Physico-Mathematical Search of Resources

	Related Tools & Articles On the History of Separation Principles Compatiability Analysis and Case Studies of Axiomatic Design and TRIZ The Functional-Resource Approach to the Forecasting of Technical Systems Evolution

By Alexandr B. Bushuev

The theory of catastrophes and homeostatics uses a mathematical model to transfer the hereditary information in an invention problem.^2,3,4 Transfer of the hereditary information is the transfer of physical properties from the technical contradiction to the new solution (or X-element). There is a biological analogy: opposite properties of the technical contradiction are "parents" and the X-element is their "baby."

A search of physical properties of an X-element is the important problem in ARIZ. If the X-element is a field, the problem solver needs to identify that X. For example, is it a field of pressure or an electric field? If the X-element is a substance, the solver wants to know its physical properties. Physical properties are designated by letters (x,y,z) in the hereditary mathematical model. This article represents an attempt to transition from mathematics to physics. Decoding Bartini's method is one such way.

Roberto Oros di Bartini (1897-1974) was a Soviet aircraft designer and inventor who outstripped the constructive ideas of his contemporaries to no less than 50 years.⁵ This charismatic and mysterious personality can be compared to the scale of the person and merits of Nikolo Tesla. He graduated from Milan Polytechnical Institute in 1922. After the Fascist revolution in Italy in 1923, he worked in the USSR as an aviation engineer and designed 60 different planes.

Bartini developed engineering creativity too. The "and-and" method by Bartini is more than 20 years older than TRIZ. Both methods have grown from dialectic logic independently and at various times in despite of some analogy. There is an opinion that his methods developed from mathematics.⁶ Bartini wrote two theoretical physical articles in which he used a dimensional method for physical sizes. By connecting a dimensional method with a hereditary mathematical model, Bartini's method has been deciphered.

Dimensional Analysis of Conflict Model

The ARIZ model contains a conflict pair, i.e., the tool and an object. The tool has a useful and harmful action on an object. When the tool is in one condition, the first action is useful, but the second action is harmful. Under opposite conditions, the first action becomes harmful, but the second action becomes useful. There is a need to find an X-element to eliminate the harmful action while not disturbing the useful action.

The mathematical model of the conflict pair and X-element is set by cusp catastrophe with potential function:

E(x) = 0.25 x⁴ – 0.5 l x² – mx      (1)        
where x = coordinate of state of object, l = tool control parameter, m = X-element control parameter

The minimum of potential function E(x) is the purpose of invention solving, therefore the size of potential function is equal to the undesirable effect. Let's consider the dimensional analysis E(x) by means of examples.

Example 1: Sealing of Ampules⁷ 

A capillary needs to seal after filling an ampule with fluid. The flame of a gas burner seals the ampule capillary, as shown in Figure 1. The flame blazes irregularly, so there are sometimes defects. Technical contradiction: If a flame is greater, the ampule is sealed well, but the fluid is overheated; if a flame is small, the ampule is sealed poorly, but the fluid is not overheated. The flame is a tool and the ampule is an object. The location of the ampules in water and extremal reinforcement of flame is the contradiction to be resolved.

Figure 1: Ampules Sealing

In this case the height x of an ampoule from the top of a capillary defines zones of undesirable effect, shown in Figure 2. The height will be coordinate x of an ampule. By applying formula 1, every item should have the physical dimension, x⁴, i.e., length in the fourth degree (L⁴). Then we can find the physical dimension of control parameter l for the tool – it has the dimension of a surface (l = S =L²).

Figure 2: Define Coordinate X

This surface can be presented as an operative zone, i.e., place of contact for the tool and an object. Now we need to find the dimension of control parameter m for an X-element. It has dimension of volume (m = V = LS =L³) – the X-element (water) is placed in volume in the control answer of this problem.

Example 2: Transportation of Balls in a Pipe⁷

A pneumatic stream carries small steel balls in a pipe. The pipe has a knee for the turn of a stream, as shown in Figure 3. The pipe wears out at turns because of the impacts of the balls.

