APPLICATION OF THE TRIZ METHODOLOGY IN THE INNOVATION OF THE FRICTORQ TEST EQUIPMENT

The TRIZ - 'Teoria Rechenia Izobretatelskih Zadatchi' (Russian acronym for 'Theory of Inventive Problem Solving' - TIPS) is a methodology applied for problem solving that aims to create a systematic and algorithmic way to find new design solutions and to enhance individual creativity. This methodology was created and developed by Genrikh Altshuller in the 40's of the twentieth century in the former Soviet Union. Throughout the study of thousands of patents Altshuller discovered that independently of its field, all technologies follow the same defined principles, and that these principles could be used for solving new problems. This paper is intended to demonstrate how the TRIZ methodology can be used in the innovation of a testing device (named FRICTORQ) designed and developed at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minho to measure the friction coefficient in flexible materials. Throughout the study of the patterns of technical evolution described in this methodology, the authors will search for new possible evolution phases for this device, which will stimulate new ideas and the design of innovative solutions.