Think Up New Inventions

Think Up New Inventions

Learn how to brainstorm, develop, and patent your own inventions by observing everyday challenges and following a step-by-step innovation process.

Have you ever visited a novelty store and found a unique item? Have you ever wondered how anyone could have thought of that particular invention, or said to yourself, "Hey, why didn't I think of that?" Or, while working on a project, haven't you wished there was a gadget that could make it easier? If you answered yes to these questions, chances are you have a great opportunity to create the next big invention.

Inventors take necessity and functionality into account when thinking up new gadgets and tools. People innovate and invent to achieve faster results or complete tasks without exerting too much manual effort. You can think up new inventions efficiently by considering these pointers:

• From a personal point of view, list a number of daily tasks. Note any difficulties you encounter while engaged in these tasks, choose one, and work on it. You can always come back to the others another time.
• You can also get ideas by observing other people. For instance, if you have heard of the Bottoms Up Draft Beer Dispensing System, it is likely the result of market research observing operational efficiency in bars while serving draft beer. It does not have to be as flashy as that; your invention can simply address something that others regularly struggle with. Little do they know, a brilliant friend is working on a solution.
• Be creative and think of ways to work around the difficulties you have spotted. List several potential solutions to the issue. Once you think you have found a solution, research whether someone else has already thought of it.
• If no other individual has claimed, patented, and manufactured a product based on the idea, you can proceed with putting it down on paper. Sketch it out or make a prototype. Try to draw a structure or blueprint and provide as many details, measurements, and material labels as possible.
• If you feel this invention will attract and actually aid many people, know that there are two ways to make your invention available to the public: you can produce and sell the product yourself, or you can find people to fund your novel invention, licensing it to them and collecting royalties on its sales.
• For serious inventors, you should consider seeking the services of a patent lawyer. A patent lawyer will help advocate your case for the issuance of a patent, provided that after a thorough search, the idea or product you invented has not yet been patented under someone else's name.
• To conduct a search yourself, you can visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website at uspto.gov. You can run a query there to see if your invention has already been patented.

Your next brilliant idea might be just around the corner. If you practice being observant, resourceful, and persistent, you will open your mind to limitless possibilities for success in launching a business.