The document proposes a framework to blend the TRIZ methodology for engineering problem solving with principles of biomimicry. It outlines TRIZ concepts like the 39 engineering parameters, 40 inventive principles, and contradiction matrix. The framework is intended to automatically connect engineers using TRIZ to relevant biological inspirations for resolving physical or technical contradictions. Examples are given of how biological solutions map to various inventive principles for resolving contradictions in a similar way as traditional engineering examples. The goal is to provide a richer set of ideas by considering nature-inspired solutions alongside traditional options.

1. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 1
Extending the TRIZ Methodology to
Connect Engineering Design Problems to
Biological Solutions
Jonathan Weaver1, Darrell Kleinke1, and Terri Lynch-Caris2
1 University of Detroit Mercy Mechanical Engineering Department
2Kettering University Industrial Engineering Department

2. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 2
Outline
• The Need
• Triz from 35,000 ft
• Handling Physical Contradiction
• Handling Technical Contradiction
• Blending Biomimicry and Triz
• Conclusion & Invitation to Collaborate

3. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 3
The Need
• Some engineers are versed in TRIZ and routinely apply
its methodologies when trying to innovate
• Others look to nature for inspiration
• Both approaches can be effective, yet very few are well-
versed in both approaches
• We propose a framework to extend the TRIZ
methodology to point engineers to not only relevant
man-made examples, but also to potential inspiration
from nature

4. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 4
TRIZ from 35,000 feet
• Tough problems typically involve contradictions
• A contradiction can be either physical or technical
• Physical contradiction involves a conflict between two
mutually exclusive physical requirements to the same
parameter of an element of the system (i.e., an element
should be hot and cold)
• Technical contradiction involves a conflict between
characteristics within a system whereby improving one
parameter of the system results in deterioration of another
parameter (i.e., increasing power also increases mass)

5. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 5
Handling Physical Contradiction
• Altshuller recommends considering four principles:
– Separation of contradictory properties in time or on
condition
– Separation of contradictory properties in space
– System transformations (or separation between the
parts and the whole)
– Phase transformation, or physical-chemical
transformation of substances

6. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 6
Approach for Handling Technical
Contradiction
• Using the set of 39 engineering parameters, state the
contradiction in the form improving [first parameter]
causes deterioration of [second parameter]
• Use the Contradiction Matrix to identify which of
Altschuller’s 40 Inventive Principles seem most likely to
assist in resolving the contradiction
• Study past manifestations of the suggested inventive
principles and try to tailor a solution to the problem at hand

7. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 7
TRIZ: The Theory of Inventive Problem
Solving
The Direct Path
Can Be Elusive
Your Problem Your Solution
Generic Problem Generic Solution

8. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 8
39 Engineering Parameters

9. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 9
40 Inventive Principles

10. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 10
Portion of the Contradiction Matrix

11. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 11
Our Approach to
Blending Biomimicry and Triz
• The proposed Bio-TRIZ methodology would automatically
connect anyone utilizing the TRIZ methodology to
potentially relevant biological inspirations.
• Rationale: innovators applying the TRIZ methodology are
likely to come up with a richer, stronger, and more diverse
set of product concepts if they are simultaneously
presented with inspiring biological examples of relevant
inventive principles alongside the classical manmade
examples and patents.
• The proposed approach will be outlined first for resolving
physical contradiction, then for resolving technical
contradiction.

12. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 12
Manmade and Natural Examples of
Principles for Resolving Physical
Contradiction

13. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 13
Separation of Contradictory Properties in
Time or on Condition
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Contradiction: Glasses lenses • Contradiction: Pine cone should
should be clear and dark contain seeds and release them
• Solution: lenses become dark on • Solution: Scales on the cones open
condition of UV exposure when dry and close when damp
helping to maximize the dispersion of
the seeds (Dawson et al., 1997)
Source: speceye.com
Source:
science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/plant-
terms/conifer-info.htm

14. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 14
Separation of Contradictory Properties
in Space
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Contradiction: Bandage should be • Contradiction: Human teeth should
sticky (away from the wound) and not be sharp (for cutting) yet flat (for
sticky (on the wound) mashing)
• Solution: Bandage has adhesive • Solution: Sharp incisors and flat
around perimeter of non-sticky pad molars
Source: briskinfor.com Source: skeletonmodels.com

15. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 15
System Transformations (or Separation
Between the Parts and the Whole)
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Contradiction: A bicycle chain • Contradiction: Chameleons
should be rigid yet flexible want to be camouflaged (for
• Solution: Make the individual safety) yet highly conspicuous
links rigid but the whole chain (for attracting a mate)
flexible • Solution: They constrict cell
levels of various pigments to get
the desired effect
Source: arthursclipart.org
Source: true-wildlife.blogspot.com

16. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 16
Manmade and Natural Examples of
Principles for Resolving Technical
Contradiction

17. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 17
Principle 1. Segmentation
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Venetian blinds replace solid • Nanostructure of blue penguin’s
shades feathers scatter light to give
apparent color
Source: tminarik.com
Source:
www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/66.asp

18. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 18
Principle 3. Local Quality
Manmade Example Biological Example
• A Swiss Army Knife where each • Nanostructure of blue penguin’s
part fulfills a different and useful feathers scatter light to give
function apparent color
Source: amazon.com
Source: wksu.org

19. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 19
Principle 17. Moving to a New Dimension
Manmade Example Biological Example
• A computer mouse that can move • The crossbill’s mandibles cross at
in space rather than on a surface their tips facilitating extraction of
pine cone seeds when they open
their bill (Wikipedia: Crossbill,
2011)
Source: www.popsci.com/node/9600
Source: birds.cornell.edu

20. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 20
Principle 18. Mechanical Vibration
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Vibratory parts feeder • Leaf cutter ants use vibration to
stiffen the leaves for easier cutting
Source:
w25.indonetwork.co.id/pdimage/18/8149
18_img_1074.jpg Source: http://www.richard-
seaman.com/Insects/CostaRica/LeafcutterAnts/Le
afcutterAntWorkersCuttingALeaf.jpg

21. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 21
Principle 22. Convert Harm to Benefit
Manmade Example Biological Example
• ShockWatch indicators break if • Monarch caterpillars eat
package is handled roughly during milkweed that is poisonous to
shipping most predators – and store that
poison to make themselves
poisonous to others
(AskNature.org: Monarchs, 2011)
Source: shockwatch.com
Source: fnpsblog.blogspot.com

22. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 22
Principle 28. Replacement of a Mechanical
System
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Optical computer mouse replaces • The feet of aphids appear to
mechanical mouse adhere to surfaces using capillary
adhesion (AskNature.org: Aphids,
2011)
Source: mouserena.com Source:
abbotlab.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/aphid2.jpg

23. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 23
Principle 29. Use Pneumatics of Hydraulics
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Air shocks in automobiles • Spiders have muscles to flex the
joints but none to extend them.
They extend their legs by
pumping fluid into them.
(Asknature.Org: Spiders, 2011)
Source:
performancetruckllc.com/82601l.jpg
Source:
cdn.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/2006/Tarantul
a.jpg

24. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 24
Principle 30. Flexible Film or Thin
Membranes
Manmade Example Biological Example
• Space blankets • Butterfly wings achieve visual
color without pigment using thin
layers (Imod Display, 2011)
Source:
www.rei.com/product/407106/space-all-
weather-blanket Source:
www.presentationtek.com/images/colorful_butterf
ly.jpg

25. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 25
Conclusion
• The authors believe that the proposed approach can help
engineers routinely connect to appropriate biological
inspirations
• We would welcome collaboration with anyone interested
in furthering this work