Figure 3: Transporting Balls in a Pipe

The pipe with a knee is the tool and the balls are the object. There are two states of the tool: 1) when a knee has a big radius (R>) and 2) when a knee has zero radius (R<). The fast turn is the part of the main manufacturing process and we choose zero radius (Figure 3, center). At once we find an operative zone – the internal surface of a pipe at a turn. The operative zone has two-dimensions, defined by control parameter l of the tool under formula 1. Hence, the volume is control parameter m of an X-element. Then the X-element is a volumetric spatial resource, i.e., a pocket. The balls fill a pocket and eliminate the pipe's deterioration. At last it is possible to believe that the state of an article is defined by a contact line of the ball and pipe.

Example 3: Easily Taken Wedge⁸

When we split a tree trunk, the wedge jams in wood. The wedge is the tool and the tree trunk is the object. If the width of splitting (x = L) is a state of the object, then the operative zone should be two-dimensional. The lateral surface (L²) of a wedge is two-dimensional. The solution is a double wedge with one part made of low-melting-point material. The internal space of a wedge is volume (L³) and control parameter of an X-element as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Easily Removed Wedge

The solution is a double wedge with one part made of low-melting-point material. The internal space of a wedge is volume (L³) and control parameter of an X-element as shown in Figure 4.

These three examples lead to the following conclusions:

1. The object defines the linear extent of the conflict, the tool defines the superficial area and the X-element defines the volume of the conflict.
2. The model sets a geometrical arrangement of the object, tool and X-element. The object is an operative zone on one hand and the X-element is an operative zone on the other.
3. In a geometrical sense, the trend "object-tool-X-element" is part of TRIZ's trend "point-line-surface-volume."

Do other trends exist? Yes – and this can be found with Bartini's LT system of units.^9,10

LT System of Units

Bartini's ideas have appeared in TRIZ.^5,6,11,12,13 The author suggests using Bartini's system of units together with TRIZ on a new mathematical basis.

In 1873 J.C. Maxwell offered a system for measuring using two sizes: length (L) and time (T). Bartini established relationships between physical constants and also offered a kinematic system of physical values.⁹ Next he and Pobisk Kuznetsov developed a geometrical direction in research of physical dimensions.¹⁰ Bartini's system resulted in the LT-table (Table 1).

Table 1: LT-Table – Kinematic System of Physical Values (Length [L] vs. Time [T])
Values	L-2	L-1	L0	L1	L2	L3	L4	L5
T-6					L2T-6	L3T-6	L4T-6	L5T-6
T-5				L1T-5	L2T-5	• Surface power	L4T-5	Power
T-4			L0T-4	• Specific gravity • Gradient of pressure	• Pressure • Tension	• Surface tension • Rigidity	Force	• Force momentum • Energy • Statistical temperature
T-3			L0T-3	Current density	• Electromagnetic field strength • Ductility	Current • Loss mass	• Motion quantity • Impulse	• Angular momentum • Action
T-2	nbsp;		• Mass density • Angular acceleration	• Magnetic displacement • Acceleration	Potential difference	• Mass • Quantity of magnetism or electricity	Magnetic momentum	Moment of inertia
T-1		Volume charge density	Frequency	Velocity	• Two-dimensional abundance • Velocity of change of the area	Loss volume	L4T-1	L5T-1
T0	L-2T0	• Crooked-ness • Change of conductivity	Dimensionless constants (for example, a radian)	• Length • Capacity • Selfinduction	Surface	Volume of space	Distribution of volume along length
T1	Changing of magnetic permeability	Conductivity	Period • Duration	Time necessary for change of length on unit	L2T1	L3T1
T2	Magnetic permeability	L-1T2	Surface of time	L1T2	L2T2
T3	L-2T3	L-1T3	Volume of time	L1T3

The infinite vertical columns of the kinematic system contain a series of integer degrees of length (from L^–2 to L⁵) and infinite horizontal rows contain integer degrees of time (from T^–6 to T³). The crossing of each column and every row gives the dimension of a certain physical quantity. Dimensions of all physical values are represented as a product of integer degrees, LⁿT^m, where |n+m| ≤ 3 for three-dimensional space.

