#3725 Innovative Thinking Methods Applied to Knowledge Graph

#3725 Provide a knowledge graph in the form of Cypher statements for the entire system of Bicycle

Of course. Here is a knowledge graph for the entire system of a bicycle, presented as a series of Cypher statements for a graph database like Neo4j.

This model breaks the bicycle down into its major systems, components, and sub-components, establishing the physical and functional relationships between them.

1. Create Nodes

First, we create all the individual parts of the bicycle as nodes. They are categorized for clarity into System, Component, and SubComponent labels.

Cypher
// Create the top-level Bicycle node
CREATE (bicycle:Bicycle {name: 'Complete Bicycle'});

// ## Core Systems ##
CREATE (frame_system:System {name: 'Frame System'});
CREATE (wheel_system:System {name: 'Wheel System'});
CREATE (drivetrain_system:System {name: 'Drivetrain System'});
CREATE (braking_system:System {name: 'Braking System'});
CREATE (steering_system:System {name: 'Steering System'});
CREATE (seating_system:System {name: 'Seating System'});

// ## Main Components ##
// Frame System
CREATE (frame:Component {name: 'Frame', material: 'Aluminum'});
CREATE (fork:Component {name: 'Fork'});

// Wheel System
CREATE (front_wheel:Component {name: 'Front Wheel'});
CREATE (rear_wheel:Component {name: 'Rear Wheel'});

// Drivetrain System
CREATE (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'});
CREATE (chain:Component {name: 'Chain'});
CREATE (cassette:Component {name: 'Cassette'});
CREATE (front_derailleur:Component {name: 'Front Derailleur'});
CREATE (rear_derailleur:Component {name: 'Rear Derailleur'});
CREATE (pedals:Component {name: 'Pedals'});

// Braking System
CREATE (front_brake:Component {name: 'Front Brake', type: 'Disc'});
CREATE (rear_brake:Component {name: 'Rear Brake', type: 'Disc'});

// Steering System
CREATE (handlebars:Component {name: 'Handlebars'});
CREATE (stem:Component {name: 'Stem'});
CREATE (headset:Component {name: 'Headset'});

// Seating System
CREATE (saddle:Component {name: 'Saddle'});
CREATE (seatpost:Component {name: 'Seatpost'});

// ## Sub-Components ##
// Wheel Parts
CREATE (hub:SubComponent {name: 'Hub'});
CREATE (rim:SubComponent {name: 'Rim'});
CREATE (spokes:SubComponent {name: 'Spokes'});
CREATE (tire:SubComponent {name: 'Tire'});
CREATE (tube:SubComponent {name: 'Inner Tube'});

// Drivetrain Parts
CREATE (chainring:SubComponent {name: 'Chainring'});
CREATE (crank_arm:SubComponent {name: 'Crank Arm'});
CREATE (bottom_bracket:SubComponent {name: 'Bottom Bracket'});
CREATE (shifter:SubComponent {name: 'Shifter'});

// Braking Parts
CREATE (brake_lever:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Lever'});
CREATE (caliper:SubComponent {name: 'Caliper'});
CREATE (brake_pad:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Pad'});
CREATE (brake_cable:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Cable/Hose'});

2. Create Relationships

Next, we connect the nodes using relationships to define the bicycle's structure and function. The MATCH clause finds existing nodes, and CREATE establishes the directed relationship between them.

Cypher
// ## Bicycle to System Relationships ##
MATCH (b:Bicycle), (fs:System {name: 'Frame System'}), (ws:System {name: 'Wheel System'}), (ds:System {name: 'Drivetrain System'}), (bs:System {name: 'Braking System'}), (ss:System {name: 'Steering System'}), (ses:System {name: 'Seating System'})
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(fs);
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(ws);
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(ds);
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(bs);
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(ss);
CREATE (b)-[:HAS_SYSTEM]->(ses);

// ## System to Component Relationships ##
MATCH (fs:System {name: 'Frame System'}), (frame:Component {name: 'Frame'}), (fork:Component {name: 'Fork'})
CREATE (fs)-[:INCLUDES]->(frame), (fs)-[:INCLUDES]->(fork);

MATCH (ws:System {name: 'Wheel System'}), (fw:Component {name: 'Front Wheel'}), (rw:Component {name: 'Rear Wheel'})
CREATE (ws)-[:INCLUDES]->(fw), (ws)-[:INCLUDES]->(rw);

