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7º Congreso Iberoamericano de Innovación Tecnológica Orizaba, Veracruz, del 14 al 18 de noviembre del 2012 1 TRIZICS ROADMAP APPLIED TO EARLY-STAGES OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH Carlos J. Espinoza-González Carlos A. Ávila-Orta Guillermo Martínez-Colunga Darío Bueno-Baqués Alfonso Maffezzoli Francesca Lionetto Abstract The application of TRIZICS as a comprehensive and logical problem understanding- solving framework for early-stages of technology research is presented. Analytical TRIZ and non-TRIZ tools are applied to identify key issues to address improvements and developments in melt processing of polymeric materials using the ultrasonic treatment technology. The technological evolution of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts shows an unexpected pattern of evolution during its fifty years of history. A quantitative evaluation of the evolution patterns and the logical patterns in a Learning process suggests a more in-depth understanding of the scientific principles of the technology. TRIZICS is proposed as a successful roadmap to address more efficiently the early-stages of technology research processes. Keywords: TRIZ, Technology, Ultrasound, Polymer. 1. Introduction The technology research could be defined as a process used to collect and analyze information concerning the discovery and interpretation of facts, which are oriented toward technological applications. As general consensus, a research process involves the phases/steps of i) formulation of the research problem, ii) extensive literature review, iii) specification of the purpose of research, iv) determination of specific research questions or hypotheses, v) data collection, vi) analysis and interpretation of data, and vii) report and evaluation of research [1]. In the field of the technology development, the early-stages in the research process (the first four steps above mentioned) represent the most crucial stages, since the level of success of such technology is dictated by an accurate selection of which components/parts of a technology require to be improved or developed. How important could be to “spend time” in those four steps? Nowadays, most companies that emerge from technologies developed in academic and research institutions (spin-offs) acknowledge that a rigorous technology research process is required to develop new products, or find the next generation of any current system or product. Thus, the phrase “spend time” can be better replaced by “invest time. The first four steps in the research process could be viewed as easy steps to follow; however, when we talk about improvement and development of new technologies, these “easy” steps can sometimes be very difficult to follow. TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) is an engineering problem solving toolkit that has demonstrated to play a crucial role in the improvement and development of technological systems. TRIZ tools help to investigate and find the existing answers to our problem through

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7º Congreso Iberoamericano de Innovación Tecnológica Orizaba, Veracruz, del 14 al 18 de noviembre del 2012

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TRIZICS ROADMAP APPLIED TO EARLY-STAGES OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

Carlos J. Espinoza-González Carlos A. Ávila-Orta

Guillermo Martínez-Colunga Darío Bueno-Baqués Alfonso Maffezzoli Francesca Lionetto

Abstract The application of TRIZICS as a comprehensive and logical problem understanding-solving framework for early-stages of technology research is presented. Analytical TRIZ and non-TRIZ tools are applied to identify key issues to address improvements and developments in melt processing of polymeric materials using the ultrasonic treatment technology. The technological evolution of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts shows an unexpected pattern of evolution during its fifty years of history. A quantitative evaluation of the evolution patterns and the logical patterns in a Learning process suggests a more in-depth understanding of the scientific principles of the technology. TRIZICS is proposed as a successful roadmap to address more efficiently the early-stages of technology research processes.

Keywords: TRIZ, Technology, Ultrasound, Polymer.

1. Introduction The technology research could be defined as a process used to collect and analyze information concerning the discovery and interpretation of facts, which are oriented toward technological applications. As general consensus, a research process involves the phases/steps of i) formulation of the research problem, ii) extensive literature review, iii) specification of the purpose of research, iv) determination of specific research questions or hypotheses, v) data collection, vi) analysis and interpretation of data, and vii) report and evaluation of research [1]. In the field of the technology development, the early-stages in the research process (the first four steps above mentioned) represent the most crucial stages, since the level of success of such technology is dictated by an accurate selection of which components/parts of a technology require to be improved or developed.

How important could be to “spend time” in those four steps? Nowadays, most companies that emerge from technologies developed in academic and research institutions (spin-offs) acknowledge that a rigorous technology research process is required to develop new products, or find the next generation of any current system or product. Thus, the phrase “spend time” can be better replaced by “invest time”. The first four steps in the research process could be viewed as easy steps to follow; however, when we talk about improvement and development of new technologies, these “easy” steps can sometimes be very difficult to follow.

