What Exactly Is An Invention? Articles | Invention

By: J.Morgan

We all have heard the word invention, but do we really know what it means. Invention is a wide reaching term used to cover a large area. An invention can be any new process, device or composition as long as it has enough different parts from the original.

There are many different categories of invention. The categories range from the simple improvement on an existing product or invention to brand new never seen before devices that will make people say why didn’t I think of that. In this large description, there is plenty of room for things that fall in between. For instance, it is conceivable that an inventor creates something from another invention but it is so radically different it is considered something new.


What Does It Take to Be An Inventor?

So you want to be an inventor? What does it take and how do you get started? Creativity is the base ability of all inventors. They have been able to think outside the box and see things in a totally different light. You may call it open mindedness or free thinking, whatever you call it, it is essential to creative thinking.

A famous inventor once said that success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. That said inspiration is still a necessary part of the equation. You can draw your inspiration from things all ready created or use your imagination to draw on an imagined future. Some people have found their best ideas from just tinkering around with things.


All of the above are necessary components of an inventors mind, however you must also be able to recognize a good idea when you have it. What is the point of solving the energy crisis or world hunger with a device if you do not see what you have?  Fear will keep you from moving forward with an idea many times. Fear of rejection or even the fear that someone will steal the idea can immobilize an inventor. Do not be afraid to pursue the wacky ideas.

How Inventions Are Created   

Where do inventions come from? For as many inventions as there are, there are just as many ways they came to be. A lot of times the come as an answer to a common problem, other times they evolve from looking at something with a fresh perspective. Even hunches have been known to become great inventions.

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Nowhere is that more clearly seen than when someone finds a problem then creates the invention that cures the problem. Take for instance the woman concerned about the germs on the shopping cart at her local store. She did not want her child to be exposed to the germs left by other shoppers. Therefore, instead of washing the cart every time she shopped, she invented a portable cover and made millions. Her motivation propelled her forward in her invention.

Inventions are our future, without them, we would never have seen the first home pc or mp3 player. We would still be stuck with horse and buggies and no indoor plumbing. Inventions begin as unrealized visions of the future, kind of a what if. In conclusion, open your mind to the great inventions inside you and allow our world to continue to evolve.