Most Technologically Advanced Tool Inventions

Heading into the 21^st Century, tool inventors are becoming more innovative thanks to the demands of the market. New tools are replacing old standbys, delivering on promises of lighter weight, easier operation, and compact design aesthetics. The need to build not only cheaply but also quickly has inspired inventors to develop tools and methods that were previously unimaginable, and the DIY ethic of 21^st Century civilization has highlighted the need for tools that solve problems. Some of these inventions are the result of applying existing technologies to new problems, and some are entirely new ideas.

3D Printing Construction is an exciting new possibility in the world of construction. In a recent presentation, Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis, a University of Southern California engineering professor, showed a prototype 3D printer that he said may one day construct buildings in 20 hours. The printer extrudes a special composite fiber concrete to build a six-foot wall in layers. The accompanying computer animation showed what the entire process would most likely look like, complete with full scale walls, plumbing, and electrical wiring built into the plans. The professor explained that he first developed the idea while repairing cracks in his house after the 1994 Northridge earthquake; he wondered why there wasn’t yet a better, easier way to manage construction. Using his experience in rapid prototyping technologies, Dr. Khoshnevis’s first machines were capable of building small clay structures, with a CAD program dictating the design. Over time, he developed the technology from building small clay structures; he worked with a company to develop a special form of concrete that would support itself through the construction process, instead of requiring molds. The process also allows for what he calls contour crafting. He predicts industry-wide use of the technology by 2020, at a cost of a few hundred thousand dollars per machine, and by 2025, Dr. Khoshnevis believes that contour crafting will be nearly ubiquitous.

For those builders interested in improvements on the old-fashioned approaches, several new tools have recently been introduced; for example the Paslode TetraGrip Subfloor Fastening System. The product is a pneumatic coil nailing system—the nail features a barbed, threaded shaft which twists as it’s driven. The product essentially functions as a floor screw, but is installed as easily as a nail. The proprietary pneumatic nailer holds a coil of 120 fasteners.

Another important new innovation for building enthusiasts and professionals is the Bosch GTS1031 10 inch Worksite Table Saw. The distinction that this product carries is that it has a lightweight construction with a steel roll cage which not only allows it to survive harsh conditions at job sites, but also enables easy carrying of the table saw by hand, a first for the product type. The compact saw provides all of the features the user needs, but without bulk and weight.

These inventions and many more demonstrate that tool technology is becoming more and more important in the 21^st Century. Tool inventors should keep in mind that buyers are looking for tools that solve problems, such as making building and repairing quicker and easier, or taking care of issues such as limiting expenses. As more and more individuals become interested in DIY projects, making building and repair tools more consumer-friendly is another approach that inventors are taking. 

Inventionland’s Crafty Cottage

Inventionland, the world's largest invention factory, is where ideas, innovations and new products come to life.  Created by George Davison, founder and CEO of Davison, it is a 61,000 square-foot wonderland located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Inventionland turns out more than 150 new product prototypes every month.

Inventionland is an inspirational, one-of-a-kind factory where employees work in 16 unique themed sets that are specifically designed to spark imagination and foster creative thinking.  In the Crafty Cottage, Inventionland workers develop a variety of products that help crafts enthusiasts; they also work on the ideas for clothing, footwear, and most products that must be sewn. The exterior of the unit looks like a brightly colored fabric cottage,featuring items like craft scissors to indicate the type of projects going on within.

The Crimp Ease is one of the products to come out of Inventionland’s Crafty Cottage. The product answers the troubles of many crafting enthusiasts who enjoy making beaded bracelets and necklaces; beads must be crimped in most applications to finish off the jewelry item, and most of the available crimpers operate in the same way as a pair of pliers, which is tiring for the hands. Especially if the craft enthusiast wants to make several jewelry items, the hands get sore and strained over time. The Crimp Ease solves this problem by operating in an entirely different way. Instead of employing the hand strength of the user, the Crimp Ease operates in the same way as a stapler, resting on the table or other flat surface. The crafter simply pushes down with one hand and the bead is crimped. Another important aspect of this invention is that the product crimps beads of multiple different sizes, making it as useful, if not more so than the standard crimping tool. 

