What is the Contradiction Matrix in TRIZ

The Contradiction Matrix is a core tool in TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) that helps innovators resolve technical contradictions in a systematic way. It was developed by Genrich Altshuller based on his analysis of thousands of patents to identify how inventors overcame technical contradictions.

What Is a Technical Contradiction?

A technical contradiction occurs when improving one aspect of a system leads to the degradation of another. For example, if you want to make a car lighter to improve fuel efficiency, it might also become less durable, causing a contradiction between weight and strength.

The Contradiction Matrix helps you resolve these contradictions by identifying creative solutions from the 40 TRIZ Inventive Principles.

How Does the Contradiction Matrix Work?

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Identify the Contradiction

• Improving feature (parameter): What feature are you trying to improve? (e.g., strength, speed, accuracy).
• Worsening feature (parameter): What feature gets worse as you improve the first one? (e.g., cost, weight, complexity).

TRIZ identifies 39 standard parameters that often represent the properties of technical systems. Examples include:

• Weight of moving object
• Power
• Stability of the object
• Manufacturing precision
• Ease of repair

These parameters can be found in the matrix along the rows and columns.

Here is the link to the Matrix: https://www.triz40.com/aff_Matrix_TRIZ.php

2. Locate the Contradiction in the Matrix

The Contradiction Matrix is a grid where the rows represent the improving features, and the columns represent the worsening features. You find the intersection of the row and column that corresponds to the specific contradiction you’re facing.

For example, if you’re improving strength but weight gets worse, you’d locate the intersection between the “Strength” row and the “Weight of moving object” column.

3. Find Suggested Inventive Principles

At the intersection of the two parameters, the matrix will suggest a list of 1 to 4 specific Inventive Principles that have been successfully used to resolve similar contradictions in past inventions.

For example, if the intersection between “Strength” and “Weight” gives you principles 1, 8, 15, and 28, you would look up those principles:

• Principle 1: Segmentation (Break the system into independent parts).
• Principle 8: Anti-weight (Compensate for the weight of an object by using a supporting structure or balance).
• Principle 15: Dynamics (Allow an object or its parts to move to change its position for the optimal solution).
• Principle 28: Mechanics substitution (Replace a mechanical system with something else, like pneumatics or electronics).

4. Apply the Inventive Principles

Once you’ve identified the suggested inventive principles, you creatively explore how each principle could resolve the contradiction in your situation. The principles often provide new ways to rethink the problem, allowing you to improve the desired feature without worsening another.

Example of Using the Contradiction Matrix:

Let’s say you’re designing a lightweight car and want to reduce weight (improving feature), but by doing so, you risk reducing strength (worsening feature).

1. Find the parameters:

   • Reducing weight: “Weight of moving object” (parameter 1).
   • Reducing strength: “Strength” (parameter 14).

2. Locate in the matrix:

   • At the intersection of “Weight of moving object” and “Strength,” the matrix might suggest inventive principles like:
     • Principle 2: Taking out (Separate the burdensome part from the system).
     • Principle 29: Pneumatics and hydraulics (Use fluid or gas systems to reduce weight while maintaining strength).

3. Apply the principles:

   • You might consider using materials that have structural integrity but are lighter, such as composites or advanced alloys (Principle 2). Or you could explore hydraulic systems to replace heavier mechanical components (Principle 29).

Benefits of the Contradiction Matrix

• Systematic approach to problem-solving: It directs inventors to proven strategies for resolving contradictions.
• Creative guidance: Instead of brainstorming from scratch, it provides concrete ideas and patterns used in prior innovations.
• Cross-disciplinary use: The matrix is applicable to a wide range of fields, from engineering to manufacturing to design.

Limitations

• The matrix works best for technical contradictions, and it may not be as directly applicable for non-technical or managerial issues.
• While it’s a powerful tool, applying the suggested principles still requires creativity and context-specific thinking.

The Contradiction Matrix is one of the tools in TRIZ that promotes structured innovation by helping inventors and engineers navigate complex trade-offs in design and problem-solving.