The paper is dedicated to the Patent Deconstruction® – the method of patent strengthening and design around based on the synergetic combination of TRIZ knowledge and Patent Law. The method had been originated in 2002 and since then was successfully applied to multiple projects in different industries. The authors are sharing their accumulated experience with the method through addressing its specifics. The text is illustrated by examples from a variety of projects.

There is an old adage that states. “Two heads are better than one.”  Many companies have had great success in putting that saying into practice and rely on the power of the group to solve tough problems.  This team oriented approach has several advantages over individual problem solvers, such as diversity of backgrounds, different functional roles within the company and different perspectives and biases.  It is in exploiting these differences where companies run into trouble.  Team dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and personalities can get in the way of truly effective team oriented problem solving.  This paper will explore the psychology of these obstacles and highlight ways to overcome them, from pre-selection and prescreening of team participants to tips on how to handle negative interactions during the problem solving event, and tips for overcoming resistance to change and new ideas.

This paper gives an overview of a new concept for using solar thermal energy in vehicles following the concept of Ideal Final Result for overcoming existing mental inertia. The concept is based on very high temperatures reached by concentration of solar energy, Stirling engines, which convert thermal energy into mechanical energy and, finally, energy storage using phase changing materials.

First, a short review of past research is given and the new vehicle structure is described: Solar energy is gathered by Fresnel lens and stored in a thermal tank. Once charged, the tank is placed in the car and connected to a heat exchanger, which transfers thermal energy to the hot side of the Stirling engine. A generator converts the mechanical output of the Stirling engine into electric energy for being used in hybrid vehicles.

This way 100% renewable energy is used, which may be obtained everywhere solar radiation, is available. This concept releases the vehicles from dependency on oil. Vehicles work without contaminating exhausts and make less noise than conventional cars with internal combustion engines. Using a serial hybrid configuration, the Stirling engine can always work on its best operation point and a smaller engine charge the batteries while the car is driven by more potent electric motors.

This technology can be applied to all types of vehicles, from small cars to trucks or trains.  First simulations are used to forecast the power of the engine and sizes of the energy storages.

Purpose

Provide a TRIZ Case Study presentation showing how TRIZ rapid innovation sessions can solve reliability problems for redesign. Demonstrate how the R-TRIZ table was used to isolate optional design principles for redesign for reliability (DFR).  Show how TRIZ complements and fits within the Six Sigma Design for Reliability Process.

Objectives

• Demonstrate rapid innovation solutions, within 35 minutes

• Demonstrate how R-TRIZ table enables Reliability constraint solutions