Another product that was created in the Crafty Cottage is the Luma Threader. The Luma Threader tackles the difficult task of threading a sewing machine needle. It is often difficult to see the needle well enough, especially considering the typically dark area under the machine where it is located. The Luma Threader illuminates the area, making it easy to see the thread and eye of the needle. A spring-loaded fork cradles the needle, and when the handle is pushed, the thread goes through the eye. The ergonomic handle is also designed with a slightly flattened edge to keep it from rolling.

The Quilt Class Bag is an example of a product that comes doubly from the Crafty Cottage; both because it is a product that helps craft enthusiasts as well as a product that is an apparel item. As quilting gains in popularity again, those interested in learning the old-fashioned art find it a hassle to carry the many tools and materials it takes to accomplish the goal. The Quilt Class Bag features a design which folds out flat so that everything is easily accessible. Numerous pockets and straps hold all sizes of tools and supplies, along with an included rotary mat and ruler. The bag also has an adjustable shoulder strap to make it easy to carry, and is compact while being surprisingly roomy inside.

Many new ideas come to life every month at Inventionland. The Davison team delivers a constant flow of innovative products and ideas to companies, and also offers individuals with ideas a variety of services to help them develop their idea.

“I find it extremely rewarding to be able to help the everyday ‘idea person’ bring their idea for a new product to life, and then hear their reaction after they actually see it in packaging and on the store shelf,” said Mr. Davison. “There’s nothing more exciting.”

A typical project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.  Up-front fees are required for all services.

Strangest Inventions of 2010

Have you ever wondered what the strangest inventions are? Keep reading, and you will learn about some of the strangest inventions of 2010. Although quite odd, if you have the nerve to use any of these products in public, they may be useful.

The Baby Mop
The first one in this series was invented by a Japanese man, Kenji Kawakami. It’s called the Baby Mop. The Baby Mop is an unusual and bizarre invention. It is so odd that the inventor coined a word to classify it into a category; it’s called the Chindogu category. In fact, Kawakami founded the International Chindogu Society for unusually strange inventions. The criterion for membership is that the inventor’s creation be so ridiculous and useless, that the fact that it is real and practical is nearly forgotten.

The idea behind the Baby Mop is to get your floors mopped while keeping track of your child. The mop fibers protrude from the legs, arms and tummy of a garment the size of a baby that crawls. The baby is put on top of the clothing that has the protruding mop fibers, and while he or she crawls on the floor it gets mopped from the movements of the baby.

Hamster Powered Paper Shredder
Next is the Hamster Powered Paper Shredder. That’s right! You can shred your paper with the aid of a hamster. This unit was designed by Tom Ballhatchet. The paper shredder is built into a hamster’s cage. While the hamster runs on the typical round cylinder seen in hamster cages, it activates the shredder. This is when you insert the paper into the unit for shredding.

E-tomb
Have you been thinking about your future gravesite or headstone? The E-tomb is one of the strangest inventions; however, it is quite innovative at the same time. The E-tomb is a grave marker that is powered by solar energy. The cross on the front of the headstone is equipped to enable a key to be inserted into it and connecting by means of bluetooth technology.

The headstone, through the connection, provides digital information about the deceased. It provides audio and video clips, pictures, social networking sites, and it gives out information on the individual’s digital personality. The headstone is also capable of uploading information from friends that may stop by with the intention of making it a memorable experience for friends of the deceased. The E-tomb was designed by Huang Jianbo, Zhao Ting, Wang Yushan, Ran Xiangfei and Mo Ran.

