TRIZ

This paper describes the successful combination of the two methods Axiomatic Design and TRIZ based on the practical use case in a product development project at a small enterprise. The task included the design and prototypical implementation of a small tractor for viticulture. The major challenge in developing the concept was the requirement that the tractor must move in the narrow streets between closely lying pergolas as well as in steep terrain. The application example underpins the performance of the combined application of Axiomatic Design and TRIZ for the identification and resolution of technical and physical contradictions and shows how even small businesses can bring innovative and sophisticated product ideas targeted for implementation in close cooperation with research institutions.

Even during ramp-up phases technical product changes are inevitable. Swift and spontaneous reaction is therefore required for meeting the set market entry date. At the same time, risk estimation of different solution alternatives is needed to evaluate the effects of product changes on product and processes. In this context unstructured procedures observed in practice lead to unsatisfactory solutions and unforeseeable effects. This dilemma of product change management has been countered with the development of PMEA (Product Change Mode and Effect Analysis) and its combination with TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving).

The theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) supports the innovation management process as a whole. It enriches the finding of new ideas, generating and evaluating alternatives as well as the transformation of ideas. TRIZ provides a comprehensive set of tools to support the various steps inside an effective innovation management. Contradiction thinking is one key finding of TRIZ. Contradictions may occur in a one- or two parametric form and represent the core aspects of a problem. TRIZ-tools help to resolve these contradictions. A comparison of the tools (i) inventive principles and (ii) separation principles, demonstrate the imposing use in the innovation management.