QFD and TRIZ integration in product development: A Model for Systematic Optimization of Engineering Requirements

Abstract

Paper aims: Proposal of a Model for Systematic Optimization of Engineering Requirements applied to product concept development and based on a two-level integration of the methods Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). Originality: Requirements extraction directly from patent documents in order to identity the most relevant user requirements as well as the technical requirements interactions through a QFD matrix. Then, TRIZ Contradiction Matrix is used to withdraw the requirements contradictions through inventive principles in order to enable the product conception. Research method: Case Study which enables the Model construction inductively through its application on the development of a mortar ammunition concept. Main findings: A product concept comprising innovative features which reflect the laws of technology evolution from TRIZ. Implications for theory and practice: The product concept definition points to the academic relevance of an integration model which identify the technical requirements objectively from patent documents.