Contradiction matrix

Contradiction matrix, also referred to as Altshuller matrix, is a matrix that provides a systematic access to the inventive principles for solving engineering contradictions.

Overview

Contradiction matrix is a problem-solving tool that connects a problem modeled as an engineering contradiction with the statistically most frequently used inventive principles, which are generalized solution models for contradictions.

The traditional Altshuller matrix is a table from which the numbers of inventive principles are read. For user convenience, we have designed an interactive tool that significantly simplifies the process. Click the button below to use it.

After converting the two specific parameters from the contradiction into the typical parameters, a set of recommended inventive principles can be found in the matrix. Once the set of the inventive principles is identified, brainstorm around them to develop a solution.

Note that the principles listed in a given cell of the matrix are the statistically most frequently used ones, but this does not mean that solutions cannot be found outside of them. Therefore, if the results obtained from the matrix are unsatisfactory, it is worth exploring and considering other principles.

Structure of the contradiction matrix

A traditional contradiction matrix contains 39 typical parameters on both the vertical and the horizontal axes:

the vertical axis represents a list of parameters that need to be improved to resolve the problem,
the horizontal axis represents a list of parameters that are worsening when we introduce specific technology.

The parameters are listed in the same order, both in the rows and in the columns.

On the crossing of the corresponding rows and columns, there are cells containing numbers of recommended inventive principles.

The following picture presents an example:

The boxes in the matrix can contain 4, 3, 2, or 1 principle, some of them are empty.

The order of principles within the cells does not indicate any preferences. All recommended principles are equally important, and their sequence simply reflects the fact that Altshuller added them as he discovered them during his research.

The empty cells in the matrix indicate that no inventive principle has been identified as statistically more frequently used than others. In such cases, any of the 40 principles can be applied equally, without preference.

The contradiction matrix is not symmetrical. Improving parameter A, while parameter B is deteriorating, results in different inventive principles than improving parameter B and deteriorating A.

Articles

Typical parameters