Measurement and Detection Standards from the Theory of Inventive Problem
Solving
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This paper was first published in the proceedings of the Annual American
Physical Society March Meeting, March 2002. Dr. Slocum served as the Chair of
the Instrumentation and Measurements Session.
Measurement and Detection Standards from the Theory of
Inventive Problem Solving
Michael S. Slocum, K.O.St.I., Ph.D.
Vice-President of Science and Engineering
Ontro, Inc.*
Poway, CA 92064
mslocum@ontro.com
(* Adjunct Assistant Professor
North Carolina State University)
KEYWORDS
TRIZ, Substance-Field Analysis, Su-Field Model, TIPS,
detection, measurement, 76 Standard Solutions, Contradictions
ABSTRACT
The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving provides a method of creating a model
(in addition to many other data based problem solving tools) of any existing
system (technical or non-technical). There are 76 standard solutions that may be
utilized when the model of your system has deficiencies or inadequacies but not
necessarily a technical or physical contradiction (TC or PC). These solutions
transformations are grouped into five major classes. Class 4 is dedicated
precisely to measuring and detecting and can offer highly innovative resolutions
to previously intractable measuring and/or detecting systems.
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Genrich Altshuller developed the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving in
the former Soviet Union beginning in 1946. This theory constitutes a data based
approach to innovatively resolving difficult problems. At the foundation of the
theory is the realization that nearly all innovative patents contained a
resolution to some type of contradiction (technical (TC) and/or physical (PC)).
Fundamental principles for problem resolution were cultivated from the review of
approximately 400,000 patents (initial research, the total number of reviewed
patents now approaches 4,000,000. There have been only minor modifications to
the basic principles based on this additional research.). These patents were
classified according to their inventive level (specifically defined in the
portion of the theory applicable to this) and the most innovative levels (~21%)
were selected for further analysis. This analysis yielded 40 principles of
resolution that could be applied to any generic problem formulation. The theory
was continuously developed and other more advanced principles were identified
that were utilized to solve those problems characteristically more difficult
than the lower levels of difficulty. A portion of this work was associated with
the minimum required technical system. The minimum technical system was found to
consist of a field (F) and two substances (S1 and S2). The
interrelationship is indicated in Figure 1.0:
Figure 1.0: Standard minimum required technical system
graphically represented according to Su-Field Principles.
This standard minimum system and transformations of it (which is a generic
formulation, according to the corollaries associated with Su-Field Analysis, for
your specific problem) became the foundation of a set of standard solutions (76
Standard Solutions) that is effectively utilized for manipulation with the
intent of the model transformations analogically resulting in solutions to your
specific problem. These solutions, or standard transformations, are grouped into
five classes, see Figure 2.0.
CLASS 1. COMPOSITION AND DECOMPOSITION OF SFMS
- GROUP 1-1: SYNTHESIS OF A SFM
- GROUP 1-2: DECOMPOSITION OF SFMS
CLASS 2. EVOLUTION OF SFMS
- GROUP 2-1: TRANSITION TO COMPLEX SFMS
- GROUP 2-2: EVOLUTION OF SFM
- GROUP 2-3: EVOLUTION BY COORINATING RHYTHMS
- GROUP 2-4: FERROMAGNETIC SFMS (FESFMS)
CLASS 3. TRANSITIONS TO SUPERSYSTEM AND MICROLEVEL
- GROUP 3-1: TRANSITIONS TO BISYSTEM AND POLYSYSTEM
- GROUP 3-2: TRANSITION TO MICROLEVEL
CLASS 4. MEASUREMENT AND DETECTION STANDARDS
- GROUP 4-1: INSTEAD OF MEASUREMENT AND DETECTION - SYSTEM CHANGE
- GROUP 4-2: SYNTHESIS OF A MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
- GROUP 4-3: ENHANCEMENT OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
- GROUP 4-4: TRANSITION TO FERROMAGNETIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
- GROUP 4-5: EVOLUTION OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
CLASS 5. SPECIAL RULES OF APPLICATION
- GROUP 5-1: SUBSTANCE INTRODUCTION
- GROUP 5-2: INTRODUCTION OF FIELDS
- GROUP 5-3: USE OF PHASE TRANSITIONS
- GROUP 5-4: PHYSICAL EFFECTS USE
- GROUP 5-5: SUBSTANCE PARTICLES OBTAINING
Figure 2.0: Classes of the Standard Su-Field Solutions
and their respective groups.
