You should have a look at books about the TRIZ system, such as this one And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared: TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving http

You should have a look at books about the TRIZ system, such as this one And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared: TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964074028/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964074028/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ It is rather hard to describe quite simply, but I would try like this: TRIZ is about all of the patterns and heuristics found in the invention of mechanical engineering elements. It purports to provide an algorithm for innovation, but you don't have to accept that grand of a claim in order to find the content fascinating.