Lines of Evolution

Altshuller established eight Patterns, or Lines, of Technical Systems Evolution:
Here is an explanation of some of these patterns and a few examples of them:

The Pattern of Dynamization suggests that any technical system during its evolutionary process makes a transition from a rigid to a flexible structure. This transition can be summarized as follows: A solid system obtains one joint, then many joints, then the whole system becomes completely flexible. Dynamization also means that a ridged system may be divided into elements that can become moveable relative to each other.

Examples:
The Pattern of Multiplication states that a technical system evolves first as a single system and then later multiplies itself. When similar elements are added together, it is called a homogeneous system. This combination of elements acquires a whole new property.
Examples:
The Pattern of Multiplication usually ends with the rejection of all extra elements that belong to the heterogeneous system — driving the system back to a mono system and thus beginning a new cycle.
The Pattern of Transition to Micro level states that elements of a technical system during its lifetime have a tendency to decrease in size, eventually collapsing into the micro level (molecules and atoms).
Examples: