“Plausible Possible” in Engineering
“Plausible possible” refers to something that could happen and is also reasonably believable or likely to happen based on current knowledge, evidence, or experience.
For example, it is plausible possible that humans will colonize Mars in the future. While it is currently a challenging and costly endeavor, it is technically possible and there is ongoing research and development in this area. Additionally, there are economic, scientific, and strategic reasons why this could be a plausible outcome.
On the other hand, it may not be plausible possible that humans will develop the ability to teleport instantaneously from one location to another. While teleportation may be technically possible in theory, there are significant scientific and engineering challenges that make it unlikely to be a plausible outcome in the foreseeable future.
In engineering, “plausible possible” can be a useful concept for guiding the design and development of new products, systems, or technologies. Engineers need to consider both the technical feasibility and the practical viability of their designs. A design may be technically feasible, meaning that it is physically possible to create, but it may not be practically viable if it is too expensive, difficult to use, or does not meet user needs. By striving to create designs that are both technically feasible and practically viable, engineers can create products and systems that are more likely to be successful in the market and meet the needs of users.
For example, when designing a new product, engineers may consider the following questions:
- Is the product technically feasible given the available materials, manufacturing processes, and technology?
- Is the product practical and cost-effective to manufacture, distribute, and maintain?
- Will the product meet user needs and be easy to use and understand?
- Are there any safety or regulatory issues that need to be addressed?
In fact, this “plausible possible” was, is and probably will be the main “influencer” of how we behave in engineering innovations. We see that technological progress typically occurs in small steps rather than large leaps because it often requires a combination of many incremental improvements and advancements in different fields. For example, the development of a new technology may require advances in materials science, software engineering, manufacturing processes, and so on. These different fields often progress independently, and breakthroughs in one area can take time to be integrated and applied to other areas. Additionally, new technologies often need to be tested and refined before they can be widely adopted. This process can be slow and costly, as researchers and engineers work to ensure that the technology is safe, reliable, and effective. Furthermore, the development of new technologies often involves significant investment in research and development, and companies and organizations are often hesitant to take large risks with untested technologies. Instead, they prefer to make incremental improvements to existing technologies, which are typically less risky and more likely to yield a return on investment. The slow and steady progress of technology offers several valuable lessons for how we approach innovation and development.
- Patience and persistence: Achieving significant advancements in technology requires patience and persistence. It takes time to develop and refine new technologies, and setbacks are inevitable. Therefore, it is essential to be patient and persistent in pursuing technological progress.
- Collaboration and interdisciplinary work: Advancements in technology often require collaboration and interdisciplinary work between experts from different fields. Therefore, it is important to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration to accelerate technological progress.
- Continuous improvement: Incremental improvements are often the key to achieving significant advancements in technology. Therefore, it is essential to focus on continuous improvement of existing technologies to achieve significant progress over time.
- Investment in research and development: Investment in research and development is critical for technological progress. It is important to provide funding and resources to support scientific research and development to drive technological progress.
- Risk-taking: While incremental improvements are less risky, significant advancements in technology often require taking risks. Therefore, it is important to encourage risk-taking and provide support for researchers and innovators who are working on breakthrough technologies.
Some people are able to do extraordinary things because they are willing to take risks, think creatively, and pursue their goals with passion and determination. They may not necessarily ignore “plausible possible,” but they are willing to push beyond what is currently believed to be possible in pursuit of their goals.
For example, in the case of SpaceX, Elon Musk, the founder and CEO, has been able to achieve extraordinary feats in space exploration because he has a strong vision and determination to make space travel more accessible and affordable. Musk has been willing to take significant risks, invest his own resources, and challenge conventional wisdom in pursuit of this goal. Musk’s approach to innovation involves questioning assumptions, taking calculated risks, and pursuing bold ideas. He has a willingness to fail and learn from his mistakes, which has allowed him to make significant advancements in space exploration and technology.
Inventive Design
Inventive design and creative engineering are critical components of achieving technological progress and innovation. By leveraging creative thinking, engineers and designers can develop new solutions and technologies that push the boundaries of what is currently believed to be possible, while still remaining within the realm of “plausible possible.” Through a combination of technical expertise and creative thinking, engineers and designers can create novel solutions that address complex challenges and improve our lives in meaningful ways.
