How To Invent: My 30 Year Innovation Process.

How To Come up With Ideas

The Baked Bean Obsession

Iv'e often been asked at work, can you help others come up with ideas too?

So this is the purpose behind this web site and youtube channel. To try and help others come up with ideas.

But the truth is for as long as I remember I have been inventing things.

Althought this literally scratches the surface (stay tuned for a lot more) I mentions these to show the process I used - So to repeat, Im not saying these boy hood inventions are game changing ideas, its just to show my process, if I have one!!

Iv'e always had a vivid imagination and always been obsessed with something or other.

My first invention came from a very serious childhood problem: keeping every baked bean on the toast. I know its a nightmare...

If even one bean escaped onto the plate, I’d have a meltdown.
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So I engineered a fix — a “baked bean wall.”

I ripped the soft centre out of a second slice of toast and used the crust as a make shift barricade around the first slice before Mum added the beans.

No escapees allowed.

It also shows that problems may not be universal as for some unknown reason my brothers, didn't mind any errand Baked Beans.

But if you find a problem there is a solution to find

Yes… I know. I know. Iv'e always been completely crazy !

But this was the first problem I remember I tried to find a solution for.

"Necessitas est creator qui inventionem agit"
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‍Necessity is the creator that drives invention.

Plato, writing in The Republic around 380 BC, argued that necessity is the true creator — the force that drives invention when comfort and choice disappear.
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Invention doesn’t usually come from having everything you need. It comes from constraint, pressure, and unmet needs. When something has to work, the mind is forced to see differently — and that’s where real ideas are born.
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Look For Trouble

I had one of the “must-have” Parkas everyone seemed to wear — the kind with a hood shaped like a narrow tube that you had to look through.

But, on dark, rainy mornings, crossing the road felt dangerous because you had to turn your head so far to see through the tiny opening. You simply couldn’t see what was going on.
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So I cut off the front of the hood and attached a clear piece of plastic, crudely fashioned into a new hood, using my Dad's arladite to stick it on.

It wasn’t pretty, and my mum protested constantly about what on earth I looked like… but it worked and I didnt care what I looked like!

I think this was my first practical solution to a real problem I was facing.

Zen & The Art Of Balsa

I remember one Christmas when I was given a balsa wood plane kit.
It may even have been on Christmas night, but I set myself up by an open window because of the glue fumes, wearing nothing but my pyjamas.

I began cutting the wing struts and carefully gluing the fuselage together. Before I knew it, I was so completely absorbed.

I don’t remember everyone else going to bed around me — it was as if the world quietly slipped away.
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At around 2:30 in the morning, I suddenly noticed the time. It felt like crashing back into the room with a thud. The cold winter air hit me all at once, and I realised I was absolutely freezing.
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I had been so absorbed in what I was doing that I’d forgotten myself — and time. Hours had vanished without effort or awareness.

I’ve had similar moments while meditating — or perhaps more accurately, moments where there was no experience at all.
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The next day, Dad simply said, “We left you to it — you looked like you were having fun.”
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I know this may sound a bit woo-woo, even pretentious, but it was a genuinely life-altering experience.

From that point on, I never saw life the same way again.
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That night stayed with me. I’ve felt echoes of it ever since, in design work, in moments of intense concentration, and especially in meditation.

So the flow state is important when you are inventing, as often things just fall into place by themsleves.

How Things Work

Without a doubt, growing up, my favorite books were How Things Work Volumes 1 and 2.

I’d pour over them for hours, devouring explanations of how hundreds of inventions operated—from jet engines and lasers to hovercraft.

I honestly believe that early insight into mechanisms and machines shaped my entire career as an engineer and inventor.

These books are out of print now, and although the internet offers far more resources there’s nothing like having a ready-to-go reference on hand like an old-school book.

I still recommend seeking out similar ones—they give you a foundational understanding of what’s possible, like building an internal set of ready-to-deploy mental Lego bricks you can use later.

Also if you get a feeling (strengths, thermal properties, surface energies etc ) for various materials from plastics to metals it will help you come up with practical solutions.

Look Inside

I was always taking things apart to see how they worked. Reading about something was never a substitute for getting in there and seeing the real thing for myself.
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As a result, our house was often full of half-disassembled objects — many of which didn’t quite work the way they were supposed to afterwards.

My long-suffering mum and dad eventually started hiding things. I distinctly remember taking apart my mum’s brand-new food processor.

Thankfully, I hadn’t gone too far into the demolition, and with a lot of perseverance we managed to put it back together again.
That episode marked a turning point.

To channel my mechanical curiosity — and to avoid having to replace everything in the house — I was given a set of Lego and my grandfather’s old Meccano set.

