1 Introduction
1.1 Ideation Methods
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Synectics, proposed by Gordon, suggests the application of analogy in problem solving and idea generation [12];
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Brainstorming, a group ideation technique, assists problem solvers with listing creative ideas through the cooperation of team members [13];
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In Fishbone diagram, the designers are grouped together in a special way for identifying potential factors [16];
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Design catalogs where past solutions are catalogued in the database and used to propose new ideas [17];
1.2 Analogy-Based Design
2 Extraction of Analogical Information of Source Design Based on IPC
2.1 What is IPC?
2.2 Available Analogical Information Retrieval from IPC
3 Alternative Problem Identification and Building Ideation Model
3.1 Heuristics to Transfer Design into Other Contexts
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Ultrasonic cleaning is an efficient way to remove dirt and can be used to clean many complex structures in the electronics field.
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The function “clean/separate dirt” is taken as the analogical stimuli to retrieve the candidate new contexts.
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The idea of using ultrasonic for cleaning could be also applied into the improvement of washing machine, the design of dishwasher, toothbrush, etc.
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The design of automatic washing machine delivers its function controllably, which reduces human involvement.
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Its development is in accordance with the evolution trend “human →human + tool →human + powered tool →human + semi-automated tool →human + automated tool →automated tool” [40].
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The “reducing human involvement” working process of washing machine could be also applied into the design of coffee machines, soybean milk machines, camera, and even self-learning software systems.
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The idea of applying variable-frequency drive into air conditioner could solve the high energy consumption and high noise problems.
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As the variable-frequency drive interacts with compressor, we can take the compressor as the structure information to search the target system which it is related to.
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The idea of using inverter compressor could be also applied into the design of refrigerator.