MATCH (ds:System {name: 'Drivetrain System'}), (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'}), (chain:Component {name: 'Chain'}), (cassette:Component {name: 'Cassette'}), (fd:Component {name: 'Front Derailleur'}), (rd:Component {name: 'Rear Derailleur'}), (pedals:Component {name: 'Pedals'})
CREATE (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(crankset), (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(chain), (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(cassette), (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(fd), (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(rd), (ds)-[:INCLUDES]->(pedals);

MATCH (bs:System {name: 'Braking System'}), (fb:Component {name: 'Front Brake'}), (rb:Component {name: 'Rear Brake'})
CREATE (bs)-[:INCLUDES]->(fb), (bs)-[:INCLUDES]->(rb);

MATCH (ss:System {name: 'Steering System'}), (h:Component {name: 'Handlebars'}), (s:Component {name: 'Stem'}), (hs:Component {name: 'Headset'})
CREATE (ss)-[:INCLUDES]->(h), (ss)-[:INCLUDES]->(s), (ss)-[:INCLUDES]->(hs);

MATCH (ses:System {name: 'Seating System'}), (sa:Component {name: 'Saddle'}), (sp:Component {name: 'Seatpost'})
CREATE (ses)-[:INCLUDES]->(sa), (ses)-[:INCLUDES]->(sp);


// ## Component to Sub-Component & Inter-Component Relationships ##

// The Frame is the core, connecting everything
MATCH (frame:Component {name: 'Frame'}), (fork:Component {name: 'Fork'}), (rw:Component {name: 'Rear Wheel'}), (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'}), (seatpost:Component {name: 'Seatpost'}), (headset:Component {name: 'Headset'})
CREATE (frame)-[:MOUNTS]->(fork);
CREATE (frame)-[:MOUNTS]->(rw);
CREATE (frame)-[:HOUSES]->(crankset);
CREATE (frame)-[:ACCEPTS]->(seatpost);
CREATE (frame)-[:HOUSES]->(headset);

// Steering Assembly
MATCH (handlebars:Component {name: 'Handlebars'}), (stem:Component {name: 'Stem'}), (fork:Component {name: 'Fork'}), (headset:Component {name: 'Headset'})
CREATE (handlebars)-[:CONNECTS_TO]->(stem);
CREATE (stem)-[:CONNECTS_TO]->(fork);
CREATE (fork)-[:ROTATES_IN]->(headset);

// Wheels and Fork
MATCH (fork:Component {name: 'Fork'}), (fw:Component {name: 'Front Wheel'})
CREATE (fork)-[:MOUNTS]->(fw);

// Wheel Assembly
MATCH (wheel:Component), (hub:SubComponent {name: 'Hub'}), (rim:SubComponent {name: 'Rim'}), (spokes:SubComponent {name: 'Spokes'}), (tire:SubComponent {name: 'Tire'}), (tube:SubComponent {name: 'Inner Tube'})
WHERE wheel.name IN ['Front Wheel', 'Rear Wheel']
CREATE (wheel)-[:HAS_PART]->(hub), (wheel)-[:HAS_PART]->(rim), (wheel)-[:HAS_PART]->(spokes), (wheel)-[:HAS_PART]->(tire);
CREATE (tire)-[:CONTAINS]->(tube);
CREATE (hub)-[:CONNECTED_BY]->(spokes)-[:CONNECTS_TO]->(rim);

// Seating Assembly
MATCH (saddle:Component {name: 'Saddle'}), (seatpost:Component {name: 'Seatpost'})
CREATE (seatpost)-[:MOUNTS]->(saddle);

// Drivetrain Mechanics
MATCH (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'}), (crank_arm:SubComponent {name: 'Crank Arm'}), (chainring:SubComponent {name: 'Chainring'}), (bb:SubComponent {name: 'Bottom Bracket'})
CREATE (crankset)-[:CONSISTS_OF]->(crank_arm), (crankset)-[:CONSISTS_OF]->(chainring);
CREATE (crankset)-[:ROTATES_IN]->(bb);

MATCH (crank_arm:SubComponent {name: 'Crank Arm'}), (pedals:Component {name: 'Pedals'})
CREATE (crank_arm)-[:ATTACHES]->(pedals);

MATCH (chain:Component {name: 'Chain'}), (chainring:SubComponent {name: 'Chainring'}), (cassette:Component {name: 'Cassette'})
CREATE (chain)-[:WRAPS_AROUND]->(chainring), (chain)-[:WRAPS_AROUND]->(cassette);

