Incidentally, we first think of those famous inventive results, such as Edison invented telegraphs, electric lights, etc., can say that these inventions have created a new era. Other have a large number of various forms of patents, including invention patents, utility model patents and design patents. In fact, in fact, the invention in real life is far from these, and they are in the form, everywhere, their quality, the level is different, and the simple improvement of a small chair is large to a discipline theory, even those patent itself And in innovation is different. Then, in the process of specific implementation of these inventions, based on their respective innovation, the inventors are different in terms of knowledge, experience, innovation capabilities, etc.. For example, to improve the handle of a toothbrush, just understand the product design, material, processing technology, and to invent an electric toothbrush, you need to master a professional motor, control technology, etc.
In order to better organize and implement innovation activities, some experts specializing in inventive research are classified for different forms of invention, and their respective features, as well as corresponding innovations and techniques, the purpose is to implement innovation more effectively. Among them, the most scientifically effective invent classification method is the most famous TRIZ theory (inventive problem solving theory), which divides the inventions into five levels, in-depth analysis and study of different levels of invention, and develops from different levels Scientific innovation methods and tools.
The five inventions defined by the TRIZ theory are from low to high in terms of innovation:
Level 1 is the minimum invention. Refers to a small amount of change in the individual components of the product, but these changes do not affect the overall structure of the product system. This type of invention does not require expertise or knowledge in any adjacent field. Any expert in a specific expertise can basically do this type of innovation basically. For example, the heat loss is reduced in thickness isolation, and the transport cost efficiency is improved with large trucks. According to statistics, about 32% of the invention patents belong to the first level inventions.
Level 2 is a small invention. At this time, some components in the product system changes, and the parameters vary from 10, that is, to improve the product in qualitatively. Using the industry knowledge in the process of innovation, innovation programs can be found through the class ratios with similar systems, such as hollow axles can store nails. About 45% of the invention patent belongs to this level.
Level 3 is medium inventions. Several components in the product system may have a comprehensive change, of which hundred variables are improved, it needs to use knowledge outside the field, but do not need to learn from other disciplines. Such inventions such as atomic pen, mountaineering bike, computer mouse, etc. About 19% of invention patents belong to the third level.
Level 4 is a large inventions. Refers to creating new things, requires thousands of or even tens of thousands of variables to improve the situation, which generally refers to new scientific knowledge rather than using scientific information, which requires the instructions of other discipline knowledge to find solutions . Approximately 4% of invention patents belong to the fourth invention, such as internal combustion engines, integrated circuits, personal computers, etc.
The highest level is a large invention, ie the 5th level. It mainly refers to the scientific discovery, generally new discovery, establish new knowledge, and then has extensive use. About 0.3% of the invention patents belong to the fifth invention. Such as steam engines, aircraft, lasers, etc. Most inventions we have encountered belong to first, second and third. Although the high level inventions are of great significance for promoting the advancement of technical civilization, the amount of inventions of this stage is quite rare. The inventions of lower grades come to constantly improve the role of technology.
For the above five types of invention, TRIZ theory provides corresponding innovation methods and tool support. TRIZ theory mainly includes 40 innovative principles, 76 invention standard solutions and inventive solutions, etc. If it is a simple inventive problem that solves the first and second levels, it can be used to solve the innovative principle of technical contradictions and the standard solution to solve the problem of the invention. If it is a solution problem that solves the third and fourth levels, it is necessary to solve algorithms with standard solutions and inventions issues inventions. If it is a very complex fifth invention problem, inventive problem solving algorithms can be employed, it provides a specific algorithm step to help us implement the transformation of clear inventions by complex blurring problems. Through the classification of the invention, it can be seen that invented and innovative seems difficult, it seems to be a very distant thing, but most of the invention is the lower level of innovation, as long as we give our own innovation potential, master science Innovative principles and methods, each person can have its own invention creation, add vitality to our multicolored life.