Umbrella Shoes
Do you hate getting your feet wet during a rainstorm? Umbrella Shoes may be one of the strangest inventions, but you will end up with dry feet. A small umbrella approximately three inches high is attached to the pointy end of each shoe, where your big toe is. The umbrella is opened, and you are ready to walk outside in the rain keeping your feet dry. The circumference of the opened umbrella is just wide enough not to interfere with your feet or legs.

Sweeper Slippers
Last but not least of the strangest inventions are the Sweeper Slippers. This invention is a pair of slippers with a dustpan attached to one slipper at the point where your big toe is and a miniature broom, without the stick, attached to the other slipper at the point where your other big toe is. To sweep your floor, you simply maneuver your feet to brush the dirt onto the dustpan.

These inventions from 2010 are only several of which most people may never hear of. Nevertheless, for the courageous person who doesn’t mind looking like a fool, if not useful, these inventions can be a lot of fun.

How to Invent a Grilling Product

If you are wondering how to invent a new product, but worry that it will take too much time, be too difficult, or cost too much money there are ways to prevent these situations. However, at the same time, new product development is something that is uncertain. It is quite a risk, much like everything in business. No company or invention can guarantee success. So when you are thinking about how to invent a new product, there are plenty of factors to consider.

For one, companies continue to be more innovative. Therefore, there are people coming up with new invention ideas every day and are making prototypes as you think about how to invent your idea. That is why it is important to do research and make sure your invention idea is not already on the market. Even if there is a product like the one you came up with, there is always a demand for new or improved products from corporations or individuals with new product ideas.  These products should either solve a problem or improve something and be able to fit in with a certain company’s product line.

For example, if you are thinking about inventing a new grilling product, some of the most successful products to recently come out are the Ribolator, portable grills that can be taken on tailgating and camping trips, cleaning tools including the Grill Daddy Pro Grill and indoor grilling options such as the George Forman. 

When figuring out how to invent your product, you may face some obstacles along the way. This can cause you to lose time, energy and money in trying to get off the ground with a product, especially if you do not know how to invent on your own.  If you face any obstacles or are having a hard time inventing a product alone, keep in mind that there are inventing companies that can help.  One of the biggest obstacles most inventors must overcome when pursuing an idea is being willing to trust someone with their idea.  Make sure to do your research and choose an inventing company that has experience with developing products and getting them on store shelves.  Also make sure that the company will make you sign a Confidentiality Agreement to ensure that your idea is safe.

Do you have an idea for an invention?

Julian Dared to Invent: Inventor of the Best Stink Bug Trap Ever

Julian Smith was an everyday Pittsburgh native who had a problem with uninvited friends.  He wanted to invent something that would get rid of these friends forever, so he brought an idea to Davison and they helped him develop it. 

These friends of Julian’s were not your everyday friends - they were stink bugs.  They are scientifically known as pentatomoidea and have glands that let off a foul smell, kind of like a skunk.  According to Julian, he used every bug repellent and trap on the market.  It didn’t work and the bugs almost took over his entire house.  He then created a model stink bug trap out of an empty soda bottle.  Attached to the bottle was a taped LED light.  The whole thing cost him seven dollars. 

Julian took his idea and model to Davison and the Davison Creationeers began developing it.  The objective was to develop a simple design that didn’t empty pockets.  According to the CEO of Davison, George Davision, “It works just like his other one.”  The Davison-developed trap also utilizes an LED light to bring stink bugs in and its interior funnel design disables them from making an escape.  Smith had a video on YouTube called the Best Stink Bug Trap Ever and George Davison was very fond of that name.  So they kept it the same and that is how it has been packaged for licensing presentation. 

 “In life, everything is a chance. This was the first Thanksgiving dinner that I didn't get ridiculed or laughed at because of ideas that I came up with in the past that failed. Don't let people hold you back, you know. Follow your heart,” said Smith. 

A typical project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.  Davison offers fee-based services.

Do you have an idea for an invention?