01
Segmentation
Divide an object into independent parts
Break a problem or system into separate, independent parts. Consider how you might divide your current challenge into smaller components that can be solved separately.
02
Taking Out
Extract the disturbing part
Separate an interfering part or property from an object, or single out the only necessary part of an object. What element could you remove from your current challenge to simplify it?
03
Local Quality
Change structure from uniform to non-uniform
Change an object's structure from uniform to non-uniform, change an external environment from uniform to non-uniform, or make each part of an object function in conditions most suitable for its operation.
04
Asymmetry
Change from symmetrical to asymmetrical
Change the shape or properties of an object from symmetrical to asymmetrical. Where could introducing asymmetry solve your current problem?
05
Merging
Bring closer together or merge
Bring closer together (or merge) identical or similar objects, assemble identical or similar parts to perform parallel operations. What elements could be combined in your current challenge?
06
Universality
Make a part perform multiple functions
Make a part or object perform multiple functions; eliminate the need for other parts. How could elements in your challenge serve multiple purposes?
07
Nesting
Place one object inside another
Place one object inside another; place multiple objects inside others. How might a nested structure solve your current problem?
08
Counterweight
Compensate for weight
Compensate for the weight of an object by merging it with other objects that provide lift, or make it interact with the environment (for example, use aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, or buoyancy forces).
09
Prior Counteraction
Preload countermeasures
If a useful action will also create harm, introduce a counter-action ahead of time. What preventative move could neutralize the downside before it appears?
10
Prior Action
Perform required changes in advance
Perform, before it is needed, the required change to an object. Pre-arrange objects such that they can come into action from the most convenient place. What could you prepare in advance?
11
Beforehand Cushioning
Prepare emergency safeguards
Build protective measures in advance to reduce damage if failure occurs. What buffer, fallback, or safety margin would make the system more resilient?
12
Equipotentiality
Reduce effort by leveling conditions
Change the environment so movement or effort across it becomes easier or more even. Where could you flatten gradients, friction, or unequal conditions?
13
The Other Way Round
Invert the action or relationship
Reverse the normal direction, order, or dependency in the system. What happens if what usually moves stays still, or what usually waits goes first?
14
Spheroidality and Curvature
Replace straight forms with curves
Consider curves, rotation, arcs, or rounded motion instead of flat, linear arrangements. Where would a circular or rolling approach work better than a rigid one?
15
Dynamics
Make the system adjustable
Allow parts of the system to change to fit different conditions instead of staying fixed. What could become flexible, movable, tunable, or adaptive?
16
Partial or Excessive Action
Do slightly less or more than ideal
If achieving exactly the desired effect is difficult, try deliberately underdoing or overdoing it to reach the practical result more easily. Where would 80% or 120% work better than exactness?
17
Another Dimension
Use a new spatial layer
Move the problem into another dimension: stack, tilt, fold, suspend, layer, or route around. What becomes possible if you stop working only in a flat line?
18
Mechanical Vibration
Use oscillation or pulsing
Introduce vibration, oscillation, resonance, or rhythmic movement instead of steady force. Could a pulsed or shaking action solve what constant pressure cannot?
19
Periodic Action
Switch from continuous to intermittent action
Replace a constant process with periodic bursts, cycles, or intervals. Where would timed repetition be more efficient than continuous operation?
20
Continuity of Useful Action
Keep beneficial work going without interruption
Reorganize the system so productive work happens continuously while idle time, downtime, or dead transitions are removed. Where is value currently stopping and starting unnecessarily?
21
Skipping
Pass rapidly through harmful stages
Move very quickly through a dangerous, fragile, or undesirable phase so it causes less trouble. Which step should be crossed in one fast leap instead of prolonged exposure?
22
Blessing in Disguise
Turn harm into benefit
Use a harmful factor, by-product, or unwanted condition as a resource. What problem residue could be converted into value, signal, energy, or leverage?
23
Feedback
Use outputs to guide corrections
Introduce feedback so the system can detect results and self-correct. What information loop would help it adjust sooner and more intelligently?
24
Intermediary
Add a bridging element
Insert an intermediary object, process, or interface to connect things that do not work well directly. What buffer, broker, adapter, or mediator would simplify the interaction?
25
Self-Service
Make the system serve and maintain itself
Let the object or process perform auxiliary functions for itself such as setup, cleaning, calibration, or support. Where can self-maintenance replace outside intervention?
26
Copying
Use a simpler duplicate instead of the original
Replace an expensive, fragile, or inaccessible thing with a copy, model, or representation. Could simulation, mockups, templates, or digital twins reduce cost and risk?
27
Cheap Short-Living Objects
Swap durable parts for disposable ones
Replace costly long-life components with cheaper temporary versions when permanence is unnecessary. Where is over-engineering making the solution heavier than it needs to be?
28
Mechanics Substitution
Use fields, signals, or software instead of mechanics
Replace mechanical means with optical, acoustic, electrical, magnetic, chemical, or digital alternatives. What physical action could become sensing, signaling, or computation?
29
Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Use gas or liquid instead of solid structures
Replace rigid parts with fluid, inflatable, or pressure-based elements. Where would softness, compression, or flow outperform a fixed structure?
30
Flexible Shells and Thin Films
Use lightweight coverings or membranes
Substitute bulky structures with thin, flexible layers, skins, or membranes. What could be wrapped, coated, lined, or tensioned rather than built solid?
31
Porous Materials
Add holes, channels, or permeability
Introduce porosity, perforation, venting, or internal channels to reduce weight or improve flow, absorption, or exchange. Where would a more open structure help?
32
Color Changes
Use visual state changes
Change color, transparency, brightness, or marking to reveal condition, progress, or differentiation. What important information could become instantly visible?
33
Homogeneity
Match materials or environments
Make interacting parts more similar in composition or behavior so they work together more smoothly. Where are mismatched materials, expectations, or interfaces creating friction?
34
Discarding and Recovering
Throw away what is spent and restore what is needed
Allow used, harmful, or exhausted parts to be removed, dissolved, or regenerated at the right moment. What should disappear after serving its function?
35
Parameter Changes
Alter concentration, temperature, flexibility, or other properties
Solve the problem by changing an object's state or key parameters rather than its identity. What happens if you shift temperature, density, speed, stiffness, or scale?
36
Phase Transitions
Exploit changes between states
Use the effects that happen when something changes phase or condition, such as melting, freezing, condensing, or switching modes. Where does transformation itself create useful leverage?
37
Thermal Expansion
Use expansion or contraction
Take advantage of how materials expand or contract with heat or temperature difference. More broadly, where can controlled swelling, shrinking, or stretching do the work for you?
38
Strong Oxidants
Use highly reactive environments
Introduce a more reactive agent or environment to accelerate a needed transformation. Where would a stronger catalyst or more active condition break a stubborn bottleneck?
39
Inert Atmosphere
Protect the process from unwanted reactions
Create a neutral or isolated environment so sensitive operations can happen without interference. What noise, contamination, or reaction needs to be excluded?
40
Composite Materials
Combine materials for mixed advantages
Replace a single uniform material or approach with a composite that blends complementary strengths. What hybrid combination would outperform any one pure option?