Inventive design involves creating new designs or improving upon existing ones to meet a specific set of needs or requirements. In the context of industrial robots, inventive design can involve the development of new materials, the creation of more efficient motors and sensors, and the design of more user-friendly interfaces. For example, an inventive design could involve the development of a robot arm that is more flexible and versatile than previous designs, allowing it to perform a wider range of tasks. Alternatively, an inventive design could involve the development of a robot that is more energy-efficient, reducing operating costs and making the technology more accessible to a wider range of industries.
Creative engineering involves using creative and innovative approaches to solve engineering problems. In the context of industrial robots, creative engineering can involve the development of new algorithms and software that enable the robot to learn and adapt to its environment. For example, a creative engineering solution could involve the development of a robot that is capable of recognizing objects and adjusting its movements accordingly. Additionally, creative engineering could involve the development of more advanced sensory systems, allowing robots to respond more quickly and accurately to changes in their environment.
Balancing Creativity and Realism: The Coexistence of Inventive Design and “Plausible Possible”
Inventive design and “plausible possible” are not necessarily antagonistic concepts. While inventive design involves pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible and coming up with creative solutions, it is still grounded in a realistic understanding of what can be achieved given the available resources, technology, and knowledge. While engineers and designers may seek to develop novel and innovative solutions, they must also be realistic about what can be achieved given the current state of technology, available resources, and other constraints.
Therefore, inventive design can be seen as a way to explore the limits of what is “plausible possible”, and to find new and innovative ways to overcome existing limitations. Through creative thinking and exploration, engineers and designers can often find new and unexpected solutions that were not previously thought to be plausible.
Inventive design can take many different forms, but at its core, it involves a creative and exploratory approach to problem-solving. By thinking outside of traditional boundaries and exploring new ideas and approaches, engineers and designers can often find innovative solutions to complex challenges. One way that inventive design can lead to new and unexpected solutions is by challenging existing assumptions and approaches. By questioning why things are done a certain way and exploring alternative approaches, engineers and designers can often find new and more efficient solutions to problems. Another way that inventive design can lead to breakthroughs is by integrating different fields of knowledge and expertise. By combining ideas and approaches from different fields, engineers and designers can often develop novel solutions that draw on the strengths of multiple disciplines. Inventive design can also involve taking a different perspective on a problem. By approaching a problem from a new angle or considering how it could be solved in a different context, engineers and designers can often find new and unexpected solutions.
One example of inventive design in action is the development of the first fully-electric cars. Engineers and designers had to overcome many technical and practical challenges to make electric cars a feasible option, such as developing batteries with sufficient energy density, creating efficient charging infrastructure, and reducing the cost of production. By thinking creatively and exploring new approaches to these challenges, engineers and designers were able to create a new class of vehicles that were not previously thought to be plausible. When electric cars were first introduced, they faced several limitations and challenges that made them less feasible than traditional gasoline-powered cars. The batteries were bulky, expensive, and had limited range, and there was a lack of charging infrastructure to support widespread adoption. However, through inventive design and exploration of new approaches, engineers and designers were able to find solutions to these challenges that were both technically feasible and practical. They worked to improve battery technology, finding ways to increase energy density and reduce costs. They also explored new charging infrastructure designs, such as fast-charging stations and wireless charging, that could make electric cars more convenient and accessible. By working within the concept of “plausible possible,” engineers and designers were able to find innovative solutions to these challenges that could be realistically implemented. While electric cars still face some limitations today, they are becoming more and more practical and feasible as the technology continues to advance.
Another example is the creation of wind turbines. In the past few decades, engineers and designers have made significant advancements in wind turbine technology, making wind power a more viable and cost-effective source of energy. By improving the design of wind turbines and exploring new materials and manufacturing processes, engineers and designers have been able to create larger and more efficient turbines that can generate more power. When designing wind turbines, engineers must work within the constraints of available materials, manufacturing processes, and other practical considerations. For example, they must ensure that the wind turbines are made from materials that are durable and able to withstand the elements over time. They also need to ensure that the turbines can be manufactured using existing manufacturing processes and techniques. Moreover, the size and shape of wind turbine blades also present practical considerations. Engineers need to make sure that the blades are long and wide enough to capture enough wind energy to generate electricity efficiently, but not so long or wide that they become difficult to manufacture, transport, or install. Another practical consideration when designing wind turbines is their location. Engineers must carefully consider the wind resources available at a given location, as well as the environmental impact of the turbines, such as the impact on wildlife and local communities. Innovative design can help engineers and designers overcome these practical constraints by finding new and innovative ways to address these challenges. For example, by exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques, engineers can develop more durable and cost-effective wind turbines. They can also explore new blade designs, such as flexible or biomimetic blades, that can improve the efficiency of wind turbines while remaining practical to manufacture and install.