The LT-table expresses physical laws of conservation. Intuitively it is clear that the LT-table should have important practical value for inventor-related work, but Bartini did not provide data on its application in technical creation.

Inventor Analysis of LT-table – Trends of Resources

Let's compare Bartini's LT-table to TRIZ tools. The contradiction matrix is the most similar object, containing 39 features for technical contradictions (for instance, length, volume, time, speed, pressure, force, temperature). More abstract features can be expressed by means of other measured physical values. For example, the shape can be estimated by aerodynamic resistance, and the maintainability can be estimated by average time of restoration after failure. These 39 features name vertical columns and horizontal rows in the contradiction matrix. Similar features are placed in the cells of the LT-table. When the technical contradiction (TC) is formulated, the problem solver searches for the cell from the crossing of bad and good features of the TC. This cell contains numbers of the principles of invention – the numbers are an output of the problem solving process. (See Figure 5.)

Figure 5: Problem in the Contradiction Matrix

Consider that the technical contradiction (or system model) is an input in the LT-table also. The technical contradiction contains the object, the tool, the good feature and the bad feature, depending on the states of the tool. The object is set by the coordinate of a state X and the tool is set by the control parameter m.

In Table 1, look at horizontal row T⁰. The fragment L⁰T⁰, L¹T⁰, L²T⁰, L³T⁰ is known as TRIZ sequence "point-line-surface-volume" (the contact form between the tool and object), but the fragment L¹T⁰, L²T⁰, L³T⁰, L⁴T⁰ is sequence "object-tool-X-element-useful effect" for examples 1-3. It is supposed that the useful effect and undesirable effect E(x) have identical dimensions L⁴T⁰=L⁴. The difference consists only in a sign (+ or -). Then the cell L⁴T⁰ shows the distribution of the X-element volume of the length of an object. There should be a certain distribution of water volume along the height of an ampule (example 1), the certain distribution of a pocket along a contact ball-pipe line (example 2) and the certain distribution of low-melting-point metal on width of split (example 3).

Cells L¹T⁰ and L²T⁰ are an input of the LT-table and cells L³T⁰ and L⁴T⁰ are an output of the LT-table. The cell L³T⁰ defines a spatial resource of the X-element, i.e., volume. The cell L⁴T⁰ sets the state of the certain accommodation of this volume.

Consider the converting mechanism from an input to an output. The X-element dimension is equal to the product of object dimension and tool dimension, i.e., (L¹T⁰)∙(L²T⁰) = L³T⁰ = L³. The dimension of the desirable effect is equal to the product of the Х-element dimension and the object dimension, i.e., (L³T⁰) * (L¹T⁰) = L⁴T⁰ = L⁴. The general trend of development of a spatial resource is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Development of a Spatial Resource

Other horizontal rows of the LT-table allow for the construction of trends of the spatial development of resources. Each cell of a temporal trend differs from the next cell of the same trend on a multiplier T. Diagonal lines of the LT-table are the Su-field trends of resources. Each cell of a Su-field trend differs from the next cell of the same trend on a multiplier L¹T^-1, i.e., velocity V = L¹T^-1.

Figure 7: Triangle  of Resources

Lines of development (or trends) form triangles of resources. Cathetuses of the triangle are trends of spatial and temporal resources and the hypotenuse is a trend of Su-field resources. It is possible to assume that the resource triangle will allow a transformation of spatial and temporal resources in the resources of substances and fields. Return transformation is possible too if a Su-field trend is decomposes on the orthogonal axes of the LT-table.

Consider the resource triangle ABC (Figure 7, red outline). The horizontal cathetus AB of triangle ABC is a fragment of a trend of spatial resources with dimensional trend L⁰T⁰, L¹T⁰, L²T⁰, L³T⁰. The elements of cathetus "point-line-surface-volume" are essences. Figure 8 shows that the new essence is the sum of at least the two previous essences: point and point = line, line and line = surface, surface and surface = volume. The line, therefore, receives some property of a point in the inheritance, the surface receives some property of a line in the inheritance, the volume receives some property of a surface in the inheritance and so on. There is a general property that passes from a point to volume by right of succession. This general property refers to as assemblage of points or population of points. The point is an assemblage of points and the line is and assemblage of points and the surface is assemblage of points and so on. The general property "runs" along a trend – the transfer of the hereditary information. The elements of a cathetus are generations.