I was also given a firm rule: I could only take things apart if they were old, broken, and had their plugs cut off.
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But it’s amazing how much you learn by taking things apart — not just how something works, but the subtle assembly tricks hidden inside that you’d never notice otherwise.
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Ironically, years later, I found myself working on food processors at Breville in Sydney — proof that all that early dismantling wasn’t wasted after all...

Don't Overthink

I remember being fascinated by space and the night sky as a kid. We had a telescope, and I’d spend hours looking at the moon and even the planets.
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I used to tie myself in knots trying to make sense of space, time and infinity. What’s beyond space?
How can it go on forever?
What does forever even mean?

It was astonishing to realise that just by looking up at the sky, you were staring into infinity itself.
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But it also deeply unsettled me. The more I tried to understand it, the more anxious I became, I couldnt sleep thinking about it . My mind simply couldn’t grasp it.
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Eventually, I came to a realisation: the human mind is like a basic calculator. And here I was, trying to solve complex calculus problems with nothing more than add, subtract, and divide.

I was asking the wrong tool to do the impossible.
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So I stopped trying to understand. I let it go.
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That surrender was surprisingly peaceful. I realised how small and insignificant I and everyone else was was in the grand scheme of things.

It also struck me how ludicrous it was to think I and everyone are separate from it all—everything I’m made of comes from the universe itself.

It also removed much of my fear of failure. With less at stake in my head, I am more willing to take risks and explore different design directions.
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There’s a quiet freedom in not needing answers to every question, and in allowing things to be as they are.
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I’ve carried that same approach into my creative process.
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Instead of overthinking a problem, I usually just start. I don’t try to solve it in my head first.

For example, I’ll open CAD and simply put in what I know. Almost immediately, the design begins to emerge. Ideas start connecting.

It genuinely feels like the design is designing itself.
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People place far too much faith in intellect alone. I see analysis paralysis all the time: people stuck at the very beginning of a problem, convinced they can outthink it.

But in many cases, you can’t.
Sometimes the best strategy—both in creating and in life—is to stop trying to control the outcome, start moving, and let things unfold.
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You might be amazed at what appears when you do.

The Risk of Always Falling in Love With Your Own Ideas

We all fall for it, especilaly if you have had a run of good ideas. You start to think you are the second coming and become over confident.
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You come up with an idea but because it’s yours, you think it’s perfect.

The fact is, most ideas are duds.

You see it all the time on shows like Shark Tank or Dragons’ Den—people pouring thousands into dead-end ideas.

When I was a boy (I dont know how I survived my childhood...) you could spend your 20 pence pocket money on fireworks at the sweet shop !!!??? So I tried building a two-stage rocket which was supposed to launch straight up, drop the booster, and soar out of site, into orbit

But It shot up a few metres up, started tumbling , and exploded in a burst of sparks right over our heads.

The way to spot winners? Test your ideas honestly. Ask yourself: Does this solve a real problem, or just something I like? If you’re not sure, drop it.

Killing bad ideas isn’t losing—it’s making room for the good ones.

Its also important to prototype and re iterate- so maybe if I'd perserverred with the two stage rocket; but Dad banned me from any future rocket design...

Next - 99% Perspiration, 1% Inspiration

How to Invent: My 30-Year Process from 100+ Patents

A Design Engineer's Proven System for Generating Patentable Ideas

After 30 years as a design engineer and accumulating over 100 patents working with companies like DeWalt, Black & Decker, Stanley, and ResMed, I've developed a systematic approach to invention that anyone can learn. This isn't theory from an academic textbook—it's a real-world process refined through thousands of hours creating products that people actually use.

My Personal Invention Process: How I Generate Patentable Ideas

Invention isn't magic. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike. It's about having a reliable system you can deploy whenever you need innovative solutions. Here's the exact process I use when I need to invent something new:

Step 1: Define the Problem Clearly

Most failed inventions start with a poorly defined problem. I spend significant time understanding exactly what needs to be solved. Questions I ask:

What is the user trying to accomplish? (Jobs-to-be-Done framework)
What are the current solutions and why do they fail?
What constraints exist? (Cost, manufacturing, materials, regulations)
What would the ideal solution look like?
Who benefits if this problem is solved?

Step 2: Research Existing Solutions and Patents

Before inventing anything, I thoroughly research what already exists. This includes:

Patent searches on USPTO, Google Patents, and EPO databases
Competitive product analysis
Academic research and technical papers
User reviews and complaints about existing products
Adjacent industries that might have solved similar problems

This research phase prevents reinventing the wheel and often reveals gaps in existing solutions where new patents are possible.