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) is an engineering problem solving toolkit that has demonstrated to play a crucial role in the improvement and development of technological systems. TRIZ tools help to investigate and find the existing answers to our problem through

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an entire problem understanding. However, TRIZ tools are not normally organized into a step-by-step process, therefore in some cases, is difficult to achieve an entire problem understanding. Recently, Gordon Cameron (TRIZ trainer and elected President of the Arizona TRIZ Association) integrated all TRIZ tools with other non-TRIZ problem solving tools into a comprehensive and logical problem understanding-solving framework called TRIZICS [2], which facilitates the process of understanding and problems solving.

Recently, we performed an analysis of the current state of the art of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts following the TRIZICS roadmap, in order to find opportunities for future investigations, improvements and developments [3]. Technological and scientific issues concerning with the physical and chemical effects of the ultrasound in polymer melts were discussed. In the present paper, the step-by-step process of the TRIZICS roadmap is revealed and presented as a roadmap to address more efficiently the early-stages of technology research processes.

2. Background theory 2.1 TRIZICS roadmap

TRIZ tools are not typically organized into a step-by-step process, so inexperienced TRIZ users find it difficult to decide which TRIZ tools to use and when to apply them. There is an algorithm called ARIZ [4], which come from the Russian acronym Algorithm Rezhenija Izobretatelskih Zadach known as the Algorithm for Solving Inventive Problems (ASIP in English). This algorithm combines several TRIZ solution tools into a sequential process; however, ARIZ does not form an overall problem solving process because it is a method for taking a specific problem with known root cause and solving it.

TRIZICS is a structured and practical problem solving framework for the application of TRIZ tools, which leads from the beginning of a problem solving process to the end, that is – from problem definition to implementation and validation of the solution. Figure 1 shows the six main stages regarding to problem understanding and solving process using TRIZICS. From this figure, the first four stages of TRIZICS represent the early-stages of the research process.

Figure 1. Six stages for problem solving using TRIZICS

An overall understanding of the first four stages of the TRIZICS process is described below.

2.1.1 Identify the problem

TRIZ is a method to promote “out-of-the-box” creative thinking, and it is not a good idea to start to solve a problem by using TRIZ. Instead, TRIZICS suggests first apply a standard “in-the-box” problem solving method, which includes cause-effect-chain analysis, brainstorming, fishbone, among others (Figure 2). However, if the problem cannot be solved or a more innovative solution is required, TRIZ and other creative thinking tools should be applied.

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Figure 2. First step of TRIZICS – Identify the problem

2.1.2 Select the type of problem

A problem to be solved may be reactive or proactive and the root cause may be known or unknown. TRIZICS categorizes four types of technical problems as shown in Figure 3; in which, the improvements and developments of technology systems are always classified as general inventive (proactive).

Figure 3. Second step of TRIZICS – Select problem type

2.1.3 Apply analytical tools

Once the problem has been classified, the application of analytical TRIZ tools helps to break the original target problem down to a level that is easier to solve. The analytical TRIZ are classified in four groups according to type of problem. Figure 4 shows which analytical tool should be used for a type of problem.

Figure 4. Third step of TRIZICS – Apply analytical tools

In this paper, we will focus on S-curve analysis and on trends of evolution tools as TRIZ tools, and on “the most important graph in the world” as a non-TRIZ tool suggested for improving and developing of technological systems. A brief description of these tools is presented below.

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2.1.3.1 S-curve analysis

The technological systems evolve by following a trend towards increasing ideality (i.e. increasing their functionalities and decreasing costs, harmful or negative factors). The life cycle of a technological system, component or sub-system can be described in terms of an S-shaped curve, which includes four main stages: infancy, growth, maturity and decline. Within these stages, the technological changes that occur in the system are: i) platform type, ii) components and designs.

According to Sood and Tellis [5], during infancy stage, the nascent technology is defined by a “platform innovation” which emerges from scientific principles that are distinctly different from those of existing technologies. On the other hand, processes of “components and design innovation”, which develop new parts or products and re-configurations of the linkages and layout of components within the same technological platform, take place during the growth and maturity stages. In the decline stage, the innovations performed within the same technological platform do not increase the ideality of the system. Figure 5 shows the four main stages in the technological evolution of systems, as well as the technological changes that take place during these stages.