Figure 8: Geometrical Formation of Horizontal Cathetus AB

The general property of a trend is set by dimension. Dimension LⁿT⁰ of the new essence is product (L^n-1T⁰)∙(L¹T⁰) where L^n-1T⁰ is the dimension of the previous essence. The multiplier L¹T⁰ enters into dimensions of all elements of a spatial trend, defining the general property of a spatial trend in the mathematical image. Multiplier L¹T⁰ is a gene of a spatial trend or genetic length, too, as L¹T⁰ = L¹. The dimension of generation is equal to the product of the dimension of the previous generation and genetic length as seen in Figure 9a, which represents the mathematical model of the process of transfer of the hereditary information. Blocks of multiplication are elements of this model and dimensions are input and output signals of blocks.

Figure 9: Transfer of Hereditary Information a = structured scheme, b = equivalent electrical circuit

The genetic length is a synlengthing signal (similar to a synchronizing signal). The output signal of the block exists when the input signal exists and the synlengthing signal exists, i.e., output signal = input signal and synlengthing signal. The sign "&" designates a logic multiplication or conjunction (and-and). The hereditary information is transferred from point A to point B if each generation of cathetus AB exists. The equivalent electric circuit is shown in Figure 9b, where switches S1,S2,S3,S4 simulate the operation of logic multiplication. Hereditary information passes from A to B when S1 and S2 and S3 and S4 are closed.

The temporal resource trend is defined similarly. The gene of time is equal to L⁰T^-1 and genetic time is equal T¹. Consider movement along cathetus BC. Point B has dimension L³T⁰ and the essence is volume. The next cell has dimension (L³T⁰)∙(L0T-1) = L³T^-1 and the essence is the velocity of change of volume. The next essence is an acceleration of change of volume. Point C is the velocity of change of acceleration of change of volume.

Figure 10: Trends of Su-field Resources  in Three-dimensional Space of LT-table

Trends of Su-field resources are represented by the color diagonals for |n+m| ≤ 3 seen in Figure 10. All trends of Su-field resources transfer a gene of velocity L¹T^-1 from generation to generation. The gene of velocity, therefore, is an invariant of the totality of Su-field trends. A distinction of Su-field trends consists in the sum S_n+m = n+m of exponents n and m for dimensions LⁿT^m. The yellow trend has the sum S_n+m = 0 and gene LⁿT^-n. The grey trends have sums S_n+m = ±1 and gene LⁿT^-n±1. Blue trends have sums S_n+m = ±2 and gene LⁿT^-n±2. Green trends have sums S_n+m = ±3 and gene LⁿT^-n±3.

A social-biological analogy can be used here. The trend forms a family of several generations. The totality of trends (or families) forms mankind. Each essence of the LT-table has a trend attribute S_n+m, the same way each person has a family attribute. Each essence has the same attribute L¹T^-1 of trend totality the same way each element of mankind has an attribute of a person.

The hypotenuse AC of a resource triangle is a fragment of a yellow trend of Su-field resources. The dimensional length of cathetus AB is AB = L³T⁰ / L⁰T⁰ = L3. The dimensional length of cathetus BC is BC = L³T^-3 / L³T⁰ = T^-3. The dimensional length of hypotenuse AC is AC = L³T^-3 / L⁰T⁰ = L³T^-3 = V³. Then the Pythagorean theorem applies to a resource triangle: (AC)² = (AB)² and (BC)² = (L³)² and (T^-3)² * (L³T^-3)², where "and" is logic multiplication.

