosen.

Essay Questions

• Discuss the three most probable directions of evolution for the main parameters of a technical object, assuming a constant function.

• Explain the concept of the Ideal Final Result (IFR) in TRIZ and its role in guiding the invention process. Describe potential challenges in formulating and achieving the IFR.

• Analyze the importance of clear and unambiguous requirements in the development of a technical solution. Use examples to illustrate the consequences of ambiguous requirements.

• Explain the concept of a function tree and its application in analyzing the functions of a technical system. How does this process contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the system?

• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using the "trials and improvements" method versus a structured methodology like the one outlined in the "Invention Factory Blue Print" for developing an invention.

Glossary of Key Terms

Technical System
A set of interconnected components designed to perform a specific function or set of functions.

Ideality
In TRIZ, the ratio of benefits provided by a technical system to the sum of its costs and harmful effects.

Ideal Final Result (IFR)
An abstract description of the desired outcome of a problem, focusing on the ultimate goal without specifying implementation details.

Optimization Criterion (K)
A measurable parameter of a technical system that is targeted for maximization or minimization during the evolution of the system.

Evaluation Criterion (L)
A set of mandatory performance requirements that a technical system must meet to be considered functional.

Morphological Map
A table that visually represents all possible combinations of technical solutions for each function of a system, facilitating a systematic exploration of design options.

Mandatory Requirements
Essential conditions that a technical system must meet to function properly. Failure to meet these requirements will result in system failure. 

Auxiliary Requirements
Desirable features or characteristics that enhance the performance or quality of a technical system. Their absence will lead to diminished performance but not system failure.

 Function Tree
A hierarchical diagram that breaks down the main function of a technical system into a series of sub-functions and elementary functions, clarifies the system's operational structure.

 Selection Criterion (M)
A numerical value is calculated for each potential technical solution, representing its overall compliance with a set of weighted auxiliary requirements.

 Prototype
A preliminary model of a product or system, built to test and refine the design before full-scale production.

Patent
A legal document granting exclusive rights to an inventor for a limited time to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention.

Copyright
A legal right granted to the creator of original works, providing exclusive control over the reproduction, distribution, and adaptation of those works.

Trade Study
A systematic process used in systems engineering to evaluate multiple design alternatives based on a set of criteria and select the best option.

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