Trends of Engineering System Evolution

Trends of Engineering Systems Evolution offers a detailed and practical explanation of common patterns that occur in the evolution of engineering systems. Researchers have been building on the work of Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues since the middle of the twentieth century, when the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) became a field of study. The authors of this book use their research and practical experience in the field of TRIZ to offer advanced insights into how the Trends of Engineering Systems Evolution (TESE) can be used to guide innovation and discovery. The first two chapters describe the power of technology pull and provide a foundation for understanding the structure of TRIZ. Chapter 3 offers practical advice by elucidating correlations between the performance of an engineering system's main parameters of value and stages of the S-curve. The authors describe each stage of the S-curve, identifying its causes and indicators and offering recommendations about how to shape system design when a particular stage has been reached. This pragmatic S-curve analysis can be used to create innovation roadmaps. Chapter 4 describes the hierarchical structure of the TESE and thoroughly explains individual trends and sub-trends. Illustrations and examples accompany each explanation and help to clarify how trends can be used to shape innovation. Examples range over a wide variety of systems, demonstrating the broad applicability of the TESE. The authors ultimately show that the TESE can be used in research and consulting to determine the innovative potential of an engineering system. The book will appeal to readers interested in all aspects of product innovation, including investment, research, and development.