This paper will elucidate those solution transformations particular to Class
4, Measurement and Detection Standards, Groups 4-1 through 4-5.
SUBSTANCE FIELD ANALYSIS (Su-Field)
PROBLEMS WITHOUT CONTRADICTIONS?
Overcoming contradictions solves both simple and complex problems. But why do
contradictions occur? Because, striving to improve the world around us, the
inventor demands a lot from technical objects. This is logical, for, in order to
meet the increasing demand, technical systems (TS) should constantly increase in
efficiency (or decrease in harmful, or redundant, properties). This means that
one group of inventive problems focuses on improving the existing technical
systems. Once involved in the technological evolution process, they start facing
contradictions. The increasing demand can not always be met by improving the
existing TS. This gives rise to a question: are there problems where no
contradiction can be defined?
Example
: In the course of reconstruction, a match factory was
equipped with high-performance machines that doubled the factory’s
production rate. Yet, there was an operation that slowed down the whole
process: packing the ready matches into boxes. The old machines could not
cope with twice as much production; the lack of space made it impossible to
install two packing lines. Finally a decision was made to remove the
out-of-date packing equipment. The old equipment had some deficiencies too:
it was ‘blind’ and would often pack reject matches without heads or pack the
wrong number of matches. Therefore, it became urgent to find an accurate
method for packing millions of matches into boxes. There was a requirement
for a system that would detect faulty matches.
There is no visible contradiction in this problem, but still there is the
need to find a solution. The introduction of a small amount of ferromagnetic
powder (application of a standard form Class 4, Group 4.4) to the ignition
compound gives slight magnetic properties to each match. This is enough to
orient the matches in a magnetic field and pack them much faster and with much
higher accuracy (for a magnet of certain surface square attracts a fixed number
of matches).
Let us analyze the problem and its solution in detail. First, as the
conditions of the problem suggest, there is nothing to improve: the old TS was
dismantled. Therefore, a new system should be created. The matches are there,
but what are we supposed to do with them? Should we count, orient, or package
the matches? The problem was solved using the introduction of a ferromagnetic
powder into the ignition compound of the match heads and using a magnetic field
to create a system that could easily detect and control defect reduction in the
packaged system.
In the beginning, there was one substance (the matches, S1), and in the end
there were two substances (the matches, S1, and the ferromagnetic powder, S2)
and one field (magnetic, FM). We will use the following symbols to represent the
system as depicted in Figure 4.0:
Figure 4.0: Initial Su-Field model and the synthesis to a
complete model.
Let us now look at how the system works. The magnetic field (FM) acts on the
ferromagnetic powder, S2, which, in turn, acts on the matches (S1). Graphically
the operation can be represented as depicted in Figure 5.0.
Figure 5.0: Su-field model for the example system.
In other words, we worked from a single element (S1) towards a system of
interacting elements (S1, S2, and FM). A double arrow (to avoid confusion with
arrows that indicate the interaction between elements) indicates this
transition. The entire process of transition can be as displayed in Figure 6.0.
Figure 6.0: Incomplete system and the transformation to a
solution model using Class 4 Group 4.4 from the 76 Standard Solutions.
All this resembles the symbolic representations of a chemical reaction. Two
elements (e.g. oxygen and nitrogen) are heated (i.e. an external thermal field
is introduced). As a result of interaction, they form a molecule of water. But
if a single atom is withdrawn from the molecule, the water will disappear...Can
we treat the right-hand triangle of this technical reaction, in Figure 6.0,
formula as a ‘molecule’ of technical system (TS)? Let us validate this idea:
will the system work if we withdraw any of the substances? No, the system will
fall apart and cease to be a system. The same holds true for the situation in
which the field is withdrawn. Does this mean that the system’s operation is
secured by the presence of all three of the elements? Yes. This follows from the
main principle of materialism: a substance can only be modified by material
factors, i.e. by matter or energy (a field). With respect to a TS, this
principle is as follows: a substance can only be modified as a result of a
direct action performed by another substance (for example, impact - mechanical
field) or by field action of another substance (for example, magnetic) or by an
external field. As a consequence, the minimal number of elements any TS consists
of is three: two substances and a field. The concept of minimal TS was named
substance-field system, or Su-Field (from ‘substance’
and ‘field’, see Figure 7.0).
|
A Su-Field model is a representation of the minimal,
functioning and controllable technical system. |
Figure 7.0: The definition of a Su-Field Model (SFM).
