TRIZ methodology for applied chemical engineering: a case study of new product development

Innovation in chemical engineering is becoming more challenging in developing products that have different applications. This maximizes the chemical engineering capability of commercialization of possible potential product from existing resources. However, systematic and reliable methodology is critically needed for chemical engineers to bring innovation in their product, especially through solving problem and forecasting. At present, there is no systematic methodology and framework to provide chemical engineers with problem-solving approach and concurrently to develop a new product using forecasting. In an attempt to contribute to this critical area, this paper proposes TRIZ methodology and framework for problem solving and forecasting in product development. The methodology and framework guide chemical engineers to create product innovation through problem solving with contradiction and forecasting using strategic TRIZ tools. The approach is illustrated on an automotive case study of liquid bumper technology and diverged the technology generic function to develop other new products and applications. The case study shows a systematic approach in solving contradiction in product development and how to identify potential and feasible common products and adopt similar technology with a generic function to create product innovation for wider applications.