TRIZ contradiction matrix GitHub

Improve one thing without making another worse

Altshuller's contradiction matrix lists which inventive principles solved each kind of conflict in thousands of patents. Pick the parameter you want to improve and the one that gets worse.

The 40 inventive principles

  1. Segmentation
  2. Taking out
  3. Local quality
  4. Asymmetry
  5. Merging
  6. Universality
  7. Nested doll
  8. Anti-weight
  9. Preliminary anti-action
  10. Preliminary action
  11. Beforehand cushioning
  12. Equipotentiality
  13. The other way round
  14. Spheroidality
  15. Dynamics
  16. Partial or excessive actions
  17. Another dimension
  18. Mechanical vibration
  19. Periodic action
  20. Continuity of useful action
  21. Skipping
  22. Blessing in disguise
  23. Feedback
  24. Intermediary
  25. Self-service
  26. Copying
  27. Cheap short-living objects
  28. Mechanics substitution
  29. Pneumatics and hydraulics
  30. Flexible shells and thin films
  31. Porous materials
  32. Color changes
  33. Homogeneity
  34. Discarding and recovering
  35. Parameter changes
  36. Phase transitions
  37. Thermal expansion
  38. Strong oxidants
  39. Inert atmosphere
  40. Composite materials

About this matrix

This is the classic 1971 39 × 39 matrix. Values come from triz40.com, cross-checked cell by cell against a second copy and against the 1973 table on the G.S. Altshuller Foundation site. The copies agree on 1,492 of 1,521 cells; the other 29 are marked disputed and show both values. Descriptions and examples are written in this project's own words. Found a wrong cell? Report it.

How to read a result: the principles are listed in the matrix's order, and the first ones are the most frequent in the patents behind the cell. An empty cell means the matrix has no suggestion; try a nearby parameter, or treat it as a physical contradiction and separate the two needs in time, space or condition.