Contradiction Matrix

Altshuller, whilst compiling the data for the contradiction matrix, also found that the evolution of various technical systems was not random but in fact followed objective laws. He found that the evolution of any system could fit into one of eight specific patterns of technical system evolution, which are given below ... 

Figure C7. Selected Rows from the Contradiction Matrix...

This step entails using a contradiction matrix (Exhibit 23.3), which cross-references the 39 problem parameters against themselves, yielding a total of 1,521 cells in the matrix—or 1,521 different types of contradictions (39 x 39= 1,521). After taking away the 39 instances in which a problem parameter conflicts with itself, you are left with 1,482 usable cells in the contradiction matrix. 

All you have to do is identify your generic useful feature (parameter), as well as your generic harmful feature, then go to the contradiction matrix cell that resides at their intersection. Inside that cell, you ll find any of 40 inventive principles (Exhibit 23.2) by which you can solve your contradiction. 

EXHIBIT 23.3 (Downloadable). This is a very small cross-section of the larger contradiction matrix, showing the problem parameters and inventive principles associated with our stylized example (volume of a moving object versus temperature). It also shows other parameters and principles chosen at random. 

For more specific examples of the 40 inventive principles, see Simplified TRIZ New Problem-Solving Applications for Engineers and Manufacturing Professionals, second edition, by K. Rantanen and E. Domb, Boca Raton, FL Auerbach, 2007, or go to www.triz-journal.com/archives/contradiction matrix. 

The contradiction matrix typically displays anywhere from one to four inventive principles that can help you solve your contradiction. If you re in... 

For example, if you need the volume of air flow to go up but the surface temperature to stay constant, what do you do According to the contradiction matrix, you go to inventive principles 2, 10, 18, and 34, because when you cross-reference these parameters, that s what the contradiction matrix gives you. 

There are certain instances in the contradiction matrix where no numbers appear, as you can see in Exhibit 23.3. This indicates that there are no data to suggest the benefit of any one or more principles over any other principles. In these instances, you can apply any or all of the 40 inventive principles versus any particular subset. Or you can consider reframing your contradiction using different problem parameters. 

We recommend this book because it displays the entire contradiction matrix. Structured Abstraction case studies, and additional information about this and other TRIZ-based methods and techniques. 

These TRIZ stages/tools can be classified as tools for model of problem and tools for model of solution as shown in Fig. 7.6. There are four classes of model of problem—namely, engineering contradiction, physical contradiction, function model, and substance-field model. For the model of solutions, we have the specific inventive principles, specific scientific effect, and specific standard inventive solution. The bridge between the problem and the solution is the TRIZ tools such as contradiction matrix, separation/satisfaction bypass, scientific effects, and system... 

From the cause and effect analysis, it is observable that the dust does a harmful function to the filter, which is clogging it. Here lies the contradiction. The filter is needed to perform a useful function of trapping the dust, but the dust does a harmful function by clogging the filter, which results in lower suction power. Hence, the problem will be modeled as an engineering contradiction and the contradiction matrix will be used to device a solution. 

What is a contradiction matrix This is shown in Fig. 7.9 (a portion of the matrix the complete matrix is shown in the appendix). TRIZ founder Genrich S. Altshuller, while going through 40,000 most inventive patents, found that there are around 1250 technical contradictions which he was able to assemble in a 39 x 39 matrix called the contradiction matrix. To resolve these contradictions, again through the 40,000 most inventive patents back in 1950, Altshuller invented 40 inventive prin-... 

A Framework for Developing Innovative Problem-Solving. Table 7.1 Idea generation by using the contradiction matrix tool... 

This heuristic is the last listed in the contradiction matrix, and that suggests its relatively low usefulness. In our case, this is not exactly so. This heuristic may be interpreted as being related to temporary systems. It may be read that in the case of a temporary system, instead of heavy and expensive metal or concrete structures, a much less expensive pneumatic structure could be used. 

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