function-oriented-search

name

function-oriented-search

description

TRIZ Function-Oriented Search (FOS), Method-Oriented Search (MOS), and Scientific Effects exploration — helps users find inventive solutions by searching for scientific effects, natural analogies, and functionally similar solutions from other domains. Use this skill when the user mentions 'function-oriented search', 'FOS', 'MOS', 'scientific effects', 'AskNature', 'Oxford Creativity', or wants to find how other systems or nature solve a similar function.

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 are in the references/ directory:

• references/oxford_creativity.txt — allowed query values for Oxford Creativity
• references/production_inspiration.txt — allowed query values for ProductionInspiration

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.

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