RULES FOR THE INVENTOR: Su-FIELD SYNTHESIS
Discarding redundancies, Su-Field models shed light on the essence of
transformations (synthesis and evolution) of technical systems and allow the use
universal technical language to represent the process of solving any inventive
problem. That is why analysis of substance-field structures in those parts of
technical systems where contradictions occur under transformation is called
Su-Field analysis. Su-Field analysis presents a general formula that
shows the direction of solving the problem. This direction depends heavily on
the initial conditions of the problem. Consider the example problem: any
slightest alteration of conditions will profoundly change the process of solving
the problem. For example, no materials may be introduced into the match head, no
cooling medium can be poured into the hollow boom of the robot, etc. How can you
decide then, which step to take?
There are several rules of Su-Field synthesis. Several rules will be
presented in this paper (certainly only a small subset). One of them is
described in Figure 8.0:
| 1. Non-Su-Field systems (containing one
element), or incomplete Su-Field systems (with 2 elements), should be
developed into a full Su-Field model: If there is an object which is not
easy to change as required, and the conditions do not contain any
limitations on the introduction of substances and fields, the problem is
to be solved by synthesizing a Su-Field model: the object is subjected
to the action of a physical field that produces the necessary change in
the object. The missing elements are introduced accordingly.
|
Figure 8.0
Quite often, conditions contain two substances and a field that have
insufficient interaction and cannot be replaced with other substances or field.
That is, the SFM is there (all the three elements are present) and, at the same
time, it is not there: it simply won’t work. The same may happen after
completing a SFM. That means that the SFM needs to be improved: the substances
should become controllable, the field should have a desired effect, and the
character of interaction of elements should proceed as required. There is a set
of transformation rules for substances and fields in Su-Field models, see
Figures 9.0 and 10.0.
| 2. Formation of complex Su-Field by introducing an easily controllable
admixtures possessing desirable properties into the substance. The admixture
can be introduced into the substance (internal complex Su-Field) or, where
internal introduction is inadmissible, placed outside the substance (external
complex Su-Field). |
Figure 9.0
Figure 10.0: Non-existent interactions are shown by dotted
lines. Brackets indicate internal complex links. External complex links have no
brackets.
a) internal complex Su-Field: wetting of fabric
(Problem 2); foaming of varnish (Problem 3); emergence of multi-colored inserts
impressed at certain distance to the cutting edge indicates the wear of the
cutting tool (Soviet Patent no. 905 417);
b) external complex Su-Field -- admixing
ferromagnetic powder to cereal (Problem 16), production of hollow metal porous
balls: polystyrene balls are given a metal coat and subsequently dissolved in
organic solvent (US Patent 3 371 405). To avoid rumpling, the corrugations of
the thin surface are filled with low-melting-point metal, which is withdrawn
after treatment (Soviet Patent no. 776 719).
| 3. If the conditions contain limitations on the
introduction or attachment of substances, the problem has to be solved
by synthesizing a Su-Field model using external environment as the
substance:
Sse is the substance from the surrounding environment
|
Figure 11.0: the left part of the formula coincides with
that in the previous formulas.
CLASS 4. MEASUREMENT AND DETECTION STANDARDS
GROUP 4-1: INSTEAD OF MEASUREMENT AND DETECTION - SYSTEM CHANGE
STANDARD 4-1-1. If we are given the problem of detection or measurement,
it is proposed to change it such that there should be no need to perform
detection or measurement at all.
Example. To prevent a permanent electric motor from overheating, its’
temperature is measured by a temperature sensor. If the poles of the motor
are made from an alloy with a Curie point equal to the critical value of the
temperature, the motor will stop itself.
STANDARD 4-1-2. If we are given the problem of detection or measurement
and it is impossible to change the problem to remove the need for detection or
measurement, it is proposed to replace direct operations on the object with
operations on its copy or picture.
Example. It might be dangerous to measure the length of a snake. It is
safe to measure its length on a photographic image of the snake, and then
recalculate the obtained result.
STANDARD 4-1-3. If we are given the problem of measurement and the
problem cannot be changed to remove the need for measurement, and it is
impossible to use copies or pictures, it is proposed to transform this problem
into the a problem of successive detection of changes.
NOTE: Any measurement is carried out with a certain degree of accuracy.
