Patent analysis of technology-performance by integrating patent family and patent citation

The value of mechanical engineering patents often lies in innovative graphic designs and detailed complementary context. Therefore, without having the contents of a patent thoroughly examined by experts, we cannot understand its true innovation value by using the current information analysis technology. Since, the process of qualitative research, on the other hand, is a complicated and time-consuming task, this paper proposes a Key Patent Analysis Process (KPAP). KPAP uses the “focusing first, and then finding the details” idea to prove the feasibility of this method by giving a specific case. Firstly, we propose using a patent family to effectively retrieve the key patents to meet the requirements of the innovation design; then we propose proceeding to the next step using a patent citation to broaden the search field to thoroughly comprehend the development in a specific technology field. Finally, we use TRIZ to create a technology performance map and technology development niche, and to effectively solve the possible engineering obstacles that may come to mind at the detail designing stage. The model suggested by this research can indeed promote the effectiveness of patent technology to extract useful patent intelligence; moreover, it improves the overall efficiency of new product designs.