Abstract
This research proposes a conflict analysis and problem solving process based on contradiction analysis and TRIZ problem solving approaches. The approaches integrate both Cause-Effect Chain and Root Contradiction Analysis to quickly identify the key functional disadvantages and the underlying contradictory parameters simultaneously. Three process flows were identified and integrated for conflict identification and problem solving. Inventive principles, separation/transition principles, and solution directives are used in the processes to solve the contradictions. The proposed Cause-effect and Contradiction Chain Analysis (CACCA) also identifies contradiction families and provides a quantitative method that can used to evaluate contradictions for prioritization. Contributions of this research include: 1) providing an integrated method which can identify key contradiction and contradictory parameters simultaneously; 2) Integrating a 3-passages integrated approach for problem analysis and problem solving; 3) identifying a new “Combine” relation in addition to the existing AND and OR relationship; 4) Identifying Families of contradictions; and 5) Providing a quantitative method to prioritize the importance of contradictions.