Therefore, even if the problem deals with continuous measurement, one can
always single out a simple act of measurement involving two successive
detections. This makes the problem considerably simpler.
Example. To measure a temperature, it is possible to use a material that
changes its color depending on the current value of the temperature.
Alternatively, several materials can be used to indicate different
temperatures.
GROUP 4-2: SYNTHESIS OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
STANDARD 4-2-1. If a non-SFM is not easy to detect or measure, the
problem is solved by synthesizing a simple or dual SFM with a field at the
output. Instead of direct measurement or detection of a parameter, another
parameter identified with the field is measured or detected.
Example: To detect a moment when a liquid starts to boil, an electrical
current is passed through the liquid. During boiling, air bubbles are formed
- they dramatically reduce electrical resistance of the liquid.
STANDARD 4-2-2. If a system (or its part) does not provide detection or
measurement, the problem is solved by transition to an internal or external
complex measuring SFM, introducing easily detectable additives.
Example. To detect leakage in a refrigerator, a cooling agent is mixed
with a luminophore powder.
STANDARD 4-2-3. If a system is difficult to detect or to measure at a
given moment of time, and it is impossible to introduce additives in the object,
then additives that create an easily detectable and measured field should be
introduced in the external environment and changing state of the environment
will provide an indication of the state of the object.
Example. To detect wearing of a rotating metal disc contacting with
another disk, it is proposed to introduce luminophore into the oil
lubricant, which already exists in the system. Metal particles collecting in
the oil will reduce luminosity of the oil.
STANDARD 4-2-4. If it is impossible to introduce easily detectable
additives in the external environment, these can be obtained in the environment
itself, e. g. by decomposing it or by changing the aggregate state of the
environment.
NOTE: Specifically, gas or vapor bubbles produced by electrolysis,
cavitation or by any other method are often used as additives obtained by
decomposing the external environment.
Example. The speed of a water flow in a pipe might be measured by amount
of air bubbles resulting from cavitation.
GROUP 4-3: ENHANCEMENT OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
STANDARD 4-3-1. Efficiency of a measuring SFM is enhanced by the use of
physical effects.
Example. Temperature of liquid media can be measured by measuring a
change of a coefficient of retraction which depends on the value of the
temperature.
STANDARD 4-3-2. If it is impossible to detect or measure directly the
changes that take place, and if no field can be passed through the system, the
problem is to be solved by exciting resonance oscillations (of the whole system
or of its part), whose frequency change is an indication of the changes that
take place.
Example. To measure the mass of a substance in a container, the container
is subjected to mechanically forced resonance oscillations. The frequency of
the oscillations depends on the mass of the system.
STANDARD 4-3-3. If no resonance oscillations can be excited in a system,
its state can be determined by a change in the natural frequency of the object
(external environment) connected with the system under control.
Example. The mass of boiling liquid can be measured by measuring the
natural frequency of gas resulting from evaporation.
GROUP 4-4: TRANSITION TO FERROMAGNETIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
STANDARD 4-4-1. Efficiency of a measuring SFM is enhanced by using a
ferromagnetic substance and a magnetic field.
NOTE: The standard indicates the use of a ferromagnetic substance that is
not crushed.
Example. A group of students from the North Carolina Agricultural and
Technical State University (NCAT) developed a method of measuring speed,
direction, time, and operating status of an operating system designed to
unwind some type of material from one spool to another spool (Spring 2000
Multidisciplinary Design Project). In order to take mechanical rotations and
put them in the form of analog pulses that could be analyzed by either a
microprocessor or electronic component through a pulsed tachometer the
following detection method was developed. A pulsed tachometer can detect
rotations of a rotating shaft that contain a ferromagnetic rotor comprised
of iron brushes perpendicular to the axis. The magnet in the pickup sensor
creates a magnetic field around the sensor. When the "iron brushes" on the
rotor pass through the magnetic field the flux change induces an EMF in a
coil sensor. These create analog pulses that can be used to determine
operating speed, time, direction, and status.
STANDARD 4-4-2. Efficiency of detection or measurement is enhanced by
transition to ferromagnetic SFM's, replacing one of the substances with
ferromagnetic particles (or adding ferromagnetic particles), and by detecting or
measuring the magnetic field.
Example. In an effort to orient or align numerous objects, ferromagnetic
material can be added to the same portion of each object to be aligned. A
magnet can then be used to attract the ferromagnetic portion of the object
thus orienting or aligning the objects.