Figure 5. S-curve of technological evolution

Thus, the technological evolution graph helps to determine the stage in which our technology under study is located, and also focus the improving and developing actions towards innovations in platform, components or designs.

2.1.3.2 Trends of evolution

From the study of patents, it was recognized that technological systems do not develop randomly but follow repeatable patterns or “trends of evolution”; in which, the knowledge of these trends allows predicting the future development of a system. In order to position the state of a system in relation to each law of development, Cavallucci and Weill [6] suggest detecting the deficiency of the system in relation to a law, gauging each law on scale of 0 to 3:

• 0: The law is not applied at all, it is necessary to focus on its development.

• 1: The law is applied to a small extent; the future development of the systems probably depends on developing this law.

• 2: In most cases, the law is applied. It should perform a development in this direction if none other law is deficient.

• 3: The law is applied. A development in this direction will not contribute to system’s development.

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2.1.3.3 “The most important graph in the world”

“The most important graph in the world” as called by Tony Buzan et al. in their recent work [7], is a graceful graph that represents the basis for creative thinking (Figure 6). This graph might be used as complementary non-TRIZ analytical tool for time management and development of technological systems.

Figure 6. “The most important graph in the world” by Tony Buzan [7].

The most important graph in the world is based in seven Memory laws distributed along a learning curve with the vertical axis indicating the intensity of interest, and the horizontal axis indicating the time of the learning period from where learning starts to where learning ends.

How can it be applied to understand the patterns of evolution? At the beginning, the curve indicates a memory law known as the Primacy Effect (P), representing the moment in which a prime interest in developing or improving a technological process is born. This action could derive from current needs or previous studies performed. The “X” on the curve indicates the memory law called the Understanding and Misunderstanding Effect (U). This law represents the brain’s ability to make connections, and can be related with the infancy stage of the S-curve (see Figure 5), in which the scientific principles are used to build a platform innovation.

As the technology systems evolve, the scientific principles are applied to develop new applications, products and increase the ideality of the system. These facts represent the memory law called Association Effect (Ax ; x = 1, 2, 3, …), which is presented during the learning process. The continuous application of the association effect Memory law will originate the Memory law called the Von Restorff Effect (VR), which represents the growth stage on the S-curve.

At this time, the continuous improvements and developments in components and designs have increased significantly the ideality of the system. Thus, the Von Restorff effect leads to the next Memory law called the Effect of Meaning (M). The “smiley face” on the graph represents the point at which the scientific principles from platform innovation have been completely understood and successfully exploited. The ideality of the system has reached its maximum within the technological platform. This point on the graph represents the maturity stage in the S-curve.

On the other hand, arrows located during the learning process indicate the moments of injection of interest, which represent the Memory law called Interest Effect (I). In a technological system, this effect represents the needs in improving and developing in components and design. Finally, at the end of the learning process, the continuous development of the system within its technological platform does not contribute to system’s

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development and the ideality of the system is not increased. This point represents the Memory law called Recency Effect (R).

2.1.4 Define a specific problem

Applying the analytical tools often leads to a re-definition of the original problem and the definition of a number of different new specific problems to address. Once the problems list is created, should be selected those specific problems that will really contribute to system’s development. Afterwards, in order to apply the TRIZ solutions tools, the selected specific problem must be re-stated as a technical contradiction, physical contradiction, Substance-field (Su-field) model, function statement, or a search for a trend of evolution (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Fourth, fifth and sixth step of the TRIZICS roadmap

The development of any technological system, until reach an ideal state, is a learning process addressed by patterns or laws of evolution. These patterns or laws are derived from the study of patents, which is in fact, result of the human thinking. The recent progress in human thinking has allowed representing this learning process through Memory laws, which describe surprisingly why the technological systems follow such patterns.

In the following section, the TRIZICS roadmap is applied to analyze the current state of the art of ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts, in order to determine the key issues that would contribute to future development of this technology.

3. Ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. 3.1 Following the TRIZICS roadmap

Since the 1950s, extensive studies on the effects of application of high-power ultrasound on polymer melts have led the application of both ultrasound-assisted extrusion processes and static ultrasonic treatments of polymer melts in devulcanization of rubbers [8], compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends [9], and more recently in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites [10,11].

