Challenge: A novel form of valve had been developed in a partnership, but the cost was significantly over budget.

Tactics: Pareto analysis showed that the whole system was too complex and expensive. A TRIZ matrix approach identified the opportunity to move from rigid to flexible materials. Biomimetics identified flexing blades as a seal, and creative work invented a way to form a good seal that required only small forces to cause flow.

Result: The component count was cut to 4 low cost parts per port, bringing the product into the target price range and creating the first commercially viable low pressure gas control.

Critical challenges: The use of flexible materials combined with precision actuators demanded detailed optimisation through simulation and prototypes. The method of operation had to be completely different to existing solutions, and the team had to resolve