Step 3: Apply Systematic Innovation Techniques

This is where the real invention happens. I use proven ideation techniques that force your brain to think differently. These aren't random brainstorming sessions—they're structured methods that consistently generate patentable concepts.

The Innovation Tools I Use Daily

SCAMPER Technique for Invention

SCAMPER is my go-to technique for product improvement and invention. It's an acronym that prompts you to think about products in seven different ways:

Substitute: What materials, components, or processes could be replaced?
Combine: What features or products could be merged together?
Adapt: What could be adjusted to serve another purpose?
Modify: What could be changed in size, shape, or attributes?
Put to another use: How could this serve a different market?
Eliminate: What could be removed to simplify?
Reverse/Rearrange: What if the sequence was different?

Real Example: When designing cordless power tools, SCAMPER led me to question battery placement (Rearrange), combine tool functions (Combine), and eliminate unnecessary weight (Eliminate). Several patents came from this single SCAMPER session.

TRIZ: The Russian Innovation System

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) is based on analyzing millions of patents to identify patterns in how problems are solved. It includes 40 Inventive Principles that provide specific strategies for overcoming technical contradictions.

Key TRIZ Principles I Use Most:

Segmentation: Divide an object into independent parts
Taking Out: Extract the disturbing part from an object
Local Quality: Change structure from uniform to non-uniform
Asymmetry: Change from symmetrical to asymmetrical
Merging: Bring closer together identical or similar objects
Universality: Make an object perform multiple functions
Nested Doll: Place one object inside another
Beforehand Cushioning: Prepare emergency means beforehand

Real Example: TRIZ's "Nested Doll" principle inspired telescoping handle designs. "Beforehand Cushioning" led to safety features that activate before accidents occur.

Morphological Analysis for Complex Products

When inventing complex products with multiple variables, I use Morphological Analysis. This technique breaks down a product into its essential functions, lists alternative ways to achieve each function, and systematically combines them to create new concepts.

Example Process:

List all functions (power source, user interface, safety mechanism, etc.)
Identify 3-5 alternatives for each function
Create a matrix of all possible combinations
Evaluate promising combinations for feasibility and novelty

This method generated over 200 conceptual variations for a single power tool project, with 15+ becoming patentable designs.

Design Thinking Process

Design Thinking provides a human-centered framework for innovation. The five stages are:

Empathize: Deeply understand user needs through observation and interviews
Define: Frame the problem from the user's perspective
Ideate: Generate numerous solutions without judgment
Prototype: Build quick, low-cost models to test concepts
Test: Get real user feedback and iterate

Design Thinking is particularly valuable when inventing consumer products where user experience is critical.

Formula One Innovation Methods

Formula One teams are masters of rapid innovation under extreme constraints. I've adapted their methods:

Marginal Gains: Make tiny improvements everywhere
Rapid Iteration: Test, learn, improve, repeat quickly
Data-Driven Decisions: Measure everything, trust the numbers
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down silos between departments
Constraint-Based Innovation: Use regulations as creative challenges

This approach is excellent when you need continuous improvement rather than breakthrough innovation.

Six Thinking Hats Method

Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats helps evaluate ideas from different perspectives:

White Hat: Focus on data and facts
Red Hat: Consider emotions and intuition
Black Hat: Identify risks and problems
Yellow Hat: Explore benefits and optimism
Green Hat: Generate creative alternatives
Blue Hat: Manage the thinking process

This method prevents groupthink and ensures thorough evaluation of invention concepts before investing in prototypes.

Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT)

SIT is a streamlined version of TRIZ focused on five thinking tools:

Subtraction: Remove essential components and adapt
Multiplication: Copy components with modifications
Division: Separate product into independent parts
Task Unification: Assign new tasks to existing components
Attribute Dependency: Create new relationships between attributes

SIT is particularly effective for incremental innovation and product line extensions.

Step 4: Generate Multiple Concepts

I never stop at the first idea. Using the techniques above, I typically generate 20-50 concepts for any given problem. Quantity leads to quality in invention—the 47th idea is often better than the 1st.

My concept generation rules:

No judgment during initial ideation
Combine techniques (SCAMPER + TRIZ often works well)
Sketch everything—visual thinking reveals new possibilities
Take breaks—solutions often emerge while away from the desk
Document everything—today's rejected idea might solve tomorrow's problem

Step 5: Evaluate and Select Concepts

After generating concepts, I use a structured evaluation process:

Patent Novelty: Is it truly new? (Patent searches)
Technical Feasibility: Can it be manufactured with current technology?
Cost Viability: Will target customers pay enough to make profit?
Market Need: Does it solve a real problem people care about?
Competitive Advantage: Why is this better than existing solutions?
IP Protection: Can it be protected with patents?

