Invention and Innovation

Important Terms Invention Innovation Discovery Creativity Patents Trademarks Copyrights Science Engineering Technology Design

Invention! Invention can be thought of as a new manmade device or process. An example of invention is the internal combustion engine invented in the 1800’s. The internal combustion engine is used in cars, trains, trucks, lawnmowers, boats and many other applications.

Innovation *An innovation can be define as simply a better way of doing things or an improvement to an existing product or invention. Smithsonian

Evolution of the Telephone Alexander Graham Bell’s Phone 1876 Old Phone Telephone 1st Cell Phone March 6, 1983 Razr 2006

Old Computers Dell Computers 2006

Discovery Discovery is the primary process used in science to uncover new knowledge. Thomas Edison invented over 1000 patents, but only made one scientific discovery. This discovery was called the “Edison Effect”.

Creativity The ability to see a problem in several dimensions. The ability to truly understand the problem at hand.

Inventor Spotlight: Mike Augspurger “If you want to make an improvement or an innovation or an invention the place to look is in yourself.” –Mike Augspurger Mike is an expert cyclist, a machinist and a designer and builder of bicycles. Early interest in go-karts and woodworking and machining. Invented a sport hand cycle. No formal training in mechanics.

Patents Provide inventors with exclusive rights to manufacture a device for a period of time that has been fixed. (Currently 17 yrs.) Assigned to individuals, not corporations.

The Original Patent The Innovations JBL Koss Apple Computer JBL Ipod Skins

Patents Cont. The inventor must keep dated logs in order to prove who invented something first. “Patent Pending” – the inventor has applied for a patent, but not received it yet.

Trademarks Trademarks give an individual or corporation a right to identify a product with a graphic symbol that customers can readily recognize for the quality and service they have earned. Generally, a trademark has no time limit.

Trademark Examples Nike Mountain Dew Abercrombie & Fitch Adidas

Copyright © Copyright is related to the written material, graphic material, or music. Copyright provide the creator the exclusive rights to their works for a definite period of time. Copyright are extended to 50 years after the death of the artist.

Science The pursuit of new knowledge about nature. Its primary goal is knowledge, not solutions to problems.

Science Science is the pursuit of new knowledge about nature. Its main goal is knowledge, not solutions to problems.

Engineering The profession in which knowledge of the Mathematical and natural sciences gained by study. Engineering in the simplest sense is the deliberate, orderly process through which technology is created.

Technology The innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment to satisfy the perceived human wants and needs.

Design The process of designing solutions to technological problems – innovating and inventing. LEGO Rhino

History of Invention, Innovation and Discovery The greatest difference between science and technology is purpose.

The main purpose of science was curiosity, where the main purpose of technology was a matter of survival. Science and technology need and serve each other while serving mankind.

Early civilizations were based on just a few inventions: Stonecutting Spinning Weaving Surveying instruments And more… The plow Handwriting Metallurgy Pottery Brick making

7 Mechanisms that affect Invention and Innovation Deliberate search Deliberate search for 1 thing that leads to something else Totally unrelated developments have an effect on the main event

Military needs or military inventions give rise to intense development efforts and equally significant social change. Result of religion Weather & other natural forces Pure accident

Invention, Innovation and Discovery Today A few of the most influential factors which are of a different origin than the previous 7 mechanisms…

Information and Communication Technology The faster we can communicate, the faster we can influence others with new inspiration and new inventions. Specialization of knowledge and teamwork The rise of organized science In the past, discoveries often followed the practical application. Technology preceded science Today, technology rarely precedes science

The influence of government The need for rapid wartime development of technology tends to push the envelope of efficiency. The funding of research which is often available for the asking. Government can also influence invention and innovation by legislation that creates the rules others must play by

Intellectual Property To promote rapid growth of technology, there had to be something in it for both users and producers, and if the correct balance could be found, it would be good for the country.

Inventors Thomas Edison Benjamin Franklin Elijah McCoy Eli Whitney Alexander Graham Bell Henry Ford