Use of TRIZ in the Process of Intellectual Property Enhancement

TRIZ is a problem-solving tool based on a set of the patterns of technical system evolution revealed by decades of analysis of the world´s most inventive patent. In addition to simplifying and expediting problem solving, these same patterns of invention can be used to predict trends in technological systems, as well as to improve the quality of intellectual property (IP). In a unique way, they can also be used to circumvent existing intellectual property. The process of using the patterns of evolution to enhance the value of intellectual property is defined as intellectual property enhancement (IPE). This article introduces the concept of `evolutionary potential´ and its radar plot structure. New patent ideas for patent strategy can be generated by the analysis of the evolutionary potential radar plot of existing IP. The process of IPE using TRIZ is developed. As an illustration the process is used to the butterfly valve for IPE