Advanced function approach.

Abstract: Function Approach is widely used for analyzing Engineering Systems and formulating and solving inventive problems: Function Analysis is an inalienable part of the analytical stage of any innovation project, while Function-Oriented Search is used effectively at the problem-solving stage. The goal of the current research is to develop the Advanced Function Approach which would significantly increase the effectiveness of existing methodological tools. The main parts of the study presented here are: 1. Research of the application history and the evolution of Function Analysis, which indicates that the next logical step for enhancing the Function Approach is the introduction of two parameters: “time of performing a function” and “place of performing a function”. 2. Logical deductive substantiation of the need to apply spatio-temporal parameters for formulating functions. 3. Examples of the application of this Advanced Function Approach. It should be mentioned that the recommendations formulated here are practical and may be used by researchers and TRIZ practitioners who have basic knowledge of the function approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]