      Bartini used a method of logic multiplication "and-and" in his work as an inventor. Logic multiplication summarizes essences by multiplying their dimensions. The addition of essences is a necessary condition for the search of physical properties of an X-element. The following system of the differential equations in works is [2, 4]:
Kdx / dt = -3xy + az  (1)
Kdy / dt = 3xy - az    (2)
Kdz / dt = 3xy - az    (3)

where x and y = the coordinates describing a change of competing properties of the technical contradiction, z = the coordinate describing a change of property of an X-element, K and a = factors

The equations (1-3) describe a process of thinking after insight. Property z of an X-element is defined completely in the established mode, i.e., 0 = 3xy – az and

z = q * xy, q = 3/a     (4)

Equation (4) is fair for dimensions, x = Lⁿ¹T^m1, y = Lⁿ²T^m2, z = Lⁿ³T^m3. If a new essence with hereditary attributes needs to combine with two old essences, we should multiply their dimensions. Though the dimensions are multiplied, the hereditary attributes of different trends (exponents n, m) are summarized. A "baby" Lⁿ³T^m3 comes to a new trend of Su-field resources still having the hereditary attributes of its parents. Lⁿ³T^m3 is the carrier of the hereditary information of a new trend to all other elements.

Search of Su-field Resources of X-element

There is a second type of input in the LT-table – useful and harmful properties of the technical contradiction are entrance parameters. The resource of the X-element will be an output of the LT-table. If useful and harmful properties of the technical contradiction are established, suitable physical dimension of these properties should be found in LT-basis. Then the dimensions are multiplied. The product gives a cell of a new Su-field trend in the LT-table. Suitable physical properties of the X-element are in diagonal cells of a new trend. There is also the opportunity to use the names of columns and rows of the contradiction matrix for entrance parameters.

Consider a continuation of example 1 (soldering ampules). The initial technical contradiction is: If the flame is greater, the ampule is sealed well, but the fluid spoils; if the flame is small, the ampule is sealed poorly, but the fluid does not spoil. How is it possible to measure good or bad soldering of an ampule and how is it possible to measure damage of the fluid? Assume that the length of the soldered capillary defines the quality of soldering and temperature defines the quality of the fluid. The X-element, therefore, should have hereditary attributes of the temperature of the fluid and the big length of the soldered capillary. "And" the small temperature "and" the greater length provide a positive effect. The dimension of temperature is L⁵T^-4 and the dimension of length is L¹T⁰. (See Figure 11) Multiplication results with (L⁵T^-4) * (L¹T⁰) = L⁶T^-4, leading to a trend with a hereditary attribute of LⁿT^-n+2. The movement on this trend (along a red arrow) gives a suitable Su-field resource for the X-element, i.e., loss of volume with the dimension L³T^-1 = m³ / c. It is known that the volumetric discharge of a hot or cold carrier has such a dimension in thermal systems. Flowing water can be a cheap resource.

The first part of an example 1 gives a spatial resource of an X-element as volume. Continuation gives a Su-field resource as the volumetric discharge (volume/time).

Example 4: Steel Spring⁶

A steel spring has the following limitations:

1. The steel cannot be replaced
2. The sizes of the spring cannot increase
3. Other springs cannot join to the original spring

It is necessary to find a simple way to increase the rigidity of a spring. This problem has only one physical value – the rigidity of a spring. Rigidity has the dimension L³T^-4 in the LT-table. The second physical value cannot be entered for formation of the technical contradiction. It must be formally entered – it has zero dimension L⁰T⁰. Multiplying leads to (L³T^-4) * (L⁰T⁰) = L³T^-4 – remaining in the same trend. Movement on this trend (along a lilac arrow) gives a Su-field resource for the X-element, i.e., electromagnetic field strength with dimension L²T^-3. TRIZ suggests magnetizing coils of a spring, then there is an additional repellent strength at compression of a spring.

Figure 11: Fragment of LT-table for Examples 1 and 4

Example 5: Floating Tiltmeter

Figure 12 shows a drawing of a floating tiltmeter – when the base tilts, the float emerges and turns a rod around an axis of the hinge. The indicator (not shown) is on an axis of the hinge. Attempt to increase the sensitivity of the tiltmeter by means of an increase in diameter of a float. A large volume of float leads to smaller errors in measurements. Hydrodynamical resistance, however, increases with variable inclinations and dynamic mistakes increase.