MATCH (cassette:Component {name: 'Cassette'}), (rw:Component {name: 'Rear Wheel'})
CREATE (rw)-[:MOUNTS]->(cassette);

// Braking Mechanics
MATCH (brake:Component), (lever:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Lever'}), (caliper:SubComponent {name: 'Caliper'}), (cable:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Cable/Hose'})
WHERE brake.name IN ['Front Brake', 'Rear Brake']
CREATE (brake)-[:CONSISTS_OF]->(lever), (brake)-[:CONSISTS_OF]->(caliper), (brake)-[:CONSISTS_OF]->(cable);
CREATE (lever)-[:CONTROLS_VIA]->(cable)-[:ACTIVATES]->(caliper);

MATCH (caliper:SubComponent {name: 'Caliper'}), (pad:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Pad'})
CREATE (caliper)-[:HOUSES]->(pad);

// Controls on Handlebars
MATCH (handlebars:Component {name: 'Handlebars'}), (lever:SubComponent {name: 'Brake Lever'}), (shifter:SubComponent {name: 'Shifter'})
CREATE (handlebars)-[:MOUNTS]->(lever), (handlebars)-[:MOUNTS]->(shifter);

// Shifter and Derailleur Controls
MATCH (shifter:SubComponent {name: 'Shifter'}), (fd:Component {name: 'Front Derailleur'}), (rd:Component {name: 'Rear Derailleur'}), (chain:Component {name: 'Chain'})
CREATE (shifter)-[:CONTROLS]->(fd), (shifter)-[:CONTROLS]->(rd);
CREATE (fd)-[:MOVES]->(chain), (rd)-[:MOVES]->(chain);

Given this knowledge graph, how can I apply innovative thinking methods like SCAMPER, TRIZ (various methods), First Principles, Systems Thinking, etc. to identify opportunities for improvement and describe the implementation of improvements?

Of course. Your knowledge graph provides a structured, queryable model of a bicycle, making it an excellent foundation for applying innovative thinking methods. Instead of just looking at a bike, you can now analyze its interconnected systems digitally.

Here’s how you can use these methods to identify and implement improvements.

Systems Thinking 🧠

Systems thinking focuses on the relationships between a system's parts rather than the parts themselves. Your knowledge graph is a perfect tool for this because it explicitly maps these relationships.

How to Apply It

Use Cypher queries to explore cause-and-effect chains, feedback loops, and critical nodes (parts with many connections). Look for bottlenecks or single points of failure.

Example Query: Find the complete power transfer path from the rider to the wheel.

MATCH p = (pedals:Component {name: 'Pedals'})-[*]->(wheel:Component {name: 'Rear Wheel'})
RETURN p

Opportunity Identified

The query reveals that the Chain is a critical single point of failure. It connects the entire Crankset to the Cassette. If the chain breaks, the entire drivetrain system fails. It's also exposed, greasy, and requires regular maintenance.

Improvement: The Shaft Drive

Eliminate the chain entirely and replace it with a contained, low-maintenance shaft drive system.

Implementation in the Knowledge Graph:

Delete the old components and relationships:

// Find and remove the chain and derailleurs
MATCH (chain:Component {name:'Chain'}), (fd:Component {name:'Front Derailleur'}), (rd:Component {name:'Rear Derailleur'})
DETACH DELETE chain, fd, rd;

Create new nodes for the shaft drive system:

// Add the new components
CREATE (shaft:Component {name: 'Drive Shaft'});
CREATE (gearbox:SubComponent {name: 'Internal Hub Gearbox'});

Form new relationships to integrate the system:

// Connect the new system
MATCH (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'}), (shaft:Component {name: 'Drive Shaft'}), (gearbox:SubComponent {name: 'Internal Hub Gearbox'}), (wheel:Component {name:'Rear Wheel'})
CREATE (crankset)-[:DRIVES]->(shaft);
CREATE (shaft)-[:CONNECTS_TO]->(gearbox);
CREATE (wheel)-[:HOUSES]->(gearbox);

This graphically demonstrates the removal of a vulnerability and the creation of a more robust system.

First Principles Thinking ⚛️

This method involves breaking down a problem into its most basic, fundamental truths and reasoning up from there.

How to Apply It

Use the graph to identify the core function of the bicycle: To convert a rider's rotational leg power into forward motion.

Fundamental Truth 1: A rider provides rotational energy. (Node: Pedals)
Fundamental Truth 2: This energy must be transferred to a wheel. (Relationship path: [:DRIVES], [:WRAPS_AROUND])
Fundamental Truth 3: A wheel rotating against a surface causes motion. (Node: Tire on a Wheel)

The graph shows a purely mechanical transfer. The core question is: Does the energy transfer have to be mechanical? No, that's just the conventional solution.

