40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ: A Practical Guide for Process Innovation

Innovation rarely comes from luck. It comes from structured thinking. TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, offers exactly that. Developed by Genrich Altshuller and his team after analyzing thousands of patents, TRIZ helps engineers, scientists, and process professionals generate creative solutions systematically.

At the heart of TRIZ are the 40 Inventive Principles. These principles guide teams to resolve contradictions — situations where improving one parameter makes another worse.

For example, making a product lighter might reduce strength. TRIZ helps find a solution that improves both.

Let’s explore each of the 40 principles, with practical examples and applications in process improvement and Lean Six Sigma environments.

What Are the 40 Inventive Principles?

Altshuller discovered recurring patterns among breakthrough innovations. These patterns became the 40 Inventive Principles — universal strategies to solve contradictions and trigger creative ideas.

They’re not industry-specific. You can apply them in manufacturing, software, design, or operations.

Here’s a quick overview before diving into each one:

Principle Range	Theme	Examples
1–10	Segmentation and flexibility	Modularity, removing parts
11–20	Motion and dynamics	Balance, continuity, asymmetry
21–30	Efficiency and simplification	Skipping steps, copying, converting harm
31–40	Transformation and self-organization	Porous materials, composite structures

The 40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ

1. Segmentation

Break a system into independent parts.
Example: Modular furniture systems let customers customize layouts. In process design, modular workstations improve flexibility.

2. Taking Out

Remove a part or function that’s not needed.
Example: In software, removing unnecessary steps from user interfaces improves usability. In Lean, this aligns with eliminating waste.

3. Local Quality

Make each part of a system perform optimally for its environment.
Example: Cutting tools with specialized coatings only at the cutting edge increase tool life.

4. Asymmetry

Change a system’s symmetry to enhance performance.
Example: Asymmetric fan blades reduce noise and increase efficiency.

5. Combining

Combine similar or related functions.
Example: Smartphones combine communication, cameras, and computing into one device.

6. Universality

Make one part perform multiple functions.
Example: A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife reduces the need for extra tools.

7. “Nested Doll”

Place one object inside another.
Example: Telescoping antennas or nested containers save space and protect components.

8. Anti-Weight

Use counterbalancing or buoyancy.
Example: Elevators use counterweights to reduce motor load.

9. Preliminary Anti-Action

Prepare in advance to counter potential issues.
Example: Error-proofing (poka yoke) in assembly prevents mistakes before they occur.

10. Preliminary Action

Do something in advance to simplify operations.
Example: Preheating an oven before baking or staging materials for faster setups.

11. Cushion in Advance

Prepare a backup or fail-safe.
Example: Battery backups for critical systems prevent downtime.

12. Equipotentiality

Reduce or eliminate the need to lift or lower.
Example: Conveyor belts that keep items at working height improve ergonomics.

13. “The Other Way Round”

Invert the process or orientation.
Example: Upside-down ketchup bottles ensure easier dispensing.

14. Spheroidality

Use curved forms instead of flat ones.
Example: Rounded airplane windows prevent stress concentration.

15. Dynamicity

Design systems to adapt or change.
Example: Adjustable workbenches or flexible automation systems.

16. Partial or Excessive Action

Do slightly more or less than necessary.
Example: Overfilling a mold slightly ensures full part formation.

17. Moving to a New Dimension

Move from 2D to 3D, or vice versa.
Example: 3D circuit boards pack more functionality into smaller spaces.

18. Mechanical Vibration

Use oscillation or vibration to improve performance.
Example: Ultrasonic cleaners use vibrations to remove contaminants.

19. Periodic Action

Replace continuous action with periodic ones.
Example: Pulsed laser cutting offers better precision.

20. Continuity of Useful Action

Avoid stopping a process.
Example: Continuous flow in Lean manufacturing reduces waiting waste.

21. Skipping

Skip unnecessary steps or transitions.
Example: Direct-to-metal printing eliminates intermediate molds.

22. “Blessing in Disguise”

Use a harmful factor for benefit.
Example: Waste heat recovery systems convert heat into usable energy.

23. Feedback

Introduce feedback or monitoring.
Example: Thermostats regulate temperature automatically.

24. Intermediary

Use a temporary or intermediate object.
Example: A conveyor between two processes prevents handling errors.

25. Self-Service

Make systems perform auxiliary operations themselves.
Example: Self-cleaning ovens save maintenance time.

26. Copying

Replace expensive or fragile parts with cheap copies.
Example: Simulation models replace physical prototypes.

27. Cheap Short-Living Objects

Use inexpensive, disposable components instead of durable ones.
Example: Single-use medical syringes improve safety.