3.1.1 Identifying the problem

Nowadays, the rapid diffusion of polymeric materials in new markets requires the innovation of new technologies or the upgrading of those existing. Future developments that could be achieved using the ultrasonic treatment technology require more than simply solutions

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extracted from “in-the-box” problem solving methods; so a rigorous technology research is demanded in order to obtain “out-of-the-box” solutions.

3.1.2 Selecting the type of problem

The need to improve and develop more efficient methods for processing of polymeric materials using the ultrasonic treatment technology can be classified as General inventive goal (proactive), which corresponds to problem of type-3.

3.1.3 Applying analytical tools

Within the TRIZ analytical tools suggested by TRIZICS roadmap, S-curve analysis and trends of evolution tools were selected to study the current state of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. In addition, “the most important graph in the world” is suggested as complementary analytical tool.

3.1.3.1 S-curve analysis

Following the method used for other researchers [12], the technological evolution graph was built through an extensive search and analysis of patents since the birth of this technology in the 1960s. EPO-Espacenet was used as preferred search engine. Figure 8a shows the number of issued patents related to the use of ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. This technology emerged in 1963, when B. W. Lerch introduced the ultrasound to processing of polymer melts, in order to improve its rheological properties [13]. So, during the course of its evolution, the most relevant applications fields have been the improvement in the processability of polymers, the devulcanization of rubbers, the preparation of polymer blends, and the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. From this figure, it can be also noted that the emulated pattern of evolution (red dotted curve) shows similitudes with the Altshuller pattern of evolution.

On the other hand, the pattern of evolution describing the “performance” of this technology was built from ideality equation (eq. 1), and showed in Figure 8b. The analyzed patents regarding this technology are mainly related with new functionalities or applications in the preparation of new materials; so each patent could be considered as a new benefit or functionality. Regarding with negative effects, the ultrasound-induced degradation processes are considered as the main negative effects. These processes can induce a breakage of polymer chains as well as branching and crosslinking reactions, which deteriorate the mechanical properties of the polymers. So, these negative effects were set as constants.

effects Negative itiesfunctional/BenefitsIdeality

↓↑

= (1)

From Figure 8b, it can be observed that the pattern of evolution of the ultrasound technology (red dotted curve) is similar to S-curve shape described by Altshuller pattern of evolution. Since 1990, the performance of the system has increased significantly since it has been taken advantage of some negative effects for preparation of new materials. For example, the breakage of polymer chains has been used to devulcanization of rubbers [8], and the crosslinking reactions to preparation of polymer blends [14].

In addition, the first three stages of the technological evolution of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts can be identified from Figure 8b:

• The infancy stage (from 1960 to 1980): Marked by the beginning of the use of the ultrasound technology in the improvement of the processability of polymer melts.

• The growth stage (from 1980 to 2000): Described by the tremendous growth in the numbers of patents for improving processability of polymers and devulcanization of

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rubbers, as well as the introduction the ultrasonic treatment technology to polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites field.

• The onset of the maturity stage (from 2000 to present): Described by the decreasing in the functionalities and applications of this technology.

Figure 8. Patterns of evolution of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. a) number of inventions. b) performance.

From the analysis of S-curve, it seems that the limits of ideality of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melt within its technological platform were being reached. Thus, future developments will increase modestly its performance, and only a radical system re-definition could maintain the pace of progress.

An analysis of the trend of evolution or the Altshullerian laws was performed, in order to know more in depth, which evolution laws have been completely developed and which ones still require future developments. This analysis is discussed in the following section.

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3.1.3.2 Trends of evolution

The Altshullerian laws include issues concerning with the knowledge of the technological platform of the technology under analysis. An examination of the patent documents hardly can give an entire understanding of the technological platform necessary to perform an evaluation of such laws. Therefore, an extensive analysis of the trend of the research publications using the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts was performed. Figure 9 shows the trend of the research publications related to polymer processing and studies on the chemical and physical effects of the ultrasound, where the most relevant publications are indicated.

