Mechanisms That Influence Invention and Innovation

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Mechanisms That Influence Invention and Innovation
By Brian Nettleton
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation under Grant No.
0402616. Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation (NSF).
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People have invented for thousands of years. It
all started when man first used a rock or stick
as a tool or weapon. The quality of human life
has been improving ever since. It is human
nature to try and improve life. There is always a
problem that needs to be solved and there is
always a better way of doing something. People
invent things for different reasons and under a
variety of circumstances. The following are
seven mechanisms that influence the pace and
direction of invention and innovation.
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Weather and Other Natural Forces
The Lightning Rod
Benjamin Franklin thought of the idea of using a
lightning rod while experimenting with
electricity. Before the invention of the
lightning rod many houses and barns were
destroyed by fire as a result of lightning
strikes.
http//www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/light
ningrod.htm
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Result of Religion
The Compass
The Chinese invented the compass for religious
reasons. The Chinese used the compass to
position their houses so they can live in harmony
with the earth.
http//www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions
/compass2.html
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When totally Unrelated Developments Have a
Profound effect on the main Event
Memory foam was developed by NASA to help protect
astronauts by absorbing G-forces during space
missions. The new material didnt do what NASA
had hoped, so it was not used. Memory foam is
now widely used for mattresses and pillows.
http//searchwarp.com/swa28106.htm
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Deliberate Search
The Cotton Gin
While working on a southern plantation, Eli
Whitney was challenged to build a machine that
would separate seeds from cotton. After a couple
of attempts, he succeeded in building the Cotton
Gin.
http//www.eliwhitney.org/inventor.htm
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A Deliberate Search for one Thing That Leads to
Another
Chewing Gum
In 1869 Thomas Adams was trying unsuccessfully to
make rubber out of Chicle from Sapodila trees.
He put a piece of it in his mouth and began
chewing it. While he was chewing it he came up
with an idea of adding flavors to it. In 1871 he
began selling his chewing gum in New York drug
stores for a penny a piece.
http//inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blada
ms.htm
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Military Needs
GPS
The Global Positioning System was invented for
the Department of Defense to help ships, planes,
and weapons navigate. GPS units are now
available to consumers and are used for hiking,
boating, and driving.
http//www.beyonddiscovery.org/content/view.page.a
sp?I468
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Accidental Discoveries
Gunpowder
It is believed that gunpowder was accidentally
discovered by an ancient Chinese alchemist who
was searching for the elixir of life. The
alchemist mixed saltpetre, sulfur, and charcoal
over an open flame and the mixture exploded on
him. It is ironic that he was searching for a
potion to preserve life and wound up inventing
something that has taken so many lives.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_powder
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Standards and Benchmarks
Standard 1 Students will develop an
understanding of the characteristics and scope of
technology.o 1.F New products and systems can
be developed to solve problems or to help do
things that could not be done without the help of
technology.o 1.G The development of technology
is a human activity and is the result of
individual or collective needs and the ability to
be creative.o 1.H Technology is closely linked
to creativity, which has resulted in
innovation.Standard 7Students will develop an
understanding of the influence of technology on
history.o 7.C Many inventions and innovations
have evolved by using slow and methodical
processes of tests and refinements.o 7.F In
the past, an invention or innovation was not
usually developed with the knowledge of science.