In the words of Albert Einstein: “For an idea that does not at first seem insane, there is no hope.” In this two part series, we are going to take a look at the Process of Inventing, including; what exactly is an “Invention”, where do the ideas come from, and some ways to grow and develop an idea.
What is an “Invention”?
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.”
–Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Nobel Prize 1937
According to Wikipedia; “An invention is a new configuration, composition of matter, device, or process. Some inventions are based on pre-existing models or ideas and others are radical breakthroughs.” An invention can be a process or even an idea, so long as it can be made tangible in some way. A further test, for the sake of patentability evaluation is the machine-or-transformation test under which a claim to a process qualifies to be considered for patenting only if it (1) is implemented with a particular machine, that is, one specifically devised and adapted to carry out the process in a way that is not concededly conventional and is not trivial; or else (2) transforms an article from one thing or state to another. The preceding eliminates fantasies and wishes, such as time-travel or perpetual motion machines, since these obviously can’t be made tangible.
Solving your Problem
You invent because something bothers you. –Jacob Rabinow
To be an inventor is to “perceive need”. Identifying a problem often accounts for the greatest percentage of the conception of the invention. Once a problem is recognized, conceiving the solution is relatively easy. Of course, in some contexts, the recognition of a problem plays no part in the invention. Most improvement inventions fall into this category, such as, the improvement of a lock mechanism to make it cheaper, more reliable, stronger, etc. but in general, you will find that inventing is best approached by first identifying a problem and then working out how to solve it.
Flash of Genius
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
–Thomas A. Edison
Inventing also takes insight. While inventing often begins with questions, doubt or a hunch, it may also begin by recognizing that an unexpected result may be useful or that it opens a new avenue for exploration. For example, Goodyear invented rubber vulcanization when he accidentally added some sulfur to a rubber melt. A more famous example is when Alexander Fleming accidentally contaminated one of his bacterial cultures with a mold. He was sufficiently alert and scientifically minded to notice that the mold killed the bacteria. This led him to isolate the active ingredient in the mold, which later was named Penicillin.
The law considers it legally irrelevant whether an invention came about by research and problem solving or by accident, without the exercise of any creativity by their “inventors”. Regardless of what spark brought the innovation to life, it is vitally important to take the time and apply the effort to study, analyze, and identify the practicality of it. If the idea has potential value, treat it like any other invention; and so will the law.
The Next Level
Make a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once you’ve made an invention, write down the problem and solution involved. Then, ask yourself “how can I do this (or make this) so it will be cheaper, faster, better, bigger (or smaller), stronger, lighter (or heavier), longer- (or shorter-) lasting, or even just different. Most inventors usually find that their initial solution can be improved or made more workable. By conceiving of such improvements before looking to market or patent your invention, you can block the effort of your competition to jump ahead of you. Even if it seems that your first solution is the best and most workable, it’s best to have as many alternatives handy as possible when moving into marketing or manufacturing. From a patentability standpoint, the more options you have, the easier it will be to make your patent
stronger. If the broad concept or initial embodiment of your invention is invalidated by “prior art” or the examiner in the patent and Trademark office, you will still have something to fall back on. Finally, fully exploring the options of your invention will often help you understand your basic invention better, see it in a new light, see new uses or better ways to go about it.
Next week, we will look a little more in-depth at growing and developing an idea.
The Magic of Innovation
What is an “Invention”?
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.”
–Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Nobel Prize 1937
According to Wikipedia; “An invention is a new configuration, composition of matter, device, or process. Some inventions are based on pre-existing models or ideas and others are radical breakthroughs.” An invention can be a process or even an idea, so long as it can be made tangible in some way. A further test, for the sake of patentability evaluation is the machine-or-transformation test under which a claim to a process qualifies to be considered for patenting only if it (1) is implemented with a particular machine, that is, one specifically devised and adapted to carry out the process in a way that is not concededly conventional and is not trivial; or else (2) transforms an article from one thing or state to another. The preceding eliminates fantasies and wishes, such as time-travel or perpetual motion machines, since these obviously can’t be made tangible.
Solving your Problem
You invent because something bothers you.
–Jacob Rabinow
To be an inventor is to “perceive need”. Identifying a problem often accounts for the greatest percentage of the conception of the invention. Once a problem is recognized, conceiving the solution is relatively easy. Of course, in some contexts, the recognition of a problem plays no part in the invention. Most improvement inventions fall into this category, such as, the improvement of a lock mechanism to make it cheaper, more reliable, stronger, etc. but in general, you will find that inventing is best approached by first identifying a problem and then working out how to solve it.
Flash of Genius
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
–Thomas A. Edison
Inventing also takes insight. While inventing often begins with questions, doubt or a hunch, it may also begin by recognizing that an unexpected result may be useful or that it opens a new avenue for exploration. For example, Goodyear invented rubber vulcanization when he accidentally added some sulfur to a rubber melt. A more famous example is when Alexander Fleming accidentally contaminated one of his bacterial cultures with a mold. He was sufficiently alert and scientifically minded to notice that the mold killed the bacteria. This led him to isolate the active ingredient in the mold, which later was named Penicillin.
The law considers it legally irrelevant whether an invention came about by research and problem solving or by accident, without the exercise of any creativity by their “inventors”. Regardless of what spark brought the innovation to life, it is vitally important to take the time and apply the effort to study, analyze, and identify the practicality of it. If the idea has potential value, treat it like any other invention; and so will the law.
The Next Level
Make a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once you’ve made an invention, write down the problem and solution involved. Then, ask yourself “how can I do this (or make this) so it will be cheaper, faster, better, bigger (or smaller), stronger, lighter (or heavier), longer- (or shorter-) lasting, or even just different. Most inventors usually find that their initial solution can be improved or made more workable. By conceiving of such improvements before looking to market or patent your invention, you can block the effort of your competition to jump ahead of you. Even if it seems that your first solution is the best and most workable, it’s best to have as many alternatives handy as possible when moving into marketing or manufacturing. From a patentability standpoint, the more options you have, the easier it will be to make your patent
stronger. If the broad concept or initial embodiment of your invention is invalidated by “prior art” or the examiner in the patent and Trademark office, you will still have something to fall back on. Finally, fully exploring the options of your invention will often help you understand your basic invention better, see it in a new light, see new uses or better ways to go about it.
Next week, we will look a little more in-depth at growing and developing an idea.