TRIZ is a methodology, tool set, knowledge base, and model-based technology for generating innovative ideas and solutions for problem solving. TRIZ provides tools and methods for use in problem formulation, system analysis, failure analysis, and patterns of system evolution (both 'as-is' and 'could be'). TRIZ, in contrast to techniques such as brainstorming (which is based on random idea generation), aims to create an algorithmic approach to the invention of new systems, and the refinement of old systems. Some TRIZ is in the public domain. Some TRIZ resides in knowledge bases held by commercial consulting organizations. A complete and open TRIZ development process is not yet evident. Various camps vie for control of TRIZ and interpretation of its findings and applications. In this paper application of TRIZ principles to spur gear design is showed for first time.

"Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)" has been developed and systematized since 1946 in ex-USSR and has become known to the western countries after the end of the Cold War as a new methodology for technological innovation. It is based on the philosophy: "Improvements, innovations, and evolutions of technologies share some common aspects across their fields and their eras. Thus, by extracting such shared essences out of a large number of excellent cases, and by making them easy to retrieve after classification, we may reuse them for facilitating new development of technologies. Especially, excellent cases of technology innovation can be understood in a number of patterns of breaking through the contradictions in the problem; such patterns provide us hints for our own creative innovation."

This paper was originally published in "TRIZ Home Page in Japan" in Feb 1999. Reposted in trizsite.com under the permission by Dr. Nakagawa, Editor, TRIZ Home Page in Japan. For original contents please refer /eintroduction980517.html at author’s site.

The author believes that for introducing TRIZ into Japanese industries we should master and apply USIT first because of its easiness to learn and apply. The present paper describes about the USIT methodology, in accordance to its problem solving steps by illustrating some application examples. ...

This paper was originally published in “TRIZ Home Page in Japan” in Apr 2000. Reposted in trizsite.com under the permission by Dr. Nakagawa, Editor, TRIZ Home Page in Japan. For original contents please refer /eUSITJSDE000424.html at author’s site.

History and current activities of introducing TRIZ in Japan are summarized. TRIZ has been introduced into Japan for these three years and gradually getting popularity among pioneering engineers in industries. But Japanese TRIZ learners/practitioners still have much difficulty in mastering the way of thinking and in applying TRIZ to their actual problems. For overcoming this difficulty, several textbooks have been published in Japanese and a public WWW site "TRIZ Home Page in Japan" is serving. Needs of easier process for creative problem solving has been recognized, and USIT (Unified Structured Inventive Thinking) developed at Ford has been introduced as a simplified TRIZ methodology. Case studies and training practices of USIT are presented. The "Slow-but-Steady" strategy of introducing TRIZ into Japanese industries is recommended. ...

This paper was originally published in “TRIZ Home Page in Japan” in May 2000. Reposted in trizsite.com under the permission by Dr. Nakagawa, Editor, TRIZ Home Page in Japan. For original contents please refer /etrizjapan000501.html at author’s site.

Possible reasons for making the introduction of TRIZ into western industrial countries slow are discussed. It is suggested that the presentation of the huge body of TRIZ knowledge and methodology has screened its essence and has overwhelmed the learners. For solving this difficulty, the author's understanding of the essence of TRIZ is presented in 50 words and explained briefly. The needs of simpler and clearer procedures are argued for solving problems creatively with the spirits of TRIZ. The author finds that USIT (Unified Structured Inventive Thinking) developed by Ed Sickafus is a good candidate for such a simplified TRIZ procedure. Hence he explains the USIT procedure in relation to the essence of TRIZ and demonstrates his practices of training/applying USIT in Japan.

This paper was originally published in “TRIZ Home Page in Japan” in Nov. 2001. Reposted in trizsite.com under the permission by Dr. Nakagawa, Editor, TRIZ Home Page in Japan. For original contents please refer

/eintroduction980517.html at author’s site.