Su-Field Analysis - Model Solutions

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By Michael S. Slocum

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) provides a method of creating a model (in addition to many other data based problem solving tools) of any existing system (technical or non-technical). There are 76 standard solutions that may be utilized when the system model has deficiencies or inadequacies but not necessarily a technical or physical contradiction (TC or PC). One of five classes of solution transformations is dedicated to measuring and detecting and can offer highly innovative resolutions to previously intractable systems.

TRIZ constitutes a data-based approach to innovatively resolving difficult problems. At the foundation of the theory is the realization that nearly all innovative patents contained a resolution to some type of contradiction (technical and/or physical). The theory was further developed and more advanced principles were identified. A portion of this work was associated with the minimum required technical system. The minimum technical system was found to consist of a field (F) and two substances (S₁ and S₂). (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1: Standard  Minimum Required  Technical System  According to  Su-Field Principles

This standard minimum system and transformations of it (which is a generic formulation for a specific problem) became the foundation of a set of 76 standard solutions used to solve a specific problem. These solutions, or standard transformations, are grouped into five classes; Class 4 contains the measurement and detection standards:

Group 4-1: Instead of Measurement and Detection – System Change
Group 4-2: Synthesis of a Measurement System
Group 4-3: Enhancement of Measurement Systems
Group 4-4: Transition to Ferromagnetic Measurement Systems
Group 4-5: Evolution of Measurement Systems

Substance Field Analysis (Su-Field)

Problems Without Contradictions?

Overcoming contradictions solves both simple and complex problems. In striving to improve the world around us, the inventor demands a lot from technical objects – in order to meet increasing demand, technical systems (TS) should constantly increase in efficiency or decrease in harmful, or redundant, properties. This means that one group of inventive problems focuses on improving the existing technical systems. Once involved in the technological evolution process, they start facing contradictions. The increasing demand can not always be met by improving the existing TS. But there are problems with no contradiction.

Example

In the course of reconstruction, a match factory was equipped with high-performance machines that doubled the factory’s production rate. But, there was an operation that slowed down the whole process – packing the matches into boxes. The old machines could not cope with the increased production; the lack of space made it impossible to install two packing lines. A decision was made to remove the out-of-date packing equipment that had other deficiencies: it was ‘blind’ and would often pack reject matches without heads or pack the wrong number of matches. It was urgent to find an accurate method for packing millions of matches into boxes, including a system requirement that would detect faulty matches.

The introduction of a small amount of ferromagnetic powder (application of a standard from Class 4, Group 4.4) to the ignition compound gives slight magnetic properties to each match. This is enough to orient the matches in a magnetic field and pack them much faster and with much higher accuracy (for a magnet of certain surface square attracts a fixed number of matches).

A detailed analysis shows that there is nothing to improve – the old TS was dismantled. Therefore, a new system need be created. The matches are there, but what are we supposed to do with them? The problem was solved using the introduction of a ferromagnetic powder into the ignition compound of the match heads. In the beginning, there was one substance (the matches, S₁), and in the end there were two substances (the matches, S₁, and the ferromagnetic powder, S₂) and one field (magnetic, F_M), as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Initial Su-Field Model and the  Synthesis to a Complete Model

The system works as the magnetic field (F_M) acts on the ferromagnetic powder, S₂, which, in turn, acts on the matches (S₁). (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3: Su-Field  Model for the Example  System

In other words, we worked from a single element (S₁) toward a system of interacting elements (S₁, S₂ and F_M). A double arrow indicates this transition in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Incomplete System  and the Transformation to a  Solution Model (Using Class 4,  Group 4.4 from the 76 Standard  Solutions)

Rules for the Inventor: Su-Field Synthesis

Su-Field models shed light on the essence of transformations (synthesis and evolution) of technical systems and allow the use of universal technical language to represent the process of solving any inventive problem. Analysis of substance-field structures in those parts of technical systems where contradictions occur under transformation is called Su-Field analysis. Su-Field analysis presents a general formula that shows the direction for solving the problem. This direction depends heavily on the initial conditions of the problem. Consider the example problem: any alteration of conditions will profoundly change the process of solving the problem. For example, no materials may be introduced into the match head, no cooling medium can be poured into the hollow boom of the robot, etc. How can you decide which step to take?

Rule 1 of Su-Field Synthesis. Non-Su-Field systems (containing one element), or incomplete Su-Field systems (with two elements), should be developed into a full Su-Field model. If there is an object that is not easy to change, and the conditions do not contain any limitations on the introduction of substances and fields, the problem can be solved by synthesizing a Su-Field model – the object is subjected to the action of a physical field that produces the necessary change in the object. The missing elements are introduced accordingly.

Figure 5: Developing a Full  Su-Field Model

Often, conditions contain two substances and a field that have insufficient interaction and cannot be replaced with other substances or fields. That is, the SFM is there (all three elements are present) and it is not there: it simply will not work. The same may happen after completing a SFM. That means that the SFM needs to be improved: the substances should become controllable, the field should have a desired effect and the character of interaction of elements should proceed as required.

