open2012 bio-triz

1Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012

Extending the TRIZ Methodology to Connect Engineering Design Problems to

Biological Solutions

Jonathan Weaver1, Darrell Kleinke1, and Terri Lynch-Caris2

1 University of Detroit Mercy Mechanical Engineering Department2Kettering University Industrial Engineering Department

2Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012

Outline

• The Need• Triz from 35,000 ft• Handling Physical Contradiction• Handling Technical Contradiction• Blending Biomimicry and Triz• Conclusion & Invitation to Collaborate

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The Need

• Some engineers are versed in TRIZ and routinely apply its methodologies when trying to innovate

• Others look to nature for inspiration• Both approaches can be effective, yet very few are well-

versed in both approaches• We propose a framework to extend the TRIZ

methodology to point engineers to not only relevant man-made examples, but also to potential inspiration from nature

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TRIZ from 35,000 feet

• Tough problems typically involve contradictions• A contradiction can be either physical or technical• Physical contradiction involves a conflict between two

mutually exclusive physical requirements to the same parameter of an element of the system (i.e., an element should be hot and cold)

• Technical contradiction involves a conflict between characteristics within a system whereby improving one parameter of the system results in deterioration of another parameter (i.e., increasing power also increases mass)

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Handling Physical Contradiction

• Altshuller recommends considering four principles:– Separation of contradictory properties in time or on

condition– Separation of contradictory properties in space– System transformations (or separation between the

parts and the whole)– Phase transformation, or physical-chemical

transformation of substances

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Approach for Handling Technical Contradiction

• Using the set of 39 engineering parameters, state the contradiction in the form improving [first parameter] causes deterioration of [second parameter]

• Use the Contradiction Matrix to identify which of Altschuller’s 40 Inventive Principles seem most likely to assist in resolving the contradiction

• Study past manifestations of the suggested inventive principles and try to tailor a solution to the problem at hand

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Your Problem Your Solution

Generic Problem Generic Solution

The Direct Path Can Be Elusive

TRIZ: The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving

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39 Engineering Parameters

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40 Inventive Principles

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Portion of the Contradiction Matrix

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Our Approach to Blending Biomimicry and Triz

• The proposed Bio-TRIZ methodology would automatically connect anyone utilizing the TRIZ methodology to potentially relevant biological inspirations.

• Rationale: innovators applying the TRIZ methodology are likely to come up with a richer, stronger, and more diverse set of product concepts if they are simultaneously presented with inspiring biological examples of relevant inventive principles alongside the classical manmade examples and patents.

• The proposed approach will be outlined first for resolving physical contradiction, then for resolving technical contradiction.

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Manmade and Natural Examples of Principles for Resolving Physical

Contradiction

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Separation of Contradictory Properties in Time or on Condition

Manmade Example• Contradiction: Glasses lenses

should be clear and dark• Solution: lenses become dark on

condition of UV exposure

Biological Example

Source: speceye.com

• Contradiction: Pine cone should contain seeds and release them

• Solution: Scales on the cones open when dry and close when damp helping to maximize the dispersion of the seeds (Dawson et al., 1997)

Source: science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/plant-terms/conifer-info.htm

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Separation of Contradictory Properties in Space

Manmade Example• Contradiction: Bandage should be

sticky (away from the wound) and not sticky (on the wound)

• Solution: Bandage has adhesive around perimeter of non-sticky pad

Biological Example

Source: briskinfor.com

• Contradiction: Human teeth should be sharp (for cutting) yet flat (for mashing)

• Solution: Sharp incisors and flat molars

Source: skeletonmodels.com

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System Transformations (or Separation Between the Parts and the Whole)

Manmade Example• Contradiction: A bicycle chain

should be rigid yet flexible• Solution: Make the individual

links rigid but the whole chain flexible

Biological Example• Contradiction: Chameleons

want to be camouflaged (for safety) yet highly conspicuous (for attracting a mate)

• Solution: They constrict cell levels of various pigments to get the desired effect

Source: arthursclipart.org

Source: true-wildlife.blogspot.com

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Manmade and Natural Examples of Principles for Resolving Technical

Contradiction

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Principle 1. Segmentation

Manmade Example• Venetian blinds replace solid

shades

Biological Example• Nanostructure of blue penguin’s

feathers scatter light to give apparent color

Source: tminarik.com

Source: www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/66.asp

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Principle 3. Local Quality

Manmade Example• A Swiss Army Knife where each

part fulfills a different and useful function

Biological Example• Nanostructure of blue penguin’s

feathers scatter light to give apparent color

Source: amazon.comSource: wksu.org

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Principle 17. Moving to a New Dimension

Manmade Example• A computer mouse that can move

in space rather than on a surface

Biological Example• The crossbill’s mandibles cross at

their tips facilitating extraction of pine cone seeds when they open their bill (Wikipedia: Crossbill, 2011)

Source: www.popsci.com/node/9600

Source: birds.cornell.edu

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Principle 18. Mechanical Vibration

Manmade Example• Vibratory parts feeder

Biological Example• Leaf cutter ants use vibration to

stiffen the leaves for easier cutting

Source: w25.indonetwork.co.id/pdimage/18/8149

18_img_1074.jpg Source: http://www.richard-seaman.com/Insects/CostaRica/LeafcutterAnts/LeafcutterAntWorkersCuttingALe

af.jpg

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Principle 22. Convert Harm to Benefit

Manmade Example• ShockWatch indicators break if

package is handled roughly during shipping

Biological Example• Monarch caterpillars eat

milkweed that is poisonous to most predators – and store that poison to make themselves poisonous to others (AskNature.org: Monarchs, 2011)

Source: shockwatch.com

Source: fnpsblog.blogspot.com

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Principle 28. Replacement of a Mechanical System

Manmade Example• Optical computer mouse replaces

mechanical mouse

Biological Example• The feet of aphids appear to

adhere to surfaces using capillary adhesion (AskNature.org: Aphids, 2011)

Source: mouserena.com Source: abbotlab.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/aphid2.jpg

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Principle 29. Use Pneumatics of Hydraulics

Manmade Example• Air shocks in automobiles

Biological Example• Spiders have muscles to flex the

joints but none to extend them. They extend their legs by pumping fluid into them. (Asknature.Org: Spiders, 2011)

Source: performancetruckllc.com/82601l.jpg

Source: cdn.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/2006/Tarantul

a.jpg

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Principle 30. Flexible Film or Thin Membranes

Manmade Example• Space blankets

Biological Example• Butterfly wings achieve visual

color without pigment using thin layers (Imod Display, 2011)

Source: www.rei.com/product/407106/space-all-

weather-blanket Source: www.presentationtek.com/images/colorful_butterfl

y.jpg

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Conclusion

• The authors believe that the proposed approach can help engineers routinely connect to appropriate biological inspirations

• We would welcome collaboration with anyone interested in furthering this work