Opportunity Identified

The energy can be converted and transferred in other forms. This opens the door for a hybrid electric system where the rider's effort generates electricity.

Improvement: The Series-Hybrid Drivetrain

The rider's pedaling doesn't drive the wheel directly. Instead, it powers a generator that charges a battery, which in turn powers an electric motor in the hub.

Implementation in the Knowledge Graph:

Remove the mechanical drivetrain connection:

MATCH (chain:Component {name:'Chain'})-[r]-() DETACH DELETE chain;

Add the new electrical components:

CREATE (gen:Component {name: 'Generator'});
CREATE (bat:Component {name: 'Battery'});
CREATE (motor:SubComponent {name: 'Hub Motor'});

Rewire the relationships to reflect the new energy flow:

MATCH (crankset:Component {name: 'Crankset'}), (gen:Component {name: 'Generator'}), (bat:Component {name: 'Battery'}), (motor:SubComponent {name: 'Hub Motor'}), (wheel:Component {name:'Rear Wheel'})
CREATE (crankset)-[:POWERS]->(gen);
CREATE (gen)-[:CHARGES]->(bat);
CREATE (bat)-[:POWERS]->(motor);
CREATE (wheel)-[:HOUSES]->(motor);

SCAMPER 🔨

SCAMPER is a creative checklist that helps you think differently about an existing product. Let's apply a few of its principles.

How to Apply It

Query the graph for components with multiple functions or relationships and see how they can be changed.

C - Combine

Query for components that are mounted close together on the handlebars.

MATCH (h:Component {name: 'Handlebars'})-[:MOUNTS]->(control)
RETURN control.name

This would return Brake Lever and Shifter.

Opportunity: These are two separate controls operated by the hand. Can they be combined?
Improvement: An integrated shifter and brake lever (e.g., Shimano STI).
Implementation: DELETE the separate Shifter and Brake Lever nodes. CREATE a new node (sti_lever:SubComponent {name: 'Integrated Shifter/Lever'}). Then, create relationships from it to both the Brake Cable and the Derailleur.

E - Eliminate

Query for components that add complexity. The derailleurs and multiple gears are complex.

MATCH (ds:System {name: 'Drivetrain System'})-[:INCLUDES]->(c)
WHERE c.name CONTAINS 'Derailleur' OR c.name = 'Cassette'
RETURN c.name

Opportunity: For many use cases (like city commuting or track racing), this complexity is unnecessary. Can we eliminate it?
Improvement: A single-speed bicycle.
Implementation: DETACH DELETE the Front Derailleur, Rear Derailleur, Shifter, and Cassette nodes. The resulting graph is vastly simpler, representing a lighter, lower-maintenance bike.

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) 矛盾

TRIZ is based on the idea that most inventive problems involve resolving contradictions. A common contradiction in engineering is Strength vs. Weight.

How to Apply It

Identify a component where this contradiction is critical. The Frame is the perfect example. It must be very strong and stiff, but also as light as possible.

Node Property: (frame:Component {name: 'Frame', material: 'Aluminum'})
Contradiction: Increasing the strength of aluminum (by adding more of it) increases its weight.

Opportunity Identified

TRIZ principles like Segmentation (#1) and Composite Materials (#40) suggest solutions. Instead of using a single, uniform material, use a composite material where strength and lightness can coexist, or segment the design so different materials are used in different places.

Improvement: A Carbon Fiber or Multi-Material Frame

A carbon fiber frame uses layers of strong carbon fabric (strength) bonded by lightweight resin (low weight). The layers can be oriented and thickened only where stress is highest (e.g., the bottom bracket).

Implementation in the Knowledge Graph:

Update the material property:

MATCH (f:Component {name: 'Frame'}) SET f.material = 'Carbon Fiber';

(Optional) Add more detail to reflect the composite nature:

// Model the frame as a collection of sub-components
CREATE (bb_shell:SubComponent {name: 'Bottom Bracket Shell', material: 'High-Modulus Carbon'});
CREATE (seat_stays:SubComponent {name: 'Seat Stays', material: 'Comfort-Flex Carbon'});
MATCH (f:Component {name: 'Frame'})
CREATE (f)-[:HAS_PART]->(bb_shell), (f)-[:HAS_PART]->(seat_stays);

This approach allows you to model and analyze the bike's properties at a much more granular level, revealing new avenues for innovation.