STANDARD 4-4-3. If it is required to raise a system's efficiency of
detection or measurement by going over to a ferromagnetic SFM, while replacement
of the substance with ferromagnetic particles is not allowed, the transition to
the feSFM is performed by building a complex ferromagnetic SFM, introducing (or
attaching) ferromagnetic additives in the substance.
Example. The addition of iron oxide (a ferromagnetic powder) is now
included as a pigment in black ink to validate currency and other negotiable
documents. This technology is in continual development as computers and high
quality color printers make counterfeiting an elementary process. The
magnetic fields from these particles produce signatures that, when read by
magnetic sensors, can also be used to determine denominations of currency by
vending or change machines.
STANDARD 4-4-4. If it is required to enhance a system’s efficiency of
detection or measurement by going over to a feSFM, while introduction of
ferromagnetic particles is not allowed, ferromagnetic particles are to be
introduced in the external environment.
Example. The discovery of the electron resulted in extreme advances in
the chemistry field. In 1927 Wolfgang Pauli developed a formal
representation of the electron spin concept. Experimentation in 1967
produced data that indicated that electrons from ferromagnetic particles
(Fe, Co, and Ni) were not spin polarized as had been previously theorized.
To continue testing a ultrahigh vacuum was constructed where photoemissions
of electrons could be performed down to 4.2K and in magnetic fields up to
50kOe. This device obtained strikingly different results: the electrons
photemitted from various particles were highly spin polarized. Continued
research allowed for the development of spin polarization spectroscopy
helping scientists to further understand magnetism. Recent testing utilizing
thin ferromagnetic films indicates that the films may be useful in acting as
a spin filter similar to plastic foils used with polarized light.
STANDARD 4-4-5. Efficiency of a feSFM measuring system is enhanced by the
use of physical effects, such as going through Curie point, Hopkins and
Barkhausen effects, magnetoelastic effect, etc.
Example. Diagnosing and forecasting residual life of steel structures is
important in determining the safety of large structures. Material magnetic
memory (MMM) is effective in the assessment of stressed-strained state of
structures. This method envelopes the theory that in zones of stress and
strain concentration there are irreversible changes of the magnetic state of
ferromagnetic items. Change of residual magnetization in tension,
compression, torsion, and cyclic loading of ferromagnetic items is directly
related to the maximal acting stress. The operator moves a sensor measuring
the residual magnetic field intensity (Hp, A/m), along the weld over the
entire perimeter and then transversely to the weld with the amplitude of
deviation from the weld edge for 30 to 50 mm towards the base metal of the
pipe element. The second operator records in the log book the data on
residual magnetization of the metal, namely magnetic field intensity with
the plus or minus sign. An abrupt change of the sign and value of Hp points
to a concentration of residual stresses along Hp=0 line for a specific
section of the welded joint. The main purpose of MMM is detection of the
most critical sections and components in the controlled plant, which are
characterized by SC zones. After MMM, the traditional methods of
non-destructive testing (UT, X-ray, and eddy current inspection, etc.) are
used to determine the presence of a particular defect.
GROUP 4-5: EVOLUTION OF MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
STANDARD 4-5-1. Efficiency of a measuring system at any stage of its
development is enhanced by transitioning to a measuring bi- or poly-system.
NOTE: For a simple formation of bi- and poly-systems two or more elements
are to be combined. The elements to be combined may be substances, fields,
substance-field pairs and whole SFM's.
Example. It is difficult to accurately measure the temperature of a small
beetle. However, if there are many beetles put together, the temperature can
be measured easily.
STANDARD 4-5-2. Measuring systems are developed towards a transition to
measuring the derivatives of the function under control. The transition is
performed along the following line:
measurement of a function --->
measurement of the first derivative of the function --->
measurement of the second derivative of the function.
Example. Changes of stress in the rock are defined by the speed of
changing the electrical resistance of the rock.
CONCLUSION
Substance-field analysis has been shown to allow the creation of a model
that is representative of the system under discussion. Several
transformation rules have been presented as well as supportive examples. The
76 standard solutions have been presented as has an elucidation of the class
of solutions dedicated to the resolution of problems associated with
measuring and detecting (Class 4). The application of these principles is
extremely powerful in defeating psychological inertia and increasing the
innovative level of the solution (increasing the level of ideality as well).
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