Triz 40 Principles

Example: "I want to increase airplane speed (parameter: velocity), but it increases fuel consumption (parameter: energy use)."

Step 2: Look Up in Contradiction Matrix

TRIZ matrix maps 39×39 parameter conflicts to suggested principles (1-40). Find your contradiction, check which principles historically solved it.

Example: Speed vs. Energy Use matrix suggests: Principle 2 (Taking Out), Principle 15 (Dynamics), Principle 16 (Partial/Excessive Action).

Step 3: Apply Suggested Principles

Key TRIZ Principles (10 most powerful):

• 1. Segmentation: Divide object into independent parts
• 2. Taking Out: Separate interfering part or property
• 5. Merging: Bring closer or combine identical/similar operations
• 10. Prior Action: Perform required change in advance
• 13. The Other Way Around: Invert action or make movable parts fixed
• 15. Dynamics: Make object adaptive, optimize at each stage
• 25. Self-Service: Make object serve itself
• 35. Parameter Changes: Change physical state, concentration, flexibility
• 40. Composite Materials: Replace homogeneous with composite

Example: Apply Principle 15 (Dynamics): Variable-geometry wings that adapt shape during different flight phases (takeoff: high lift, cruise: low drag).

Step 4: Test and Refine

Prototype the principle-based solution. Iterate if needed, try secondary principles if first doesn't work.

Example: F-14 Tomcat variable-sweep wings: Wings extend for takeoff/landing (low speed, high lift), retract for supersonic flight (high speed, low drag). Solved speed-vs-efficiency contradiction.

Popular TRIZ Principles with Examples

Segmentation: Modular smartphone cases (easy to replace damaged parts vs. replacing entire case)

Taking Out: Wireless charging (remove charging port that gets damaged)

Nested Doll: Telescoping antenna (compact when stored, extends when needed)

Asymmetry: Asymmetric tire treads (optimize for wet and dry conditions simultaneously)

Prior Cushioning: Airbags (protection applied before collision)

Dynamics: Adjustable standing desks (optimize for sitting and standing)

The Other Way Around: Induction cooking (heat pan from underneath vs. heating element)

Self-Service: Self-cleaning oven (uses high heat to burn residue)

Composite Materials: Carbon fiber (lightweight + strong, solving weight-strength contradiction)

Example Application

Situation: Medical device company needs sterile packaging that's easy to open in emergency (contradiction: strength vs. ease of opening).

Contradiction: Improve "ease of operation" worsens "strength" (packaging tears prematurely) or improve "strength" worsens "ease of operation" (can't open quickly).

TRIZ Matrix Suggests: Principle 1 (Segmentation), Principle 15 (Dynamics), Principle 24 (Intermediary).

Applied Principle 1 (Segmentation): Design peel-apart packaging with strong outer layer + weak perforated inner layer. Strong when sealed, tears cleanly along perforation when pulled.

Outcome: Packaging maintains sterility during shipping (strong), opens in <2 seconds during emergency (easy). Contradiction resolved.

Anti-Patterns

• ❌ Using TRIZ for non-technical problems (better frameworks exist)
• ❌ Blindly following matrix suggestions without understanding principles
• ❌ Stopping at first principle without testing others
• ❌ Applying TRIZ to problems solvable by conventional methods (overkill)
• ❌ Ignoring business constraints (technically elegant, commercially unviable)
• ❌ Treating principles as rigid rules vs. creative prompts

Related

• first-principles-thinking
• inversion
• second-order-thinking
• systems-thinking
• design-patterns