Conceptual design of formula varsity weight inspection fixture using TRIZ method

This paper presents the application of Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) to develop new potential solutions at the conceptual design stage of a product. A case study on the design of the new UTeM FV Malaysia weight inspection fixture was conducted using the TRIZ method. The design intent was to generate a new solution to address the limitations of the current process in terms of difficulty in performing the weighing procedure while still maintaining the capability to be coupled with the existing measurement system. TRIZ engineering contradiction is used to model the problem followed by the application of TRIZ 40 inventive principle method as the model of the solution. At the end of the design exercise, several new innovative design solutions were produced for the new weight inspection fixture. The outcome of the case study showed the applicability of the TRIZ method to provide solutions to the engineering problem without having to settle for trade-off in the existing process. In addition, the TRIZ method applied in the project was also shown able to trigger a new perspective in solving contradicting engineering problems using a simple and systematic problemsolving process