The solving part of AIPS-2018
The solving part of the AIPS-2018 algorithm can be represented by the following scheme:
To solve a problem in accordance with the AIPS algorithm, four problem models are provided. These models allow us to look at the problem from four different points of view and thereby to understand it well and to obtain a satisfactory solution.
The four models are:
- conditions in the operational zone
- actions in the operational zone
- technical contradiction
- physical contradiction
The work with problem models is carried out as follows. Try to immediately correct the problem-causing circumstances in the operational zone. This can be done by introducing new components or transforming the existing ones. Here the problem model «Conditions in the operational zone» is applied.
The second direction is working with the actions, which, when implemented, create circumstances existing the operational zone. Perhaps these actions are not performed effectively enough, or vice versa, they are excessive. There may also be other problems relating to the execution of the actions. For this purpose, the model «Actions in the operational zone» is used.
We can obtain a suitable solution right after the first two iterations. If the attempts to improve the circumstances in the operational zone and the actions performed cause the worsening of some system parameters, a situation occurs that is called technical contradiction in TRIZ.
If it becomes clear in the course of problem solving that contradictory requirements are made of the same parameter or component of the system, we are talking about a physical contradiction.
Scenario of working with problem models
The AIPS-2018 algorithm has a certain problem-solving tactics.
First of all, it is the above-presented scheme of actions.
- Search for a solution by examining the conditions in the operational zone and actions performed
- Build and resolve arising technical contradictions
- Detect and eliminate physical contradictions
In addition, there is a certain tactics for working on the problem which is based on the four recommended models of the problem.
To enter the solving part of the algorithm, you can start with any model of the problem. As a rule, it is the model that suits best for the selected hypothesis. After completing the problem-solving process, we obtain a preliminary solution which is designed to improve a certain parameter of the useful system. If no harmful phenomena occur after that, it means that a solution to the problem has been found. If the obtained idea is not fully satisfactory, the process should be repeated. This can be done by using any model of the problem without any limitations.
One of the scenarios of working on a problem is shown in the picture.
According to this scenario, after obtaining a solution idea for any model, the first thing to do is checking it for the appearance of a technical contradiction and trying to formulate a physical contradiction.
This proceeds as follows.
It may happen that the solution idea improves the required parameter of the system but causes the worsening of one or more of its other parameters. There arises a situation called technical contradiction in TRIZ. Accordingly, right after obtaining any solution, it would be useful to check, whether it contains a technical contradiction. If it does, the contradiction should be detected and resolved.
The simplest and most advantageous way to solve the problem is identifying and eliminating a physical contradiction. You should aim at this at any problem-solving step, i.e. constantly ask yourself whether it is possible to formulate a physical contradiction. That is, you should try to move to a physical contradiction after any iteration, because eliminating it generates good solution ideas.
Thus, the solving part of the algorithm contains two important models where the mental efforts of the solver are focused: a physical contradiction which helps to quickly find a solution idea and a technical contradiction which can be resolved using available effective tools.
About the work with TRIZ-trainer
At the input of the “Solving a selected problem” step, we have a problem statement formulated as one of the standard models. The output is a solution idea.
When working with problem models, these can be used in any order. Concurrently, it is necessary to keep eye on appearing contradictions, identify and eliminate them using respective tools.