The bachelor thesis in hand compares biological and technical innovation strategies and analyses potential connexions between ‘The Theory of Inventive Problems
Solving – TRIZ’ and ‘Bionics’.
The analysis focuses mainly on the ‘Seven Pillars’ and ‘TRIZ Trends’ of the innovation philosophy ‘Systematic Innovation’ as well as on Darwin’s theory of evolution and the ‘Ten Principles of Biological Design’ of bionics.
Consequently analogies and differences between biological and technical strategies are identified, descriptive examples are presented and the relevance of these
perceptions for human innovation strategies is evaluated.
As a result the combination of bionical and TRIZ-based techniques is recommended as a basis for a holistic, evolutionary-oriented human innovation strategy.
Table of Contents
1. An Introduction to Evolution
2. The Theory of Inventive Problems Solving
2.1 Systematic Innovation
2.2 Forecast of Technological Evolution with TRIZ Trends
2.3 Examples for TRIZ Trends
2.3.1 Space Segmentation and Surface Segmentation
2.3.2 Action Coordination
2.3.3 Boundary Breakdown
2.3.4 Mono-Bi-Poly (Similar) (Various) (Increasing Differences)
2.4 Evolutionary Trend Radar Plots
3. Bionics
3.1 Evolution – The Biological Strategy to Innovation
3.2 Ten Principles of Biological Design
3.2.1 Integrated Construction and Optimisation of the Whole
3.2.2 Multifunctionality Instead Of Monofunctionality
3.2.3 Environmental Fine-Tuning
3.2.4 Saving Energy and Usage of Solar Energy
3.2.5 Limited Duration and Complete Recycling
3.2.6 Cross Linking Instead Of Linearity
3.2.7 Development by Try and Error Process
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this thesis is to explore and analyze the potential connections between the 'Theory of Inventive Problems Solving' (TRIZ) and the field of Bionics to establish a holistic, evolutionary-oriented innovation strategy.
- Comparison of biological and technical innovation strategies.
- Analysis of the 'Seven Pillars' and 'TRIZ Trends' within Systematic Innovation.
- Examination of Darwin's theory of evolution and the 'Ten Principles of Biological Design'.
- Evaluation of analogies and differences to derive insights for human innovation strategies.
- Recommendation for integrating bionical and TRIZ-based techniques.
Excerpt from the book
3.2.1 Integrated Construction and Optimisation of the Whole
When developing a product or process, human engineers tend to create single, insulated components which are optimised within their own capacity (compare chapter 2.3.3).
The assembling of single components allows specific repairs, redevelopments of the particular component as well as an adding of new components in order to improve the whole system.
Nature designs differently, which is especially well observable on the molecular level: “A particular molecule is the shape it is, and won’t tolerate much bending or reshaping. What evolution has to do when it improves molecular design is to make another molecule – one that is almost like the one that doesn’t work very well – and simply discard the old one.”
As living creatures reproduce and ‘reshape’ throughout generations, this is also true on a higher level. Therefore the trend ‘Boundary Breakdown’ (see chapter 2.3.3) is followed par excellence by nature. Instead of adding components and creating interfaces, the newly aspired functionality is integrated by rebuilding the whole system.
In human technology, an analogy is recognisable when looking at database programming. Relational database systems need many interfaces compared to object-oriented ones, where the principle of entities and the heredity of functions and attributes is in use.
It appears to be most important to look at all affected systems in order to follow this principle (compare chapter 3.2.3).
Summary of Chapters
1. An Introduction to Evolution: Discusses the fundamentals of evolutionary processes in biological and economic systems, highlighting the necessity of systematic innovation.
2. The Theory of Inventive Problems Solving: Introduces the TRIZ philosophy and the 'Seven Pillars' of Systematic Innovation as a structured method for solving complex technical and business problems.
3. Bionics: Explores biological design principles and how they can be translated into human engineering, focusing on evolutionary strategies and the 'Ten Principles of Biological Design'.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, advocating for the synergy of bionical principles and TRIZ techniques to create a more effective, evolutionary-based innovation strategy.
Keywords
TRIZ, Bionics, Systematic Innovation, Evolution, Innovation Strategy, Inventive Problem Solving, Biological Design, Technical Evolution, Resource Management, Boundary Breakdown, Multifunctionality, Natural Selection, Adaptability, Sustainability, Engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on comparing biological and technical innovation strategies and analyzing the connections between TRIZ and Bionics to foster more effective human innovation.
What are the primary fields of study analyzed?
The work examines 'Systematic Innovation' (specifically TRIZ trends) and the 'Ten Principles of Biological Design' as found in bionics.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The goal is to determine if bionical and TRIZ-based techniques can be combined to form a holistic and evolutionary-oriented strategy for human innovation.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a comparative analysis of established technical innovation theories (TRIZ) and biological evolutionary principles, supported by case studies and industry examples.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the 'Seven Pillars' of innovation, various TRIZ trends (such as space and surface segmentation), and the 'Ten Principles of Biological Design', including energy usage and recycling.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include TRIZ, Bionics, Systematic Innovation, Evolutionary Strategies, and Biological Design.
How does nature apply the 'Boundary Breakdown' principle?
Nature integrates functionality by rebuilding the whole system rather than adding separate components with complex interfaces, as observed in biological molecular design.
Why is the combination of bionics and TRIZ recommended?
The combination is recommended because it merges proven biological survival strategies with systematic human technical methodologies, providing a more robust approach to innovation.
What role does 'serendipity' play in evolutionary strategies?
Serendipity describes the role of random mutations and trial-and-error in evolution; the thesis suggests that computer simulations can harness this effect more efficiently for technical development.
- Quote paper
- BSc. Elke Barbara Bachler (Author), 2007, The Evolution of Innovation - TRIZ Trends and Bionics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113463