28. Mechanics Substitution

Use optical, electrical, or chemical methods instead of mechanical.
Example: Optical sensors replace mechanical switches.

29. Pneumatics and Hydraulics

Use gas or liquid systems for control.
Example: Pneumatic actuators handle delicate materials safely.

30. Flexible Shells and Thin Films

Use membranes, coatings, or flexible materials.
Example: Flexible packaging reduces weight and material use.

31. Porous Materials

Add pores to reduce weight or increase surface area.
Example: Foam materials provide cushioning with minimal mass.

32. Changing the Color

Change the color or transparency for better function.
Example: Color-changing indicators on sterilization pouches show readiness.

33. Homogeneity

Use the same material for interacting parts.
Example: All-plastic joints avoid corrosion and simplify recycling.

34. Discarding and Recovering

Discard a used part, then recover materials later.
Example: Ink cartridges replaced and recycled after use.

35. Parameter Change

Change an object’s properties.
Example: Temperature-sensitive materials adjust shape or stiffness.

36. Phase Transition

Use changes in state to achieve results.
Example: Cooling by evaporation or heat absorption during melting.

37. Thermal Expansion

Use temperature changes to create movement.
Example: Thermostatic valves that expand to regulate flow.

38. Strong Oxidizers

Use oxygen or chemicals to enhance processes.
Example: Ozone cleaning systems disinfect without harsh chemicals.

39. Inert Atmosphere

Protect processes with inert gases.
Example: Argon shielding in welding prevents oxidation.

40. Composite Materials

Combine different materials for superior performance.
Example: Carbon fiber composites balance strength and weight.

Applying TRIZ Principles in Process Improvement

You don’t need to memorize all 40 principles. Instead, think of them as triggers for creative thinking.

When facing a problem, identify the technical contradiction. Then, consult the TRIZ contradiction matrix to see which inventive principles can apply.

Here’s a simplified example:

Problem	Contradiction	Suggested TRIZ Principles
Faster production increases defects	Speed vs. quality	10 (Preliminary Action), 23 (Feedback), 20 (Continuity of Action)
Lighter material reduces strength	Weight vs. strength	1 (Segmentation), 35 (Parameter Change), 40 (Composite Materials)

By applying these principles, teams move from compromise to innovation.

TRIZ and Lean Six Sigma: A Perfect Match

TRIZ complements Lean Six Sigma by addressing problems that traditional tools may not solve. While DMAIC helps define and measure issues, TRIZ helps innovate solutions beyond incremental improvements.

For example:

• In Define, TRIZ helps clarify contradictions.
• In Improve, TRIZ principles inspire breakthrough ideas.
• In Control, TRIZ can support error-proofing through self-service or feedback principles.

Practical Example: Reducing Machine Downtime

A manufacturing line faced recurring downtime due to complex setups. Traditional problem-solving found minor process tweaks, but the improvement was small.

By using TRIZ:

• Contradiction: Reduce setup time without reducing accuracy.
• Applied Principles:
  • 10 (Preliminary Action): Pre-stage tools and parts.
  • 15 (Dynamicity): Use adjustable fixtures.
  • 25 (Self-Service): Automate calibration.

The result was a 50% reduction in changeover time.

How to Use TRIZ in Daily Work

1. Identify contradictions. Define where improvement in one area harms another.
2. Use the Contradiction Matrix. Find which inventive principles match your situation.
3. Brainstorm ideas. Apply 3–5 principles to generate options.
4. Prototype and test. Validate solutions quickly.
5. Document and share. Capture learning for future use.

Benefits of Using the 40 Principles

Benefit	Description	Example
Structured creativity	Provides direction for brainstorming	Using Principle 1 (Segmentation) to redesign a workflow
Faster innovation	Reduces trial and error	Applying Principle 23 (Feedback) to improve quality control
Cross-industry use	Works in any field	Software, healthcare, or energy
Supports Lean Six Sigma	Aligns with DMAIC and Kaizen	Principle 25 (Self-Service) aligns with poka-yoke
Breakthrough thinking	Promotes non-linear ideas	Principle 17 (New Dimension) creates unique solutions

Common Mistakes When Using TRIZ

• Overcomplicating it. Start simple with one or two principles.
• Ignoring context. Tailor solutions to your environment.
• Skipping validation. Always test ideas before scaling.
• Forgetting people. Combine TRIZ with team engagement and feedback.

Conclusion

The 40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ turn innovation from an art into a repeatable process. Instead of relying on luck, you can systematically solve contradictions and create breakthroughs.

Whether you’re improving a factory process, optimizing software, or designing new products, TRIZ offers a proven framework for structured creativity.

Start with one principle. Apply it to your next improvement project. You’ll be surprised how quickly structured innovation leads to powerful results.