Figure 12: Floating Tiltmeter

Now use Bartini's principle: "and" the volume of a float should be greater "and" hydrodynamical resistance should be small. The volume has the dimension L³T⁰. Hydrodynamical resistance has the same dimension same as force L⁴T^-4. Multiplying these results in (L³T⁰) * (L⁴T⁴) = L⁷T^-4 – to a trend with hereditary attribute LⁿT^-n+3. Movement on this trend (seen along a red arrow in Figure 13) provides a suitable Su-field resource for the X-element, i.e., moment of inertia. The float is a mobile element and has inertia. Its form (inertia) can be changed – for example, make a float in the form of a wing.

Figure 13: Fragment of LT-table for Example 5

Conclusion

1. The dimensional LT-basis of Maxwell-Bartini-Kuznetsov's method is based on invariants that do not vary at transformation of coordinates. Invariants define relations of world constants; consequently, they are a hereditary memory for physical laws. Memory is transferred through trends of development of spatial, temporal and Su-field resources.
2. The method of resource search has three stages:
   • Logic multiplication "and-and" of properties of the technical contradiction, i.e., addition of essences and multiplication of dimensions
   • Finding a resource trend of development
   • Choosing a suitable resource of an X-element on a resource trend
3. The method of resource search does not replace TRIZ, but it is a good addition.

Dimensional LT-analysis is wide and can serve as the physical and mathematical body for TRIZ.

References

1. Bushuev, Alexandr, Technical Contradiction Control on Invention Problem, The TRIZ Journal, December 2004.
2. Bushuev, Alexandr, The Dynamic Substance-Field Analysis in ARIZ, The TRIZ Journal, December 2005.
3. Bushuev, Alexandr, The Search Substance-Field, The TRIZ Journal, June 2006.
4. Bushuev, Alexandr, X-element: Search, Capture, Tracking, Proceedings of TRIZ-Fest 2006, October 13-18, 2006, pp.310-317.
5. Danilovsky, Yury, Mitrofanov, Voluslav and Shevchenko, Denis, The Functional-Resource Approach to the Forecasting of Technical Systems Evolution, The TRIZ Journal, October 2003.
6. Korolev, V., Other TRIZ, in Russian, 1999.
7. Altshuller, G.S. and Selutsky, A.B., Wings for Icar: How to Solve Invention Problems, in Russian, Petrozavodsk, Karelia, 1980.
8. Altshuller, G.S., Creativity As An Exact Science: The Theory of the Solution of Inventive Problems, New York: Gordon and Breach, 1988.
9. di Bartini, R.O., Relations Between Physical Constants, Progress in Physics, October 2005, v.3, pp.34-40.
10. di Bartini, R.O., Kuznetsov, P.G., Plurality of Geometries and Plurality of Physics, in Russian, Proceedings of Cybernetics of Electroenergetical Systems seminar, Brjansk, 1974.
11. Labkovsky, B.A., The Science to Invent, in Russian, St. Petersburg, Nordmet-Izdat, 2000, ISBN 5-93114-013-1.
12. Kudryavtsev, A., Robert Bartini, in Russian, 2005.  http://www.metodolog.ru/00352/00352.html
13. Gerasimov, V., Kogevnikova, L., Carry of Resources, in Russian, TRIZ Summit 2006.
14. Kuznetsov, O., Bolshakov, B. Steady Development, in Russian, St. Petersburg-Moscow-Dubma, 2001, ISBN 5-86050-144-7.
15. Aleinikov, Andrei, Nine New Laws of Conservation: Future Science Horizons, Allied Proceedings of the Academies International Conference, Reno, NV, October 3-5, 2007. Academy of Strategic Management, V. 6, N. 2 2007, pp.5-10.

Acknowledgment

The author thanks the Russian Fund of Federal Property for support of work on grant № 06-08-01289-a.

About the Author:

Alexandr B. Bushuev is assistant professor information technologies, mechanics and optics at St. Petersburg State University of Russia. Mr. Busheuv has been teaching TRIZ for more than 20 years. His scientific interests include the mathematical bases of the TRIZ, automatic control, methods of optimization, economic cybernetics and patent expert examination. Contact Alexandr B. Bushuev at bushuev (at) inbox.ru.