Rule 2 of Su-Field Synthesis. Formation of complex Su-Field by introducing an easily controllable admixture possessing desirable properties into the substance. The admixture can be introduced into the substance (internal complex Su-Field) or, where internal introduction is inadmissible, placed outside the substance (external complex Su-Field).

Figure 6: Internal and External Complex Su-Fields  (Non-existent interactions are shown by dotted lines.  Brackets indicate internal complex links. External  complex links have no brackets.)

Rule 3 of Su-Field Synthesis. If the conditions contain limitations on the introduction or attachment of substances, the problem has to be solved by synthesizing a Su-Field model using external environment as the substance.

Figure 7: The Introduction  of External Environment  (Sse is the substance from  the surrounding  environment.)

Class 4. Measurement and Detection Standards

Group 4-1: Instead of Measurement and Detection – System Change

Standard 4-1-1. If we are given a problem of detection or measurement, change it so that there should be no need to perform detection or measurement.
Example. To prevent a permanent electric motor from overheating, its temperature is measured by a temperature sensor. If the poles of the motor are made from an alloy with a Curie point equal to the critical value of the temperature, the motor will stop itself.

Standard 4-1-2. If we are given a problem of detection or measurement and it is impossible to change the problem to remove the need for detection or measurement, replace direct operations on the object with operations on its copy or picture.
Example. It might be dangerous to measure the length of a snake. It is safe to measure its length on a photograph and recalculate/extrapolate the result.

Standard 4-1-3. If we are given a problem of measurement and the problem cannot be changed to remove the need for measurement, and it is impossible to use copies or pictures, transform this problem into a problem of successive detection of changes. (Note: Any measurement is carried out with a certain degree of accuracy. Even if the problem deals with continuous measurement, one can single out an act of measurement involving two successive detections, making the problem considerably simpler.)
Example. To measure a temperature, it is possible to use a material that changes its color depending on the current value of the temperature. Alternatively, several materials can be used to indicate different temperatures.

Group 4-2: Synthesis of Measurement System

Standard 4-2-1. If a non-SFM is not easy to detect or measure, the problem is solved by synthesizing a simple or dual SFM with a field at the output. Instead of direct measurement or detection of a parameter, another parameter identified with the field is measured or detected.
Example: To detect the moment when a liquid starts to boil, an electrical current is passed through the liquid. During boiling, air bubbles are formed – they dramatically reduce the electrical resistance of the liquid.

Figure 8: Modify a Field

Standard 4-2-2. If a system (or its part) does not provide detection or measurement, the problem is solved by transition to an internal or external complex measuring SFM, introducing easily detectable additives.
Example. To detect leakage in a refrigerator, a cooling agent is mixed with a luminophore powder.

Figure 9: Introducing Additives to the System

Standard 4-2-3. If a system is difficult to detect or measure at a given moment of time, and it is impossible to introduce additives in the object, then additives that create an easily detectable and measured field should be introduced in the external environment. Changing the state of the environment will provide an indication of the state of the object.
Example. To detect wearing of a rotating metal disk contacting with another disk, introduce luminophore into the oil lubricant, which already exists in the system. Metal particles collecting in the oil will reduce luminosity of the oil.

Standard 4-2-4. If it is impossible to introduce easily detectable additives in the external environment, these can be obtained in the environment itself (e.g., by decomposing it or by changing the aggregate state of the environment). (Note: Gas or vapor bubbles produced by electrolysis, cavitation or by any other method are often used as additives obtained by decomposing the external environment.)
Example. The speed of water flow in a pipe might be measured by amount of air bubbles resulting from cavitation.

Group 4-3: Enhancement of Measurement Systems

Standard 4-3-1. Efficiency of a measuring SFM is enhanced by the use of physical effects.
Example. Temperature of liquid media can be measured with a change of a coefficient of retraction, which depends on the value of the temperature.

Standard 4-3-2. If it is impossible to detect or measure directly the changes that take place, and if no field can be passed through the system, the problem can be solved by exciting resonance oscillations (of the whole system or of its part), whose frequency change is an indication of the changes that take place.
Example. To measure the mass of a substance in a container, the container is subjected to mechanically forced resonance oscillations. The frequency of the oscillations depends on the mass of the system.

Standard 4-3-3. If no resonance oscillations can be excited in a system, its state can be determined by a change in the natural frequency of the object (external environment) connected with the system under control.
Example. The mass of boiling liquid can be measured by measuring the natural frequency of gas resulting from evaporation.

Group 4-4: Transition to Ferromagnetic Measurement Systems

Standard 4-4-1. Efficiency of a measuring SFM is enhanced by using a ferromagnetic substance and a magnetic field. (Note: The standard indicates the use of a ferromagnetic substance that is not crushed.)
Example. A group of students from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University developed a method of measuring speed, direction, time and operating status of an operating system designed to unwind material from one spool to another (Spring 2000 Multidisciplinary Design Project). In order to take mechanical rotations and put them in the form of analog pulses that could be analyzed by a microprocessor (or an electronic component through a pulsed tachometer) the following detection method was developed: a pulsed tachometer detects rotations of a rotating shaft that contain a ferromagnetic rotor comprised of iron brushes perpendicular to the axis. The magnet in the pickup sensor creates a magnetic field around the sensor. When the "iron brushes" on the rotor pass through the magnetic field the flux change induces an EMF in a coil sensor. These create analog pulses that can be used to determine operating speed, time, direction and status.