The third example I like to highlight in this post is about medical implants. Advances in medical implant design have enabled the development of a wide range of life-saving and life-changing devices, from artificial hearts to cochlear implants. Through inventive design, engineers have been able to create devices that are smaller, more durable, and more effective, improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Similarly, in the development of medical implants, engineers had to balance the need for innovative and effective designs with practical considerations such as safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They had to ensure that their designs were plausible possible and would be effective in real-world settings. For example, engineers must ensure that their implants are safe for use in humans and will not cause any adverse reactions or complications. They must also ensure that the implants are durable and will not wear out or fail over time, and that they can withstand the mechanical stresses of everyday use. Another practical consideration when designing medical implants is the cost. Engineers must work within the constraints of available funding and resources to develop implants that are cost-effective and accessible to patients who need them. Innovative design can help engineers and designers balance these practical considerations with the need for effective and innovative designs. For example, by exploring new materials and manufacturing processes, engineers can develop implants that are more durable and cost-effective. They can also explore new designs that improve the functionality of the implants, such as more flexible or biocompatible materials.
The fourth example is about autonomous cars. The development of autonomous vehicles has been made possible through inventive design and exploration of new technologies. By integrating advanced sensors, software, and artificial intelligence, engineers and designers have been able to create vehicles that can operate without human input, improving safety and efficiency on the roads. Developing autonomous vehicles has required engineers to navigate complex technical, regulatory, and safety considerations. These factors must be taken into account to ensure that the vehicles are feasible and practical to use in real-world settings. One of the biggest technical challenges in developing autonomous vehicles is developing advanced sensors and software that can accurately detect and respond to the environment in real-time. Engineers must work within the constraints of available technology to develop sensors and software that are capable of accurately interpreting the environment and making appropriate decisions. Regulatory considerations are another key factor that engineers must navigate. Autonomous vehicles must comply with a range of regulations related to safety, emissions, and performance. Engineers must ensure that their designs comply with these regulations while still remaining practical and cost-effective. Safety is another critical consideration when designing autonomous vehicles. Engineers must ensure that their vehicles are safe to operate in a range of scenarios and can handle unexpected events or situations that may arise on the road. Innovative design can help engineers and designers overcome these complex technical, regulatory, and safety considerations by finding new and innovative ways to address these challenges. For example, engineers can explore new sensor technologies, such as lidar or radar, that can improve the accuracy and reliability of autonomous vehicle systems. They can also develop advanced software algorithms that can help vehicles make more accurate and timely decisions in real-time.
The last exanple is from the field of sustainable architecture. In architecture, inventive design has led to the development of new sustainable building materials and techniques, enabling the construction of buildings that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. By exploring new materials, such as bamboo and recycled plastics, and adopting passive design strategies, architects and designers have been able to create buildings that have a lower environmental impact. Sustainable architecture involves designing buildings that are both environmentally friendly and practical to construct and operate. In doing so, designers must balance the need for innovative and sustainable designs with practical considerations such as structural integrity, energy efficiency, and cost. One of the main practical considerations when designing sustainable buildings is structural integrity. Designers must ensure that their buildings are structurally sound and able to withstand the stresses of everyday use, while also being designed to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. Energy efficiency is another critical consideration in sustainable architecture. Designers must ensure that their buildings are designed to minimize energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and utilize renewable energy sources whenever possible. This can involve the use of innovative building materials, such as low-emissivity windows or insulation, and the implementation of advanced building systems, such as smart lighting and HVAC systems. Cost is also an important factor when designing sustainable buildings. Designers must ensure that their designs are cost-effective and can be built using available materials and construction techniques. This may involve finding new and innovative ways to reduce construction costs, such as using prefabricated building components or utilizing passive solar design principles to reduce heating and cooling costs. Innovative design can help designers balance these practical considerations with the need for innovative and sustainable designs. For example, designers can explore new building materials and construction techniques, such as green roofs or modular construction, that can help reduce costs and environmental impact. They can also develop advanced building systems that utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The Paradox of Plausible Possible: How Constraints Drive Innovation
The concept of “plausible possible” can be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it helps engineers and designers remain grounded in a realistic understanding of what is technically and practically feasible. On the other hand, it can create constraints that limit the potential for innovation and creative thinking. However, it is precisely these constraints often drive innovation and spark creativity in engineering and design. However, the paradox of plausible possible highlights the importance of constraints in driving innovation and creative thinking.
