Here is the complete list of the 40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), developed by Genrich Altshuller. These are the standard English names most commonly used in TRIZ literature and resources (note: slight variations in translation exist across sources, but this is the widely accepted version).

1. Segmentation
2. Taking Out (or Extraction / Separation)
3. Local Quality
4. Asymmetry
5. Merging (or Combination)
6. Universality
7. Nested Doll (or Russian Dolls / Nesting)
8. Anti-Weight (or Counterweight)
9. Preliminary Anti-Action
10. Preliminary Action
11. Beforehand Cushioning (or Preliminary Cushioning)
12. Equipotentiality
13. The Other Way Round (or "Do It in Reverse")
14. Spheroidality - Curvature
15. Dynamics
16. Partial or Excessive Actions
17. Another Dimension
18. Mechanical Vibration
19. Periodic Action
20. Continuity of Useful Action
21. Skipping (or Rushing Through / Harming)
22. Blessing in Disguise (or "Convert Harm into Benefit")
23. Feedback
24. Intermediary (or "Mediator")
25. Self-Service
26. Copying
27. Cheap Short-Living Objects (or "Disposable / Inexpensive Short-Lived")
28. Mechanics Substitution (or Replacement of Mechanical Systems)
29. Pneumatics and Hydraulics
30. Flexible Shells and Thin Films
31. Porous Materials
32. Color Changes
33. Homogeneity
34. Discarding and Recovering (or Rejection & Regeneration)
35. Parameter Changes (or Transformation of Properties)
36. Phase Transitions
37. Thermal Expansion
38. Strong Oxidants (or Enriched Environments)
39. Inert Atmosphere
40. Composite Materials

These 40 principles form the core toolkit of TRIZ for resolving technical contradictions. They are typically used together with the Contradiction Matrix to suggest the most promising principles for a specific problem.


In the realm of innovation and engineering, few methodologies have had as profound an impact as TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Developed by Soviet inventor and engineer Genrich Altshuller in the mid-20th century, TRIZ represents a systematic approach to creativity, transforming problem-solving from an art reliant on trial and error into a science grounded in patterns of invention. At the heart of TRIZ lies its Forty Principles of Inventive Problem Solving, a distilled set of guidelines derived from the analysis of thousands of patents. These principles serve as a toolkit for engineers, designers, and innovators to overcome technical contradictions and generate breakthrough solutions. This essay explores the origins, structure, application, and enduring relevance of TRIZ's Forty Principles, demonstrating how they foster inventive thinking in diverse fields. Altshuller's journey began in the 1940s while working in the Soviet Navy's patent office. Frustrated by the inefficiency of traditional brainstorming, he embarked on a massive study of over 200,000 patents (later expanded to millions) to identify recurring patterns in inventive solutions. He discovered that true inventions resolve contradictions—situations where improving one parameter worsens another—without compromise. From this, he formulated TRIZ, emphasizing that innovation follows predictable laws. The Forty Principles, first published in Altshuller's 1973 book Creativity as an Exact Science, encapsulate these patterns, providing reusable strategies for problem-solving. Unlike heuristic methods, TRIZ is empirical, based on real-world inventions across industries like mechanical engineering, chemistry, and electronics. The Foundation and Structure of the Forty Principles The Forty Principles are not arbitrary rules but emerge from Altshuller's classification of inventive solutions. He identified that about 40% of patents involved minor improvements, while only 1% were groundbreaking. By focusing on the latter, he extracted principles that address common contradictions, such as strength versus weight or speed versus accuracy. These principles are organized numerically from 1 to 40, each with sub-principles and examples from patents. Principle 1, "Segmentation," suggests dividing an object or system into independent parts to enhance functionality or ease of manufacture. For instance, instead of a solid block, use segmented components like a bicycle chain, which allows flexibility while maintaining strength. This principle resolves contradictions in scalability and adaptability, as seen in modern applications like modular smartphones or segmented solar panels. Principle 2, "Taking Out" or "Separation," involves removing a problematic element while retaining its function elsewhere. A classic example is the separation of noise from a jackhammer by placing the compressor remotely, connected by a hose. This principle is pivotal in noise reduction technologies, such as in electric vehicles where the battery is isolated from the passenger cabin. Moving to more dynamic principles, Principle 10, "Preliminary Action," advocates performing actions in advance to prepare a system. In manufacturing, this could mean pre-stressing materials to prevent deformation under load, as in tempered glass. Principle 15, "Dynamics," encourages making systems adjustable or self-adapting, like shape-memory alloys that change form with temperature, used in medical stents. The principles often build on each other. Principle 35, "Transformation of Properties," involves changing physical states, such as from solid to liquid. This is exemplified in 3D printing, where materials are melted and solidified layer by layer, resolving contradictions between complexity and production cost. Altshuller also developed tools to apply these principles systematically, including the Contradiction Matrix. This 39x39 grid maps improving parameters against worsening ones, recommending 3-4 principles for each intersection. For example, to improve "strength" without increasing "weight," the matrix might suggest Principles 1 (Segmentation), 8 (Counterweight), 10 (Preliminary Action), and 40 (Composite Materials). This matrix ensures targeted application, making TRIZ efficient for complex problems. Applications in Various Domains The versatility of the Forty Principles has led to their adoption across industries, from aerospace to consumer goods. In mechanical engineering, Principle 26, "Copying," promotes using inexpensive copies instead of originals, as in optical fibers that mimic natural light guides. NASA's use of TRIZ in the 1990s for Mars rover designs exemplifies this: Principle 9, "Preliminary Anti-Action," was applied to prevent dust accumulation on solar panels by designing self-cleaning mechanisms. In chemical engineering, Principle 24, "Intermediary," introduces a temporary medium to facilitate reactions, like catalysts in petroleum refining. Pharmaceutical companies employ Principle 31, "Porous Materials," to create drug delivery systems with controlled release, enhancing efficacy without side effects. Beyond engineering, TRIZ influences business and management. Samsung, a TRIZ pioneer since the 1990s, integrated the principles into product development, leading to innovations like curved TV screens (Principle 17, "Another Dimension"). In software, Principle 3, "Local Quality," optimizes algorithms by varying properties in different parts, as in adaptive user interfaces. Environmental applications highlight TRIZ's role in sustainability. Principle 6, "Universality," designs multi-functional systems, reducing waste—think of reusable packaging that serves as storage. In renewable energy, Principle 19, "Periodic Action," inspires pulsating wind turbines that mimic bird wings for efficiency. Education and training programs worldwide teach the Forty Principles to foster inventive thinking. Companies like General Electric and Procter & Gamble run TRIZ workshops, reporting reduced development time by 30-50%. Case studies show that TRIZ users solve problems 2-3 times faster than traditional methods, with higher novelty. Critics argue TRIZ can be overly rigid, potentially stifling pure creativity. However, proponents counter that it complements intuition, providing a scaffold for ideas. Modern extensions, like TRIZ for software (TRIZ-IT) and bio-TRIZ, adapt the principles to new fields, ensuring relevance.