function-oriented search in open innovation

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Len Malinin Application of Function-Oriented Search to Open Innovation Projects

Most technical problems have been already solved…

Engineering system

Leading areas of science

and engineeringProblems Solutions

?

!

… but for a different application. The challenge is how to match them.

© 2007 GEN3 Partners, Inc. Confidential2

Transformation of Initial Problem is the Key Element

Initial Problem

Transformation

Leading application domains

Transformed Problem

?

?

OI team 1

OI team 2

OI team 3

OI team 4

Solution of Initial Problem

Adaptation Cost Response time

Filtering

Cost

Constraints

Solutions of Transformed

Problem


Transformation Based on Function-Oriented Search Is the Tool to Find Solutions from Other Areas

Specific problem Specific (adapted) solutions

Leading application areas

Function-based solutions

Framing/Generalization Adaptation

Constraints

Function domain

Work scope for OI teams

Application domain


Function-Oriented Search vs Key Word Search

HammerHammer NailNailMovesMoves

(Subject) (Object)(Action)

Key word based search Function-Oriented Search

Generalize function by action or object

HammerHammer NailNailMovesMoves

Speed

Force

Emphasis on parameters critical for the initial problem


Solution Process Based on Function-Oriented Search

Specific problem

Adaptation of solutions to the specific problem

Specific solutions

Dissection of the initial problem into a set of sub-problems,

based on functions of the system

Identify leading applications presenting ultimate requirements

to the function parameters

Identify existing function-based solutions

from the leading application areas

Filtering/ranking based on level of development, level of adaptation problems (use Similarity Index),

freedom to operate

•Identify critical parameters of the functions•Generalize functions (by action or object)



Case Study. Development of Fast, Low Cost Current Limiting Element

U [V]

I [A]

Target I – V curve (current vs voltage)

Problem Statement: design a fast, low cost element having the target I-V curve

•Critical parameters: Response time CostResistance ratio (High to Low)

Key word search leads to electric circuit solutions which are prohibitively expensive

Function: “current changes resistance of the device

Generalized Functions: current-induced factors change state parameters of the deviceGeneralize Generalize

Current Limiting Device with Current Booster

CLD

Which industry presents the most critical demands to response time and cost?Non-volatile solid state computer memory was identified by Function-Oriented Search as the leading application area where the function “rapidly change resistance by several orders of magnitude” has been realized.

Adaptation problem: Maximum current

12

3

4

5

6


Solutions Based on Function-Oriented Search

Develop a fast, low cost current limiting element

Adaptation of solutions to the specific problem

Specific solutions

Sub-problem: change resistance

Leading applications: Solid state computer memory (minimum time,

low cost, but low current)

Identify physical effects employed in solid state

memory

Filter based on scalability (current), cost, freedom to operate

•Generalize function: Change state parameters based on current-induced parameters•Critical parameters: Response time, High-to-Low Resistance, Maximum current, Cost

Technical, not physical, problem



Conclusions

• The OI process can be greatly leveraged with the understanding that most technical problems have been already solved, but for different applications. The challenge is to find these solutions. • To that end, the most productive approach is based on Function-Oriented Search. FOS in OI project involves the following steps:

─ Dissect the initial problem into a set of sub-problems, based on functions of the system ─ Identify critical parameters of the functions─ Generalize the functions (by action or object)─ Identify leading applications presenting ultimate requirements to the function parameters─ Identify existing function-based solutions from the leading application areas─ Determine the Similarity Index (how different are parametric conditions for the initial product and the

leading area)─ Filter/rank the solutions based on level of development, level of adaptation problems, freedom

to operate ─ Adapt the solutions to the initial problem

• In a case study, based on the development of a low cost self-resetting overcurrent protection device, key words based search failed to discover new approaches. At the same time, introduction of generalized functions (“current-induced factors change state parameters of the device”) led to solid state computer memory applications where this function is realized with the minimum response time • The computer memory-based solutions were then adapted to the overcurrent protection device.

function-oriented search in open innovation

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