Ivana Rasovska

Comparison of non solvable problem solving principles issued from CSP and TRIZ

Inventive problems from many domains are usually problems we are not able to solve. This problem insolvability is often due to the incomplete or un- matched representation model of the problem that does not correspond to the given problem. In this paper, we introduce two problem solving theories for the solu- tionless problems: Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) and dialectical based methods and models (TRIZ). It is an exploratory analysis of both theories in order to compare grounding approach and tools of both theories. Their potential com- plementarities will be defined in further objective to improve problem solving strategy for the inventive problems by matching the CSP and TRIZ solving princi- ples. We consider that it will contribute to better understanding of non-solvable problems, i.e. to improve representation models of the problems and to make the problem solving more accurately.

Algorithm for identifying generalized technical contradictions in experiments

This paper proposes an algorithm for identifying and extracting generalised technical contradictions from experiments, Contradictions are used as the starting point for certain approaches to inventive problem solving. These methods are based on dialectical contradictions, which are used for understanding and representing inventive problems. The resolution of such problems is actually the resolution of the identified contradictions, which cannot be solved by optimisation methods and must be solved using inventive principles. The proposed algorithm uses the output data from design of experiments based on statistical theory as input data. The objective of this algorithm is to identify the complete set of generalised technical contradictions. RESUME. Ce papier propose un algorithme d’identification et d’extraction des contradictions techniques généralisées utilisées comme point de départ de certaines démarches de résolution de problème d’invention. Ces approches basées sur la dialectique identifient les contradictions afin de mieux comprendre et représenter les problèmes d’invention. La résolution du problème passe ensuite par la résolution de la contradiction qui empêche a priori de résoudre le problème par le biais des méthodes d’optimisation et nécessite l’utilisation des principes de résolution inventives. L’algorithme proposé utilise comme entrée les données issues d’une méthode statistique connue dans le domaine technique comme le plan d’expérience. L’objectif de l’algorithme est d’identifier l’ensemble complet des contradictions techniques généralisées. Dans le papier nous présentons le problème combinatoire, sa complexité et évaluons ses limites sur des exemples.

Towards an Automatic Extraction of Generalized System of Contradictions Out of Solutionless Design of Experiments

There exist two kinds of problem resolution in the design of technical systems: the optimization resolution tools are appropriate for routine design whereas inventive resolution tools are appropriate for innovative and creative design. In general, the problems are tackled first by an optimization approach and, if no solution is found, inventive approaches are used to solve the problem. Previously, the Generalized System of Contradictions was defined to fit both kinds of problem resolution and to shift from optimization representation models to inventive ones. In this paper the transition is based on the identification of Generalized System of Contradictions out of Design of Experiments. The set of equations to resolve to automatically extract different kinds of contradictions out of a DoE’s model is proposed.

Integrating the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving with Discrete Event Simulation in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain challenges require not only effective management, but also a new innovative strategy to reduce costs and maximize its efficiency. Traditional problem-solving methodologies specific to the areas of supply chain management (SCM) find their limits when confronted with an inventive problem or a problem containing a contradiction. TRIZ (theory of inventive problem solving) is an effective theory for systematizing innovation and solving complex problems containing contradictions. Thus, the use of the theory TRIZ can be considered as a way to meet future challenges in SCM fields and get innovative solutions. This paper presents a method for solving supply chain problems and achieving a low-cost, based on complementarities between TRIZ and discrete event simulation and specific methods for solving supply chain problems. In the proposed model, a witness simulation model of the initial problem is developed to optimize the problem and find the system limits. Then, specific problem solving methods are applied to change the original description of problem and move towards a space in which a solution can be found. The discrete event simulation allows for experiments on the system to be created and analyzed. Thus, an experimental design was developed to establish the cause-and-effect relationships between the parameters of the system in order to formulate a generalized system of contradictions. And finally, ARIZ 85C, the most mature meta-methods of TRIZ, is used to address related contradictions for searching for an innovative solution, which must be subsequently implemented and evaluated in the discrete event simulation. The suitability of this new approach is finally proven through an industrial case study conducted in a company specialized in the manufacture of electronic devices for automobiles.