Free Online Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) Tool
A data-driven method for systematic innovation and invention.
What is TRIZ?
- TRIZ (Теория решения изобретательских задач), or "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving," is a systematic, data-driven methodology for innovation developed by Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues. Unlike traditional brainstorming approaches, TRIZ is based on analyzing patterns in millions of patents to identify universal principles of invention that transcend specific industries and technologies.
- The core premise of TRIZ is that most inventive problems contain inherent contradictions - situations where improving one parameter of a system inevitably worsens another. By systematically identifying and resolving these contradictions breakthrough solutions can be systematically discovered across all technical fields (using the Contradiction Matrix). For highly complex challenges, the ARIZ (Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving) provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure for tackling the problem and resolving physical contradictions (where a single component requires two opposing properties simultaneously). Furthermore, the Su-Field Analysis (Substance-Field) serves as a graphical model to simplify a technical system into interacting components (Substances and Fields), allowing users to systematically apply Inventive Standards to fix or improve ineffective interactions. Finally, the LDST (Laws of Development of Technical Systems) is a thinking framework that ensures comprehensive problem resolution by analyzing the evolution of technical systems through fundamental laws of development.
History & Origin
- TRIZ was developed by Genrich Altshuller beginning in 1946 while working as a patent examiner in the Soviet Navy. After analyzing thousands of patents across diverse technical fields, he discovered that inventive problems, regardless of their specific domain, were solved using a surprisingly small set of universal principles and patterns.
- Altshuller's revolutionary insight was that innovation follows predictable patterns rather than being random acts of genius. His team systematically analyzed over 200,000 patents to codify these patterns into the foundational TRIZ tools that form the basis of the methodology today.
- Key Historical Contributions:
- Genrich Altshuller (1946-1985): Developed the core TRIZ framework including the 40 Principles, Contradiction Matrix, and the ARIZ algorithm for complex problem solving
- Boris Zlotin & Alla Zusman (1980s-1990s): Advanced LDST (Laws of Development of Technical Systems) and expanded TRIZ applications
- Vladimir Petrov (1990s-2000s): Expanded the 76 Standard Solutions and refined the Su-Field methodology
- Victor Fey & Eugene Rivin (1990s): Adapted TRIZ for Western audiences and industrial applications
- Simon Litvin (2000s): Developed modern physical contradiction resolution methods and separation principles
- Valeri Souchkov & Michael Orloff (2000s): Refined function analysis and Su-Field modeling techniques
TRIZ Methodology & Tools
- The TRIZ methodology provides a structured approach to problem solving that guides innovators through a systematic process of analyzing problems, identifying contradictions, and applying proven solution patterns. The methodology integrates several powerful tools that work together to transform seemingly intractable problems into solvable challenges.
- LDST - Laws of Development of Technical Systems
LDST identifies fundamental laws that govern how technical systems evolve over time, helping innovators understand system dynamics and identify natural evolution paths based on Altshuller's original framework. - Ideal Final Result (IFR)
The IFR is a powerful concept that defines the perfect solution where the system performs its function without any drawbacks, costs, or harmful effects. Formulating the IFR helps innovators break psychological inertia and focus on the essential function rather than being constrained by existing implementations. - Technical Contradictions
Technical Contradictions occur when improving one parameter of a system causes another parameter to worsen. For example, making a car stronger typically makes it heavier. These contradictions are resolved using the Contradiction Matrix and 40 Inventive Principles, which provide specific guidance on how to overcome the trade-off. - 40 Inventive Principles
The 40 Principles represent the most common patterns of invention found across all technical fields, from Segmentation and Asymmetry to Phase Transitions and Composite Materials. Each principle provides concrete strategies for transforming systems to resolve contradictions and achieve breakthrough improvements. - Contradiction Matrix
The matrix systematically maps 39 improving parameters against 39 worsening parameters to suggest the most relevant principles for resolving specific technical contradictions. Modern versions (like the 2003 matrix) expand this to 48 parameters for greater precision and applicability to contemporary engineering challenges. - Physical Contradictions
Physical Contradictions occur when a single parameter requires opposite states or properties. For example, a coffee cup needs to be hot to keep coffee warm but cool to hold comfortably. These are resolved using Separation Principles (Separation in Space, Time, Condition, and System Level) that allow the contradictory requirements to be satisfied simultaneously. - 9 Windows (System Operator)
The 9 Windows tool analyzes systems across three time dimensions (past, present, future) and three system levels (sub-system, system, super-system). This structured thinking framework helps identify opportunities for innovation, anticipate future developments, and understand system evolution patterns. By considering all nine perspectives, innovators can break psychological inertia and discover solutions that might be missed when focusing only on the present system state. - Function Analysis
Function Analysis is a systematic method to map all interactions between components in a system. Each function is analyzed for its usefulness, harmfulness, or neutrality, and evaluated for performance (normal, insufficient, excessive). This creates a comprehensive model of the system that reveals problematic interactions, identifies opportunities for improvement, and provides a foundation for applying TRIZ solution tools effectively. - Su-Field Analysis
Developed from Altshuller's work on substance-field modeling, Su-Field analysis represents any technical system as interactions between three fundamental elements:- Substance 1 (S1): The object being acted upon or transformed
- Substance 2 (S2): The tool performing the action or causing the transformation
- Field (F): The energy or force causing the interaction between S1 and S2
- Knowledge Effects (Upcoming Feature)
This advanced tool will leverage scientific and engineering effects databases to suggest physical, chemical, or biological phenomena that can be applied to solve specific problems. By connecting problems with known scientific effects, innovators can discover breakthrough solutions based on proven principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific disciplines.
How to Use This Tool
- Load Example: Click "Load Example" above to populate all tools with sample data.