For a given system knowledge graph, I should be able to prompt an LLM for best Cypher queries and methods to apply each of the innovative thinking methods

Yes, you absolutely can. To get the best results, you need to provide the LLM with the right context and ask a precisely formulated question. The key is to treat the LLM as a creative partner that understands Cypher but needs guidance on the innovation framework you're using.

General Principles for Effective Prompting

Before diving into specific methods, follow these three rules for any prompt you write:

State Your Role and Goal: Begin by telling the LLM what you want to achieve. For example, "I am an engineer using a knowledge graph to innovate on a bicycle design."
Provide the Schema: The LLM cannot write accurate queries without knowing your graph's structure. List the node labels (e.g., :System, :Component, :SubComponent) and the relationship types (e.g., :HAS_PART, :MOUNTS, :CONTROLS_VIA).
Request Both Queries and Interpretation: Don't just ask for a query. Ask for the Cypher query and an explanation of how to analyze the results through the lens of the specific innovation method.

Prompts for Each Innovative Thinking Method

Here are specific prompt templates you can adapt for your system knowledge graph.

Systems Thinking 🧠

Goal: To understand interdependencies, find feedback loops, and identify critical points or bottlenecks.

Prompt Template:

"I want to apply Systems Thinking to my knowledge graph of a [bicycle]. My graph schema includes node labels like [System, Component, SubComponent] and relationship types like [HAS_SYSTEM, MOUNTS, CONNECTS_TO, CONTROLS_VIA].
Provide me with Cypher queries that help identify:
The primary functional path (e.g., from energy input at the pedals to output at the wheel).
The most critical components, defined as nodes that serve as single points of failure in that path.
The most highly connected components (hubs) in the entire system.
For each query, please explain what insights the results would provide for improving the system's resilience and efficiency."

Why it works: This prompt directs the LLM to look for connections and dependencies, which is the core of systems thinking. It defines what "critical" means in the context of the graph, leading to more relevant queries.

First Principles Thinking ⚛️

Goal: To break the system down to its most fundamental truths and functions, questioning every component's necessity.

Prompt Template:

"I am using First Principles Thinking to re-imagine the [bicycle]. My knowledge graph schema is: [list labels and relationships].
The fundamental purpose of a bicycle is to convert human power into forward motion.
Please provide a Cypher query to find the shortest, most essential path of components that achieve this core function. Then, for each component and relationship in the resulting path, suggest critical questions I should ask to determine if it is truly necessary or if its function could be achieved in a completely different way."

Why it works: This prompt establishes the "fundamental truth" upfront and asks the LLM to help deconstruct the existing solution, pushing beyond incremental improvements to transformative ones.

SCAMPER 🔨

Goal: To use a creative checklist to generate a high volume of ideas. You should prompt for each letter of SCAMPER individually.

Prompt Template (Example for "Combine"):

"I am applying the 'Combine' principle from the SCAMPER method to my [bicycle] knowledge graph. The schema is: [list labels and relationships].
Give me a Cypher query to find components that are physically co-located (e.g., mounted on the same parent component like the :Handlebars) and have related but separate functions.
Based on the query results, explain how I could identify opportunities to combine these components into a single, integrated unit to reduce complexity, weight, or cost."

Why it works: By focusing on a single letter of SCAMPER, you get a highly targeted query. It defines the search criteria (co-location, related functions) that the LLM can easily translate into Cypher. You can create similar prompts for Substitute (querying for materials), Eliminate (querying for complex or single-use parts), etc.

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) 矛盾

Goal: To systematically resolve core contradictions within the system (e.g., Stronger vs. Lighter).

Prompt Template:

"I want to use TRIZ to innovate on the [Frame] component in my [bicycle] knowledge graph. The schema is [list labels and relationships], and the :Frame node has a property for material.
The core contradiction I want to solve is Strength vs. Weight. I want the frame to be stronger, but not heavier.
Can you suggest which TRIZ inventive principles (like #1 Segmentation, #40 Composite Materials, or #2 Taking Out) would be most applicable? For each suggested principle, explain how I could model the proposed solution in my knowledge graph, including any new nodes, properties, or relationships."

Why it works: This prompt clearly defines the technical contradiction, which is the starting point for TRIZ. It asks the LLM not just for a solution, but how to structurally represent that innovative solution in the graph, making the concept tangible.

From <https://gemini.google.com/app/> Google Gemini 2.5 Pro

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