Application of a useful methodology to solve inventive problems through the Substance-Field Analysis and System Dynamics Modeling

Proper use of energy is a priority issue for environmental sustainability, resource conservation, reduction of operating costs, and process efficiency. Nevertheless, during energy resource use, energy-inventive conflicts arise. The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is an approach capable of solving inventive problems through three tools: Contradiction Analysis, Substance-Field Analysis, and Trends of Evolution. However, TRIZ lacks a dynamic tool to analyze the interaction of the variables involved in the conflict and see their behavior over time. A helpful tool to overcome this limitation is the System Dynamics approach. This perspective offers the creation of dynamic simulation models and the analysis of systems through graphical interfaces based on conceptualization through Causal-Loop Diagrams and simulation through the development of Forrester Diagrams. This framework aims to solve an energy-inventive conflict during the glass-melting process in the glass bottle manufacturing industry by applying a methodology involving Substance Field Analysis and the System Dynamics approach. The solution process consists of the identification of critical variables, the causal and functional analysis of variables (using Causal-Loop Diagrams and Substance-Field Analysis), developing the dynamic simulation model (by creating a Forrester Diagram), and interpreting results through graphical analysis. The results present a potential solution to the energy-inventive conflict and the evaluation of its impact over time, contributing to better decision-making.