Helena V. G. Navas

Radical and Systematic Eco-innovation with TRIZ Methodology

The main objective of this chapter is to support an implementation of systematic eco-innovation and radical eco-innovation with analytical tools and techniques of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) methodology. It also aims to increase opportunities for eco-innovative products and services while simultaneously enhancing the innovation capacity of organizations.

Lean Teaching Experiences in Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and the TRIZ-LEAN Model

The Lean Philosophy and Continuous Improvement continue to be the day’s agenda of organizations. The universities feel a growing and increasingly widespread interest of undertakings in engineers and other staff with good preparation in this area. The students realize up search and attempt during the courses at the Faculty or immediately after taking courses or disciplines related to Lean. The Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, attempts to offer students a wide and updated education, according to the need of a good generalist academic background and, at the same time, provide students with opportunities for learning of new techniques and approaches.

Application of TRIZ Methodology for Ergonomic Problem Solving in a Continuous Improvement Environment

This paper discusses a case from an automotive industry plant where ergonomic problems were identified corresponding to inadequate postures resulting from operations performed above the workers’ head height. Company’s economic situation didn’t allowed to consider the automation of the operation despite the recognized need to reduce or, ideally, to eliminate the risk to operators. In this context the use of the TRIZ methodology offers an opportunity to identify potential solutions. Therefore, the TRIZ’s Su-Field Analysis was used, with the support of an adapted Contradiction Matrix. This approach allowed obtaining a more structured solution, combining Ergonomics with Lean management principles. The outcome of implementing the proposed solution was the elimination of wastes and the improvement of workplaces’ ergonomic quality. Furthermore, the study provided some insights on ways of eliminating or reducing existing Occupational Safety issues in the near future.

Problem Solving and Increase of Ideality of Complex Systems

In complex systems the need to solve problems is constant. Numerous techniques for solving specific problems developed in various areas are clearly insufficient. Humanity needs multidisciplinary generic methods to find solutions to specific problems. Organizations need to learn to use and develop their ability to solve problems in an objective way. The use of certain methodologies and analytical techniques for problem solving allows to analyze larger number of possible solutions, create more creative solutions, saving time and resources.

TRIZ Methodology Applied to Noise Comfort in Commercial Aircraft

Acoustic comfort is currently one of the most important components in ensuring customer satisfaction promoting the well-being inside the aircraft. The cabin of the airplane is a space where the passenger remains closed during the trip, subject to noise from other passengers or from the aircraft itself. This noise can interfere with communication, disturb sleep, rest and relaxation. Currently, there are no means for select the sources of noise. There are only devices that target the total ear sound isolation. This paper presents the analysis of this problem (contradictions) and the design of a noise filtration system based on Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). TRIZ has the potential to aid in the creation of innovative systems. The main tool used in this methodology was the Substance-Field Analysis, which provided a detection of problems and “rough edges” in the original idea. The noise filtration system designed aims to eliminate the influence of unwanted noise in communication between people. It consists of sound headphones equipped with Passive Noise Control and a subsystem. The subsystem is also equipped with directional microphones “shotgun” capable of filtering out all the outside noise through Active Noise Control and band-pass filter.

Evaluation of Complexity for Tolerancing Solutions of Mechanical Systems Using Pugh’s Criteria

In this paper, an attempt is made to use Pugh’s criteria for evaluation and comparison of two tolerancing solutions for the same mechanical assembly set. An evaluation of complexity using Pugh’s criteria can be useful to translate functional assembly requirements into the appropriate tolerance specifications. An evaluation of complexity using Pugh’s criteria provides a way to identify the critical function requirements and tolerancing elements and the impact of tolerancing parameters on complexity of conceptual solutions for design of mechanical systems. A final decision about the tolerancing solution to be adopted must take into consideration organizational difficulty and repeatability of manufacturing and inspection operations.