Model and algorithm for computer-aided inventive problem analysis

The paper presents the research activity developed by the authors in the field of computer-aided inventive problem solving: an original model and a dialogue-based software application have been developed by integrating the logic of ARIZ (Algorithm for the Inventive Problem Solving) with some OTSM-TRIZ (General Theory of Powerful Thinking) models in order to guide a user also with no TRIZ education to the analysis of inventive problems. The paper demonstrates that through a dialogue-based interaction it is possible to guide the user towards a proper formulation of the problem statement, which is an essential step of any conceptual design activity. The proposed software system, although still at a prototype stage, has been tested with students at Politecnico di Milano and at the University of Florence. The paper details the structure of the algorithm and the results of the first validation activity; then, it discusses about the possibility to integrate the proposed approach into a new generation of CAD systems.

► Review and classification of design problems. ► Main characteristic of problem solving methods and related CAI tools. ► Requirements of computer-aided inventive problem solving (CAIPS) algorithm. ► Development of a TRIZ-based dialogue-based module for problem analysis in CAD systems. ► Tests show that CAIPS module helps less skilled users in inventive problem analysis.