- Go to TRIZ Tools: Navigate to the "TRIZ Tools" tab to access all problem-solving tools.
- Step 1 - Define Problem: Describe the system, its primary useful function, and main drawback in simple, clear terms.
- Step 2 - LDST Analysis: Select a fundamental law of technical system development to get strategic guidance.
- Step 3 - Formulate Ideal Final Result (IFR): Define the ideal solution where the system performs its function without the drawback, costs, or harmful effects.
- Step 4 - 9 Windows Analysis: Analyze the system across three time dimensions (past, present, future) and three system levels (sub-system, system, super-system) to identify innovation opportunities.
- Step 5 - Function Analysis: Map all interactions between system components to identify problematic functions and improvement opportunities.
- Step 6 - Technical Contradiction: Identify when improving one feature makes another worse. Use the contradiction matrix to find inventive principles.
- Step 7 - Physical Contradiction: Identify when one feature needs opposite properties. Use separation principles to resolve.
- Step 8 - Su-Field Analysis: Model the problem as interactions between substances (S1, S2) and fields (F). Identify the problem type and get standard solutions.
- Generate Solutions: Click "Solve Problem & Generate Report" on the final tab to receive inventive principles tailored to your contradictions.
- Export: Once the report is generated, you can export it to Excel for your records and further analysis.
1. Define
ProblemAnalyze the system and its drawback
2. LDST
AnalysisApply fundamental laws of technical systems
3. Formulate
IFRDefine the Ideal Final Result
4. 9 Windows
Analyze system across time and levels
5. Function
AnalysisMap all system interactions
6. Technical
ContradictionImproving one feature worsens another
7. Physical
ContradictionOne feature needs opposite properties
8. Su-Field
AnalysisModel system interactions and apply standard solutions
TRIZ Problem-Solving Tools
Navigate through the 8-step TRIZ methodology using the tabs below:
1. Define the Problem
2. Laws of Development of Technical Systems (LDST)
Select the life cycle stage of your system to get the most relevant development laws according to Altshuller's classical framework.
Laws of Development of Technical Systems (LDST)
Source: Altshuller, G. S. (1984). Creativity as an Exact Science: The Theory of the Solution of Inventive Problems.
| Law # | Name | Description | Key Principles | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | System Integrity | System must have all essential parts and minimal connections | Completeness, Conductivity, Coordination | Combustion engine, writing system |
| 2 | Energy Conductivity | Energy must flow unobstructed through all parts | Eliminate intermediaries, Increase conductivity | Copper wires, gears, fiber optics |
| 3 | Harmony | Parts coordinated in rhythm, frequency and structure | Synchronization, Resonance | 4-stroke engine, multi-core processors |
| 4 | Ideality | More functions with fewer resources and complexity | Self-service, Multiple functions | Smartphones, electric vehicles |
| 5 | Uneven Development | Parts develop at different rates creating contradictions | Identify lagging subsystems | Processors vs memory, batteries vs screens |
| 6 | Transition to Supersystem | Systems integrate into larger supersystems | Integration, Expansion | Internet, integrated transport |
| 7 | Transition to Micro-Level | Development moves to microstructural levels and fields | Fragmentation, Field utilization | Transistors → nanochips, tools → nanobots |
| 8 | Increased S-Field Complexity | Evolution toward greater field and substance complexity | Add new fields, Combine fields | Mechanical → electrical → quantum |
3. Formulate Ideal Final Result (IFR)
4. 9 Windows Analysis
Analyze the system in three time dimensions (past, present, future) and three system levels (sub-system, system, super-system).
| Past | Present | Future | |
| Super-System | |||
| System | |||
| Sub-System |
Color Guide:
Super-System (Blue) |
System (Green) |
Sub-System (Red)
5. Function Analysis
Analyze the system through 5 systematic steps: Define main function, identify components, analyze interactions, create function table, and visualize the model.
Step 1: Main Function
Step 2: Component Analysis
Target Component: Not defined
Main Function: Not defined
System Components:
Components are parts with mass and fields.
Supersystem Components:
Components are parts with mass and fields.
Step 3: Interaction Analysis
Which components are in contact with the others, touch each other?
Define components in Step 2 first to see the interaction matrix.
Step 4: Functional Analysis (Tabular)
| Component (function carrier) | Action (Verb) | Target (Object of the Function) | Category (U=useful, H=harmful) |
Perform. level (I=insufficient, E=excessive, N=normal) |
Comment | Actions |
|---|
Step 5: Function Model Diagram
graph LR;
A[Define Components] --> B[Define Functions] --> C[Diagram will appear here]
Diagram Legend
System Component
Useful Function (Normal)
Useful Function (Excessive)
Harmful Function
6. Technical Contradiction
Improving one feature makes another worse. Use the contradiction matrix to find inventive principles.
Using Classic TRIZ Matrix - The original 39x39 matrix. Altshuller, G. S.
(1950-1980). 40
Principles: TRIZ Keys to Technical Innovation o The Innovation Algorithm: TRIZ,
Systematic
Innovation and Technical Creativity.
Click on a cell to select improving (row) and worsening (column) features. Hover your cursor over the cell to see more information
Selected:
None →
None
7. Physical Contradiction
One feature needs opposite properties. Use the intersection test algorithm to determine the best resolution strategy.
Step 1: Intersection Test (Space and Time)
Analyze the Operational Zones (OZ) and Operational Times (OT) where the two opposite demands (A and Anti-A) occur.
Complete Physical Contradiction Principles Reference
8. Su-Field Analysis
Model your problem as interactions between substances (S1, S2) and fields (F). Each system can have its own problem type.
Ready to Generate Solution?
This will gather all data from Define, LDST, IFR, 9 Windows, Function Analysis, Technical Contradiction, Physical Contradiction, and Su-Field analysis.