The theory of inventive problem solving

This paper presents an introduction to the theory of inventive problem solving (TIPS); a series of powerful tools to direct the search for solutions to engineering problems. The system was developed by G.S. Altshuller and his school in the former USSR, based on an extensive study of the world patent database of over 400,000 inventions from different engineering fields. From these studies it was recognised that the evolution of technical systems follow a series of laws or trends. These laws can be utilised in the development of engineering solutions as an alternative to a `trial-and-error´ or brainstorming techniques for problem solving. The tools include a set of the most commonly applied inventive principles, an algorithm for inventive problem solving, standard solutions, and a database containing hundreds of physical, chemical and geometric effects. Several examples illustrating the methods are given