The comparison of the shapes of the Figures 8b and 9 between the periods from 1990 to 2000 is very informative. Although the innovation rate increased (see Figure 8b), the research publication rate was relatively low (see Figure 9). After a careful review of the publications, an unexpected fact in relation to technological platform of this technology was found. In 1983, Peshovskii et al. proposed a possible mechanism of action of ultrasound waves in polymer melts based on old mechanisms of ultrasound in solutions. However, recent publications have concluded that there is still a lack of a deep understanding of the mechanism of action of ultrasound waves in polymer melts, after 50 years of innovation and research!

Figure 9. Trend of the research publications in ultrasonic treatment of polymer melts

According to the technology innovation literature, the development of a technology must be founded on complete understanding of its scientific principles or technological platform. So, from Figure 8b, a question emerges: If the scientific principles about the mechanism of action of ultrasound waves in polymer melts are not well understood, why the pattern of evolution reveals that the ultrasonic treatment technology is reaching its maturity stage?

The following historical events might answer to this question. The interest in the application of ultrasound to polymer melts dates back to 1960s, when Lerch [13] and Bodine [15] became the first inventors who patented an ultrasound-assisted extrusion process for the processing of polymer. In that decade, the research of the effects of ultrasound in polymer melt was null in contrast to solution systems, which had started to be extensively studied.

The numerous studies on effects of ultrasound in Newtonian systems (systems based on water), led to postulate to acoustic cavitation phenomenon as the mechanism to explain the effects of ultrasound in solution systems. This fact generated the interest on study the effects

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of ultrasound in polymer melts (non-Newtonian systems), so the number of patents and publications increased during 1970s (see Figure 8a y 9), assuming that the same mechanism happened in polymer melts.

From 1960s to early 1980s, there were some publications related to the effects of the ultrasound in polymer solutions. It was reported that the chemical and physical effects of cavitation phenomenon are greatly reduced. However, despite this discovery, the chemical and physical effects on polymer melts were similar to solution systems, so the acoustic cavitation phenomenon continued being used as mechanism for polymer melts.

In 1999, Yashin and Isayev [16] published a theoretical model for rubber degradation under ultrasound, which was developed under the hypothesis that the dominant mechanism was leaded by acoustic cavitation. Surprisingly, these authors concluded that the acoustic cavitation is not the primary mechanism. Despite this fact, the acoustic cavitation phenomenon continued being used as main mechanism to lead improvements and developments in polymer melt processing; and now, recent publications in the field are demanding studies in depth about such mechanism.

Thereby, the “apparent” maturity stage reached by this technology was originated from the interest in exploring the “unexpected” effects of the ultrasound in the emerging fields since 90s (e.g. composite materials). Now, the lack of a deep understanding of the mechanism of ultrasound in polymer melts is limiting future developments, as can be seen in the decrement of the number of inventions since 2005 (Figure 8a).

The above discussion leads to evaluate the level of inventiveness for this system. The Altshuller inventiveness scale is ranged from 1 to 5. A level of inventiveness of 4 is granted when a new generation of a system entails a new scientific principle for performing the system’s functions. For the system under study, the level of inventiveness of the patents just could be ranged from 3 to 1 on the 5 level Altshuller inventiveness scale, since the scientific principle of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts has been taken from an existing system within the same field (Newtonian system-ultrasound).

The level of inventiveness for the system under study is showed in Figure 10. The level of inventiveness for the first patent (1963), as well as for those patents that include devulcanization of rubbers (1993), polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites (2003) was estimated as 3. The pattern of evolution of the ultrasound technology (red dotted curve) is similar to Altshuller pattern of evolution, however, the level of inventiveness of the initial invention and those leading the growth stage have the same level.

A recent patent developed by Ávila-Orta et al. [11] has demonstrated that the use of a continuous process assisted by ultrasound of variable frequency and amplitude improves significantly the dispersion of nanostructures in polymer melts. This discovery has allowed to Dr. Ávila-Orta´s research group to propose a new mechanism for explaining the chemical and physical effects of ultrasound. Therefore, this patent has been ranged as 4 on the 5 level Altshuller inventiveness scale, due to this new knowledge could generate a new system or open new opportunities in other emerging fields.

The state of the ultrasound technology according to Altshullerian laws is derived from analysis of level of inventiveness, which is presented as “target shooting” plot in the Figure 11. The state of the ultrasound technology in relation to each Altshullerian law was scored based on scale suggested by Cavallucci and Weill. As was expected, most static, cinematic and dynamic laws are not entire applied to the system (scored as 0), due to the technological platform is not well established yet.

