The course provides a broad overview of the most modern methods to support innovation activities in industrial engineering. In particular, the course deals with tools and methods of the TRIZ theory, showing how they can be used to stimulate the designer creativity in the early stages of analysis and solution of technical problems in order to achieve original outcomes.
- Creativity As an Exact Science by Altshuller, CRC Press, ISBN 978-0677212302
- Course slides
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to apply the methodological tools to analysis and solution of technical inventive problems.
Transferred Knowledge
CA1: Applying knowledge and understanding related to problem identification and formulation of solutions, in the field of mechanical engineering, to set up, design, implement and verify systems and apparatus, even of high functional complexity, taking into account the implications related to environmental, economic and ethical aspects, employing well established methods.
CA2: Applying knowledge and understanding related to the analysis and optimization of mechanical devices and systems, as well as to their innovation also through the development and improvement of design methods, constantly confronting with the rapid evolution of mechanical engineering.
CA4: Applying knowledge and understanding related to the implementation of engineering projects adapted to their level of knowledge and understanding, working in collaboration with engineers and non-engineers. The projects may concern components, equipment and mechanical systems of various kinds and for the widest possible applications.
CA12: Applying adequate knowledge and understanding to understand English texts.
CC1: In-depth knowledge and understanding of the theoretical-scientific aspects of engineering, with a specific reference to mechanical engineering, in which students are able to identify, formulate and solve, even in an innovative way, complex and/or interdisciplinary problems. The ability to understand a multidisciplinary context in the engineering field and to work with a problem solving approach
CC2: In-depth knowledge and understanding of the theoretical-scientific aspects of mathematics and other basic sciences. To be able to use this knowledge to interpret and describe complex and/or interdisciplinary engineering problems.
CC5: Knowledge and understanding of materials and their behaviour in the various loading conditions found in design practice. Methods for characterising material behavior.
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures and training sessions
Further information
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Type of Assessment
The evaluation of students is performed through "in itinere" tests where they have to face modeling exercises of a technical system, modeling execises of technical problems, identification exercises of physical contradictions and their resolution.
To demonstrate the competencies described by the criteria CA 1 - 2 - 4 and 12, the student must demonstrate to be able to select and apply systematic Problem-Solving techniques, with particular reference to those belonging to the body of knowledge of the TRIZ Theory.
The student must obtain a positive result in both tests. Otherwise, the student can decide to participate to the examinations scheduled in the regular sessions defined by the School.
Course program
Introduction to the course and to TRIZ Theory (postulates, problem-solutions models).
Definition of function in TRIZ, ENV model. Analysis and modeling of problems, Network of Problems, Functional Modeling. Function Trimming.
Modeling of contradictions, translation of the functional model into a network of contradictions.
Definition of System Operator and Ideal Final Result.
Su-Field modeling approach, modeling example, Standard Solutions.
Solution of contradictions. Separation Principles, Inventive Principles. Smart Little peoples, STC Operator, Pointer to Effects.