OSR017
Pursue reliability improvements that eliminate dominant failure modes with minimum added complexity to avoid introducing new failure paths.
CyberTRIZ analysis · BrownFieldIndustrialProjects contradiction C13-OSR017 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Regulations
Reliability Improvement vs Modification Complexity
Business ContextAdding monitoring, protection, redundancy, upgraded components, or new control functions can improve reliability. Each modification also introduces interfaces, equipment, software, maintenance requirements, and potential new failure modes.
Brown Field Industrial Projects TRIZ ResolutionReliability improvements should remove dominant failure mechanisms with the minimum additional system complexity. Simplification, passive protection, integrated functions, and targeted upgrades can improve reliability without multiplying components unnecessarily.
Applicable TRIZ Principles
Principle 2 – Taking Out: removes failure-prone elements or unnecessary complexity.
Principle 6 – Universality: combines several reliability functions within common components.
Principle 35 – Parameter Changes: improves performance characteristics without adding complete subsystems.
Expected Outcome
Higher reliability
Lower modification complexity
Fewer new failure modes
Easier lifecycle support
Decision IndicatorsEarly indicators that this contradiction is limiting brownfield project performance include:
Reliability projects continuously add equipment and interfaces.
New protective systems create additional maintenance burden.
Modification complexity makes troubleshooting more difficult.
Reliability improvements generate new failure mechanisms.
Simple failure causes receive disproportionately complex solutions.
Monitoring these indicators helps organizations improve reliability without creating systems that become harder to operate and maintain.