This concept aligns with the TRIZ methodology, which is based on the premise that innovation arises from overcoming contradictions and constraints. By working within the constraints of what is plausible possible, engineers and designers are forced to think creatively and find new and innovative ways to address existing limitations and challenges. This can lead to breakthrough solutions that were not previously thought to be feasible.
For example, in the development of wind turbines, engineers have to work within the constraints of available materials, manufacturing processes, and other practical considerations. While exploring new and innovative solutions, they also have to ensure that their designs are feasible given these constraints. Through the use of TRIZ tools and techniques, such as the Contradiction Matrix and the 40 Principles of Inventive Problem Solving, engineers are able to identify and overcome contradictions and constraints in wind turbine design. For example, they can use the “principle of segmentation” to break down complex design problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. They can use the “principle of merging” to combine different design elements in unexpected and innovative ways.
In the development of medical implants, engineers have to balance the need for innovative and effective designs with practical considerations such as safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. For example, the TRIZ “principle of segmentation” can be used to divide complex design problems into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can help identify specific areas where technical contradictions may arise and lead to the development of more effective solutions. Another TRIZ tool that can be used in medical implant design is the “ARIZ” (Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving) methodology. This approach involves a systematic process of problem formulation, problem analysis, and solution development. It can help engineers and designers identify and resolve technical contradictions by providing a structured and disciplined approach to problem solving. For example, ARIZ can be used to analyze the potential trade-offs between different design requirements for medical implants, such as the need for high durability versus low cost. Through this analysis, engineers can identify potential solutions that achieve both goals, such as using new materials or manufacturing techniques.
In the case of autonomous vehicles, engineers have to navigate complex technical, regulatory, and safety considerations in order to develop a feasible and practical solution. By working within the constraints of available technology and regulations, engineers are forced to think creatively and explore new ideas and approaches to address these challenges. One of the main technical contradictions in the development of autonomous vehicles is the need to balance safety with functionality. Autonomous vehicles must be designed to operate safely in a wide range of driving conditions, while also providing high levels of functionality and performance. TRIZ provides a range of tools and techniques to resolve technical contradictions. For example, the “principle of separation in time or space” can be used to separate conflicting functions or requirements in autonomous vehicle design, such as ensuring safety while also providing high levels of functionality. Another TRIZ tool that can be used in the development of autonomous vehicles is ARIZ to analyze the potential trade-offs between the need for high safety versus low cost. Through this analysis, engineers can identify potential solutions that achieve both goals, such as using advanced sensors or machine learning algorithms to improve safety while also reducing costs. Another technical contradiction in the development of autonomous vehicles is the need to balance regulatory compliance with innovation. Autonomous vehicles must comply with a wide range of safety regulations and standards, while also being innovative and pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible. TRIZ tools can also be used to resolve this contradiction, such as the “principle of asymmetry” which involves using different solutions for different parts of a design, or the “principle of transition to a new dimension” which involves exploring new design dimensions to find innovative solutions that satisfy regulatory requirements while also pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible.
Conclusions
Inventive design and “plausible possible” are concepts that are closely related and intertwined in the field of engineering and design. Inventive design is an approach to design that emphasizes exploring the limits of what is “plausible possible”, and finding new and innovative ways to overcome existing limitations. Inventive design, as a broader concept, encompasses a range of approaches and tools for driving innovation and creative thinking in engineering and design. This can include brainstorming, prototyping, user-centered design, and other approaches that encourage exploration, experimentation, and risk-taking. “Plausible possible” creates constraints that can be the sources of innovation. TRIZ methodology is a specific approach to inventive design that provides a structured and systematic framework for problem-solving. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and resolving technical contradictions in order to find innovative solutions. By working within the constraints of what is technically and practically feasible, TRIZ can drive innovation and creative thinking in engineering and design. TRIZ methodology emphasizes the importance of identifying and overcoming contradictions and constraints in order to find new and innovative solutions. By working within the constraints of what is technically and practically feasible, engineers and designers are forced to think creatively and find new and innovative solutions to existing challenges. This can lead to breakthrough solutions that were not previously thought to be feasible.
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Credits: Stelian Brad