Effectively Using the Contradiction Matrix

Related Tools & Articles
  • By Gregory Frenklach

    I am not a big fan of the contradiction matrix as a means for searching the appropriate principles for problem solving. I prefer more accurate tools like elements of ARIZ or the inventive standards. Even the 40 inventive principles themselves – without the matrix – when reorganized are preferable in my opinion.

    Nevertheless, trying to solve problems with help of the matrix can be useful. Trying to match real system parameters to the matrix's parameters enables a problem solver to get deeper into the problem and understand it better. And better problem understanding is a step in the right direction. The aim of the article is to make using of the "conventional" matrix easier and more algorithmic.

    The following is the (more or less) conventional method of problem solving with the contradiction matrix:

    1. Determine the parameter of the system whose improvement leads to elimination of the undesired effect (UDE). (The UDE should be formulated before this step.)
    2. Define a known method for improvement of this parameter.
    3. Determine the parameter that gets worse as a result of application of the known method.
    4. Match each of the two parameters to one (or more) of the appropriate 39 parameters (row = the parameter to be improved, column = that parameter that worsens).
    5. Find the numbers of recommended principles in the cell at the intersection of the selected row and column.
    6. Find the recommended principles' descriptions.
    7. Convert the general solution recommended by the specific principle into a concrete solution for the problem.

    Let's concentrate on the UDE and the known method. This pair determines each problem. But any problem situation has a number of such pairs. Therefore we have to find a way to determine other pairs of the problem situation. Problem situation specification and problem mapping can help. [4, 5] According to problem specification we have to determine the element connected with UDE and function of this element. According to problem mapping we have to define additional UDEs:

    1. UDE that appears if we use a known method to eliminate the original UDE – we do this in frame of "conventional" method of problem solving with the matrix (original UDE » known method » UDE (a) » contradiction 1)
    2. UDE that appears if we (mentally) remove the element connected with the original UDE. In this case the element connected with the original UDE is the "known" method. (UDE (b) » known method » original UDE » contradiction 2)

    We also can define two more UDEs:

    1. UDE that is the cause of the original UDE
    2. UDE that is the result of the original UDE

    Each UDE should be treated as the original UDE.

     Figure 1: Relationships and Hierarchy of the Six Contradictions

    Now we can match the UDEs of each contradiction to parameters (improving and worsening) of the contradiction matrix.

    Example: Test Fixture for Electronic Components Measurement

    The test fixture is for measuring high frequency surface-mounted electronic components (couplers, filters, etc). The test fixture is installed on an automatic testing machine. The measurement is performed with a device designed for such work. The components are measured and then, depending on the results, are packed or thrown to the defect bin. During measurement, the components are placed on springy contacts of the test fixture printed circuit. The printed circuit is a three-layer sandwich – epoxy glass that is covered with thin metal layers as shown in Figure 2.

     Figure 2: Test Fixture Printed Circuit

    The test fixture measures about five components per second. The problem is that the printed circuit is very sensitive to the "strikes" of its measures. Metal layers get cracks and lead to incorrect results. This problem occurs after tens of thousands of measurements. The test fixture costs a lot of money and has to be removed from the testing machine and repaired. Repairs demand a lot of time, special equipment, high qualifications for repair personnel and costs a lot of money. What can be done?

    Original UDE

    UDE-Cause

    UDE-Result

    Table 1: The Resulting Six Contradictions
    Contradiction numberUDE to be eliminatedThe known method to eliminate UDEUDE' that appears if the known method is used
    1Short life of test fixtureTo change the printed circuitIt takes a lot of time and printed circuit is too expensive
    2There is no contact between component and measurement devicePrinted circuitShort life of test fixture
    3Cracks in metal layers of printed circuitTo change the printed circuitIt takes a lot of time and printed circuit is too expensive
    4There is no RF signalMetal layers of the printed circuitCracks in metal layers of printed circuit
    5Low measurement reliabilityRe-measurementPoor productivity
    6There is no contact between component and measurement devicePrinted circuitLow measurement reliability


    Now we can match these contradictions to parameters' contradictions of the matrix. At this stage a problem solver familiar with problem formulation, problem mapping and re-formulation knows to make the change in the printed circuit like in the real solving process. It is clear which principles should be applied, but we will use the contradiction matrix to find the appropriate inventive principles.

    Table 2: Recommended Principles Using the Contradiction Matrix
    Contradiction numberParameter to be ImprovedParameter That WorsensRecommended Inventive Principles
    116341
    2241610
    3303435, 10, 2
    4243022, 10, 1
    527391, 35, 29, 38
    6242710, 28, 23


    Solution Idea
    (Based on principles 1 and 2)

    The printed circuit is turned from a sandwich of three layers firmly connected to a sandwich with layers that are not connected. Such a design eliminates the strains that cause cracks in the metal layers because of repeat contact during measurement. As a result, the test fixture is ten times cheaper, reliable during millions of measurement and easy to repair.

    Conclusion

    Using the presented algorithm for problem formulation makes it easy to see which parameters to use and which principles to use to develop solutions

    References

    1. Altshuller, Genrich, 40 Principles: TRIZ Keys to Technical Innovation, Translated by Lev Shulyak, Technical Innovation Center, Worcester, Mass., 1998.
    2. Altshuller, Genrich, The Innovation Algorithm, Translated by Lev Shulyak, Technical Innovation Center, Worcester, Mass., 1999.
    3. Official G.S. Altshuller Foundation
    4. Frenklach, Gregory, Multi-level Problem Solving, The TRIZ Journal, January 2007.
    5. Frenklach, Gregory and Pomerantz, Michael, Problem Situation Specification, The TRIZ Journal, April 2007.

    About the Author:

    Gregory Frenklach is a R&D engineer at Medinol in Israel. Contact Gregory Frenklach at gregory_f (at) 012.net.il.

    Copyright © 2006-2011 – RealInnovation.com, CTQ Media. All Rights Reserved
    Reproduction Without Permission Is Strictly Prohibited – Request Permission


    Publish an Article: Do you have a innovation tip, learning or case study?
    Share it with the largest community of Innovation professionals, and be recognized by your peers.
    It's a great way to promote your expertise and/or build your resume. Read more about submitting an article.