Enhancing Creativity when Solving Contradictory Technical Problems
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 122, Issue 2
Abstract
Creativity is the ability of human intelligence to produce original ideas and solutions using imagination. The traditional way of solving new engineering problems is the trial and error method (T&E). The number of trials required for the solution may be used as a measure of the problem's difficulty. This paper discusses strategies that can avoid a random T&E search and reduce the difficulty levels of complicated problems. A problem should be formulated in a manner clarifying an existing technical contradiction and demonstrating existing physical contradictions. The ways of removing physical contradictions are found by studying the evolution of technical systems. The database of methods used for analysis of physical contradictions was accumulated by studying patents. An algorithm for solving technical problems is discussed. Design of experiment and a response surface analysis significantly reduce the total number of trials in research projects. The combination of different approaches effectively reducing the level of difficulty of problems is the theory of solving technical problems. This theory can be taught as any other engineering course, thus greatly enhancing engineering creativity.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 122 • Issue 2 • April 1996
Pages: 78 - 82
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1996
Published in print: Apr 1996
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