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	12 General Principles Combining - Separating

	Combine parts of an object or the phases of a process to form a uniform object or process. Separate a uniform object or a uniform process to form independent parts or phases.
	Combining and Separating can be applied to similar as well as dissimilar parts. Combine or separate only for a specific amount of time. Combine (connect) objects in parallel or in series. Separate the harmful, or conversely isolate, the only useful part (property, phase) from an object or a process. This part can be treated separately and re- introduced later on. Change the degree of fragmentation of objects and processes (increase or decrease). Go to the extremes of combination and separation. Separate or fragment objects down to the lowest micro-level. Combine objects to create the largest possible formations. Try to obtain new effects and properties by combining similar objects to form a bi- or poly-system. Related technical TRIZ Principles: 1. Segmentation, 2. Extraction, 5. Combining
EXAMPLE:	Shortly before the relocation of a public library in Scotland, the director asked all the readers in the town to borrow books and return them later to the new premises. This way, not a single penny was spent on moving the books. Sub-divide an organisation into different autonomous product and profit centres. Market segmentation according to demographic, sociograhical, psychological criteria and lifestyles etc. - segmentation based on customer requirements and functions. Segmentation of idea management into the following processes: "birth", maturing, generation and evaluation of ideas. Modular office furniture; container transport etc. Removing barriers between the different departments in companies. Separate the PEOPLE from the PROBLEM. Separate and link research, contract processing and production into different project stages. Link PC's to build a computer network. Merging of companies with similar products. Internet Cafйs as an example of combing different consumer needs.