Innovation Rainmakers

Principle

28. Replacement of a Mechanical System

a. Replace a mechanical system by an optical, acoustical or

odor system

b. Use an electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic field for

interaction with the object

c. Replace fields

1. Stationary fields with moving fields
2. Fixed to those changing in time
3. From random to structured

d. Use a field in conjunction with ferromagnetic particles

Principle Description: Substitute mechanical interactions, devices, mechanisms and systems with physical fields (the most obvious use of this TRIZ principle) or other forms, actions, and states. This principle is actually about changing or replacing the principle of operation.

Hints on Usage: Look first to replace a mechanical interaction, device, mechanism or system with a physical field. If a system has been replaced and is not functioning as desired, this principle offers numerous opportunities to make additional changes.

If there is no mechanical system to replace, discover if the replacement can come via the use of a biological (human, animal, insect, plant, etc.) sense: visual/optical, audio/sound, kinesthetic/tactile, smell/olfactory, or taste. For example, replace a mechanical means with a visual or olfactory means.

Also consider replacement by using thermal, chemical, electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields (or any combination of them) in interaction with one or more substances or objects.

Remember to consider transitions from stationary fields to variable or movable fields and from unstructured to structured fields. Also consider the use of fields in combination with field-activated substances — gases, liquids, and solids.

In non-physical systems, think in terms of replacement of concepts, values, or attributes.

Examples:

Sorting metallic parts from non-metallic parts can be performed manually or by using magnetic energy.

A personal relationship can be altered if one person changes their values — because a fundamental operating principle of the relationship will have changed.

Separation of residential recycling utilizes vibration, magnetic fields, and blowing air across moving trash piles — in addition to visual inspection and sorting.

Humans used for detecting and removing defective parts can sometimes be replaced with optical systems.

Replacing an oppressively structured, mechanical life with learning to live more often in the moment (being more flexible, variable and adaptive) to bring a person new life and meaning.