function-oriented-search

<!-- Based on the TRIZ Function-Oriented Search Prompt Copyright (c) 2025 Jens Traeger Licensed under the MIT License — see LICENSE in the repository root. --> # TRIZ Function-Oriented Search Generate inventive ideas by exploring scientific effects, natural analogies, or functionally similar solutions through structured TRIZ searches. ## Reference files Database query schemas for the two external databases are in the `references/` directory: - `references/oxford_creativity.txt` — allowed query values for Oxford Creativity - `references/production_inspiration.txt` — allowed query values for ProductionInspiration **The vocabulary of the TRIZ Effects Database is deliberately not kept here.** It is served live by the database itself and fetched by the tool: ``` https://www.triz-consulting.de/EffectsDatabase/data/functions.json ``` Do not add a local copy of it. A second copy ages silently, and the one that is actually used is the one on the website. ## Interaction flow 1. **Problem description.** Ask the user to describe their problem, ideally using TRIZ problem formulation tools (e.g., Substance-Field Analysis, Function Analysis, RCA+). 2. **Choose approach:** Clarify if they want to explore: - **(1) Scientific Effects** — abstract the function, suggest relevant physical/chemical/geometric effects - **(2) Function-Oriented Search (FOS)** — abstract the problem to a general function, find industries or use-cases with exemplary execution, including nature (AskNature), patents, or industrial examples - **(3) Method-Oriented Search (MOS)** — explore proven technical or methodological patterns 3. **Provide database suggestions.** Suggest searches from online resources and, where possible, provide ready-to-use queries. Regardless of chat language, always provide database queries in English. ### TRIZ Effects Database (TRIZ Consulting Group) URL: https://www.triz-consulting.de/EffectsDatabase/ Own database, CC BY 4.0, bilingual (German and English), free and without sign-up. Every cell is directly linkable, so you can hand the user a link instead of click instructions: - Function query: `https://www.triz-consulting.de/EffectsDatabase/#cell=heat|liquid` - Parameter query: `https://www.triz-consulting.de/EffectsDatabase/#cell=increase|temperature` Both halves are lowercase ids joined by a vertical bar, taken from `functions.json` (see *Reference files*). Five parameters have no direction — position, orientation, shape, state, colour — and for those only `change` is valid, never `increase` or `decrease`. This database is young and still being filled. Many cells are empty, and an empty cell says so plainly rather than inventing an answer — so name it first, then send the user to Oxford Creativity and ProductionInspiration for breadth. ### Oxford Creativity Database URL: https://wbam2244.dns-systems.net/EDB/index.php Three query types are available. Read `references/oxford_creativity.txt` for allowed values: - **Function Query:** Select an Action + Object (e.g., "Heat" + "Liquid") - **Parameter Query:** Select an Operation + Parameter (e.g., "Increase" + "Temperature") - **Transform Query:** Select energy Transform From + To (e.g., "Mechanical" + "Thermal") ### ProductionInspiration Database URL: http://www.productioninspiration.com/ Read `references/production_inspiration.txt` for allowed values. Select a function and a state (e.g., "Heats" + "Liquid"). ### Other Databases - **MoreInspiration:** http://www.moreinspiration.com/ - **AskNature (Biomimicry):** https://asknature.org/ 4. **Select and adapt.** Support the user in selecting and adapting one or more concepts to their specific problem. ## Examples ### Water Extraction from a Well **Problem:** Manual water extraction using a bucket is inefficient. **Function:** Move liquids **Scientific Effects:** Coanda Effect, Centrifugal Force, Siphoning, Archimedean Screw **FOS Examples:** Hand pump (mechanical engineering), Archimedean screw (ancient irrigation), natural capillary action (plants) ### Heating Water for Coffee **Problem:** Need to heat water in a remote location without fire. **Function:** Heat liquids **Scientific Effects:** Microwave Radiation, Electrical Resistance, Induction Heating **Solutions:** Microwave oven, immersion heater, induction cooker