Function and principle innovative design of mechanical products based on TRIZ/FA

Function and principle innovation is the ultimate innovation of a product. To achieve Function and principle innovation design of mechanical products, a new process model of function and principle solving is proposed, based on TRIZ and FA. In this model, abstraction of general function, confirmation of principle solution to general function, and functional decomposition were included in FA. Confirmation of principle solution to general function was the premise of functional decomposition. To provide a dependable pattern for functional decomposition, a new functional analysis method was put forward based on the generalized process function along with the introduction of the input constraint function; and its five-decomposition-steps were also presented. To provide powerful support for innovation design tools in principle solution, some TRIZ tools in the model were imbedded, such as Su-field Analysis, Scientific Effects, and Contradiction Solving Principles so as to boost up the innovation of principle solution. As a case study, an innovative design of paint-bottling machine has been achieved with application of the proposed model.