The industrial environment is undergoing the fourth revolution. TRIZ as an effective innovation method possesses an entire system consists of multiple powerful tools like inventive principles and standard solutions to solve technical problems. Since they were invented, many researchers have attempted to further develop them, pointing out some difficulties in applying these tools in a simple way and the need to modify these powerful tools. In line with it, this study introduced Element Variation Innovation Thinking (EVIT), a novelty innovation method, to simplify and reorganize the application system of TRIZ. The variation rules are formed into 9 variation method groups by clustering the existed innovation methods such as the 40 inventive principles in TRIZ. 9 element groups are introduced based on the innovative work practice of Feng’s group. By the intervention of variation method groups, the element groups are converted to form new solutions. To illustrate the proposed method and validate its utility, this study selects the field of coalbed methane (CBM) extraction technology as a use case.