Standard 4-4-2. Efficiency of detection or measurement is enhanced by transition to ferromagnetic SFMs, replacing one of the substances with ferromagnetic particles (or adding ferromagnetic particles), and by detecting or measuring the magnetic field.
Example. In an effort to orient or align numerous objects, ferromagnetic material can be added to the same portion of each object to be aligned. A magnet can then be used to attract the ferromagnetic portion of the object thus orienting or aligning the objects.

Standard 4-4-3. If it is required to raise a system's efficiency of detection or measurement by going over to a ferromagnetic SFM, while replacement of the substance with ferromagnetic particles is not allowed, the transition to the feSFM is performed by building a complex ferromagnetic SFM, introducing (or attaching) ferromagnetic additives in the substance.
Example. The addition of iron oxide (a ferromagnetic powder) is now included as a pigment in black ink to validate currency and other negotiable documents. This technology is in continual development as computers and high quality color printers make counterfeiting an elementary process. The magnetic fields from these particles produce signatures that, when read by magnetic sensors, can also be used to determine denominations of currency by vending or change machines.

Standard 4-4-4. If it is required to enhance a system’s efficiency of detection or measurement by going over to a feSFM, while introduction of ferromagnetic particles is not allowed, ferromagnetic particles are introduced in the external environment.
Example. The discovery of the electron resulted in extreme advances in the chemistry field. In 1927 Wolfgang Pauli developed a formal representation of the electron spin concept. Experimentation in 1967 produced data that indicated that electrons from ferromagnetic particles (Fe, Co and Ni) were not spin polarized as previously theorized. To continue testing, an ultrahigh vacuum was constructed where photo-emissions of electrons could be performed down to 4.2K and in magnetic fields up to 50kOe. This device obtained strikingly different results: the electrons photo-emitted from various particles were highly spin polarized. Continued research allowed for the development of spin polarization spectroscopy, helping scientists to further understand magnetism. Recent testing utilizing thin ferromagnetic films indicates that the films may be useful in acting as a spin filter similar to plastic foils used with polarized light. 

Standard 4-4-5. Efficiency of a feSFM measuring system is enhanced by the use of physical effects, such as going through Curie point, Hopkins and Barkhausen effects, magneto-elastic effect, etc.
Example. Diagnosing and forecasting residual life of steel structures is important in determining the safety of large structures. Material magnetic memory (MMM) is effective in the assessment of stressed-strained state of structures. This method envelops the theory that in zones of stress and strain concentration there are irreversible changes of the magnetic state of ferromagnetic items. Change of residual magnetization in tension, compression, torsion and cyclic loading of ferromagnetic items is directly related to the maximal acting stress. The operator moves a sensor measuring the residual magnetic field intensity (H_p, A/m), along the weld over the entire perimeter and then transversely to the weld with the amplitude of deviation from the weld edge for 30 to 50 mm toward the base metal of the pipe element. The second operator records in the log book the data on residual magnetization of the metal, namely magnetic field intensity with the plus or minus sign. An abrupt change of the sign and value of H_p points to a concentration of residual stresses along H_p=0 line for a specific section of the welded joint. The main purpose of MMM is detection of the most critical sections and components in the controlled plant, which are characterized by SC zones. After MMM, the traditional methods of non-destructive testing (UT, X-ray, eddy current inspection, etc.) are used to determine the presence of a particular defect.

Group 4-5: Evolution of Measurement Systems

Standard 4-5-1. Efficiency of a measuring system at any stage of its development is enhanced by transitioning to a measuring bi- or poly-system. (Note: Two or more elements are combined for a simple formation of bi- and poly-systems. The elements to be combined may be substances, fields, substance-field pairs or whole SFMs.)
Example. It is difficult to accurately measure the temperature of a small beetle. However, if many beetles are placed together, the temperature can be measured easily.

Standard 4-5-2. Measuring systems are developed toward a transition to measuring the derivatives of the function under control. The transition is performed as: measurement of a function ››› measurement of the first derivative of the function ››› measurement of the second derivative of the function.
Example. Changes of stress in the rock are defined by the speed of changing the electrical resistance of the rock.

Conclusion

Substance-field analysis allows the creation of a model that is representative of the system under discussion. The application of these principles is extremely powerful in defeating psychological inertia and increasing the innovative level of the solution (increasing the level of ideality as well).

About the Author:

Michael S. Slocum, Ph.D., is the principal and chief executive officer of The Inventioneering Company. Contact Michael S. Slocum at michael (at) inventioneeringco.com or visit http://www.inventioneeringco.com.