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Figure 10. Level of inventiveness of the patents related to the ultrasonic treatment technology of

polymer melts.

Figure 11. Evaluation of the trends of evolution for ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts

A graphical representation of the Law of wholeness of parts applied to ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts is showed in Figure 12. According to law of wholeness of parts, the mechanism that explains the effects of ultrasound in polymer melts represents the central element of transmission, which transfers the vibrational energy to working element (polymer). If the mechanism of transmission is not well understood, the right understanding and correlation of the main variables of the system constrain the controllability of the system, and reduce significantly its efficiency (desired physical and chemical effects of ultrasound). Thus, the deficient functioning of these two fundamental parts of the system impacts negatively to other Altshullerian laws.

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Figure 12. Law of wholeness of parts applied to ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. The elements of the system are represented as car parts.

3.1.3.3 The most important graph in the world. What are we forgetting?

The ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts has passed through the three stages of a technological evolution without a sufficient understanding of its technological platform, resulting in an “accelerated aging”. In terms of a learning process, the Memory law of the Understanding and Misunderstanding Effect has not been properly applied by scientists and inventors in the field. The scientific principles used to understand the mechanism of ultrasound in polymer melts are not accurate. This misunderstanding has not allowed the development of the complete and right Associations Effects during the technological evolution (see Figure 13). So, if the understanding of the mechanism for polymer melts is not well understood, then the Von Restorff Effect observed during the evolution of this technology (from 1990 to 2000) does not really represents the Von Restorff Effect that the ultrasound technology should reach.

Figure 13. “The most important graph in the world” applied to current state of the art of the

ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts

Nowadays, the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts is located on the Meaning Effect, point in which the analysis of this technology is discussed. The “smiley face” turns into a “sad face”, due to not well understood scientific principles applied to this technology. In this point, in which the “sad face” is asking for something forgotten, the S-curve and the trends of evolution analysis demonstrate that the entire understanding of the scientific

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principles of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts has been forgotten in the learning process or evolution of this technology.

3.1.4 Defining the specific problem

In order to improve and develop more efficient methods for processing of polymeric materials using the ultrasonic treatment technology, the application of TRIZ analytical tools and the interpretation of the learning process by means of “the most important graph in the world” demonstrate that the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the ultrasound in polymer melts is the key issue for future innovations.

The addressing of research on the mechanisms underlying the effects of the ultrasound in polymer melts will lead towards a re-definition of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts and foster future developments.

4. Conclusions

TRIZICS roadmap resulted as an organized problem solving framework for the application of TRIZ tools to early-stages of technology research. S-curves and trends of evolution analysis shows that the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts has passed through the three stages of a technological evolution without sufficient understanding of its technological platform, resulting in an “accelerated aging”.

The evaluation of the Altshullerian laws and the interpretation of the learning process of the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts, by means of “the most important graph in the world”, converge to establish that in-depth investigations on understanding of the scientific principles of this technology are the key issues to lead improvements and developments in melt processing of polymeric materials using the ultrasonic treatment technology.

The way as TRIZ and non-TRIZ tools are integrated into TRIZICS roadmap facilitated the searching of keys issues to develop future innovations using the ultrasonic treatment technology of polymer melts. TRIZICS can be successfully used for early-stages of technology research.

Acknowledgements

This material is based on Carlos Espinoza-González´s Ph.D. thesis work supported by a Scholarship granted by the Mexican Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT). We also acknowledge the financial support by CONACyT under grant numbers J49551-Y and ECO-73010.

Author details

Carlos J. Espinoza-González1 ([email protected]), Carlos A. Ávila-Orta1*, Guillermo Martínez-Colunga2 ([email protected]), Darío Bueno-Baqués1 ([email protected]), Alfonso Maffezzoli3 ([email protected]) and Francesca Lionetto3 ([email protected]).

*Address all correspondence to: E-mail: [email protected] ; Phone: +52 844 4389830 ext.

1Research Center for Applied Chemistry, Department of Advanced Materials, Blvd. Enrique Reyna #140, 25294 Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

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2Research Center for Applied Chemistry, Department of Plastics Transformation Processing, Blvd. Enrique Reyna #140, 25294 Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

3University of Salento, Department of Engineering for Innovation, 73100 Lecce, Italy.

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