Innovation through Pertinent Patents Research based on Physical Phenomena Involved

Abstract

One can find innovative solutions to complex industrial problems by looking for knowledge in patents. Traditional search using keywords in databases of patents has been widely used. Currently, different computational methods that limit human intervention have been developed. We aim to define a method to improve the search for relevant patents in order to solve industrial problems and specifically to deduce evolution opportunities. The non-automatic, semi-automatic, and automatic search methods use keywords. For a detailed keyword search, we propose as a basis the functional decomposition [1] and the analysis of the physical phenomena involved in the in the achievement of the function to fulfill. The search for solutions to design a bi-phasic separator in deep offshore shows the method presented in this paper.

A new method for extracting knowledge from patents to inspire designers during the problem-solving phase

“…This paper complements our previous work detailing each stage of the proposed methodology (Valverde et al 2014). Particular focus is on the patent classification methods (discovery matrix) and patent analysis through evolution trends.…”

Finding Innovative Technical Solutions in Patents Through Improved Evolution Trends

“…Through the efforts of some contemporary authors, Polovinkin's rules have been translated into English (Savransky 2000) accompanied by several examples and translated into French by Scaravetti (2004). We have directly translated certain passages from the original Russian texts (Valverde 2015).…”

“…Pertinent recovered patents are classified into discovery matrices which can be exploited in timeline, allowing patent analysis in an evolutionary perspective (Valverde et al 2016b). This methodology was conceived in the IMC department (Valverde 2015), and brings together some aspects of the department's expertise and acquired knowledge. A brief description of this method is given in the next subsections.…”

“…In this section, our proposition of evolution trends is complemented by the rules of the art of engineering. These trends are presented in the form of eight cards which are part of an interactive tool to assist designers (Valverde 2015). To illustrate these trends here, we show some elements of the construction of Trend Four (T4).…”

“…The seven remaining cards can be found in doctoral studies by Valverde (2015). Concerning the application case of the bi-phasic separators, the utility of these evolution trends will become clear when pertinent patents are analyzed along a timeline.…”