The dissertation thesis shortly introduces TRIZ as a powerful method of systematic and creative problem solving. The position of TRIZ among other methodsfor creative thinking is discussed together with advantages that TRIZ brings to the innovation process. The application of TRIZ to a specific industrial problem frommaterial engineering industry, namely a sapphire single crystal growth, shows the high efficiency of TRIZ methodology. Two conceptually new solutions are developed in detail: mechanical latch and horizontal laser ranging. The laboratory works, that were performed on the single crystal sample, are revealing additional criteria for proper implementation of selected solutions. The results of the work are summarized in the conclusion.