I score each concept on these criteria and focus resources on the highest-scoring ideas.

Step 6: Build and Test Prototypes

Paper concepts mean nothing until they're tested in the real world. I build prototypes as quickly and cheaply as possible:

Foam Core Models: For form and ergonomics
3D Printed Parts: For mechanical function testing
Breadboard Circuits: For electronics validation
Cardboard Mockups: For user interaction studies
Functional Prototypes: For real-world performance testing

Every prototype teaches you something. Failed prototypes are often more valuable than successful ones because they reveal what doesn't work.

Step 7: File Patent Applications

Once I have a proven concept, I work with patent attorneys to protect the intellectual property. Key patent strategies:

Provisional Patents: File early to establish priority date
Broad Claims: Protect the core concept, not just one embodiment
Multiple Variations: File continuations covering different implementations
Design Patents: Protect unique visual appearance
International Filing: Protect in key markets (US, EU, China)

Real Innovation Stories from My Career

Power Tool Battery Innovation

Challenge: Users complained about battery placement interfering with balance and visibility. Using SCAMPER's "Rearrange" principle, I experimented with unconventional battery locations. This led to a patent for a slide-on battery pack that improved tool balance and allowed hot-swapping without stopping work.

Dust Collection System

Challenge: Traditional dust collection added bulk and cost. Using TRIZ's "Taking Out" principle, I separated the dust collection from the tool body. The result was a modular system that could be added or removed based on user needs—three patents emerged from this approach.

Ergonomic Handle Design

Challenge: One handle design can't fit all hand sizes comfortably. Morphological Analysis helped me map out all possible grip variations. By combining adjustable angle, removable components, and texture variations, I created a handle system that adapts to different users—resulting in five related patents.

Medical Device Safety Feature

Challenge: Needed to prevent accidental activation of medical equipment. TRIZ's "Beforehand Cushioning" principle suggested anticipating the error condition. This led to a sensor-based system that detects incorrect setup before activation—a critical safety innovation that became a key patent for ResMed.

Common Invention Mistakes to Avoid

Falling in love with your first idea: Generate many alternatives before committing
Ignoring patent research: Don't waste time reinventing existing solutions
Over-complicating: Simple solutions are often better and more patentable
Forgetting manufacturing: Brilliant concepts fail if they can't be made economically
Skipping user testing: Your assumptions about user needs are probably wrong
Poor documentation: Keep detailed records for patent applications
Waiting for perfection: File provisional patents early to establish priority

The Innovation Mindset

Beyond techniques and processes, successful invention requires a particular mindset:

Curiosity: Always ask "why" and "what if"
Persistence: Most ideas fail—keep generating and testing
Observation: Watch how people actually use products
Cross-pollination: Solutions from one industry often work in another
Embrace constraints: Limitations force creative solutions
Learn from failure: Every failed prototype teaches valuable lessons
Collaborate: Other perspectives reveal blind spots

Tools and Resources I Use

Patent Databases: USPTO, Google Patents, Espacenet (EPO)
CAD Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360 for 3D modeling
Sketching: Always carry notebook for quick concept capture
Prototyping: 3D printer, basic workshop tools, electronics lab
Innovation Software: Mind mapping tools, TRIZ databases
Literature: Technical journals, patent analysis, competitive intelligence

How to Start Your Invention Journey

If you're new to inventing, here's how to begin:

For Beginners:

Take the Creative Personality Test: Understand your natural innovation style
Start with SCAMPER: It's the easiest technique to learn and apply
Choose a simple problem: Don't start with complex inventions
Generate 20 ideas: Force yourself past the obvious solutions
Build a rough prototype: Even cardboard mockups teach valuable lessons
Search existing patents: Learn what's already been done
Join inventor communities: Learn from experienced inventors

For Intermediate Inventors:

Learn TRIZ fundamentals: Study the 40 Inventive Principles
Try Morphological Analysis: For complex multi-variable problems
File a provisional patent: Protect your best concepts early
Build functional prototypes: Move beyond appearance models
Conduct user testing: Get real feedback from target users
Study successful patents: Analyze how others protected similar inventions

For Advanced Inventors:

Combine multiple techniques: TRIZ + SCAMPER + Design Thinking
Build patent portfolios: Multiple related patents create defensible positions
Work with patent attorneys: Professional help maximizes protection
Consider licensing: Don't just invent—commercialize your IP
Mentor others: Teaching reinforces your own innovation skills

InventionPath Tools and Resources

I've created interactive tools based on the techniques I use daily:

SCAMPER Idea Generator: Step-by-step prompts using the SCAMPER technique
TRIZ Problem Solver: Apply the 40 Inventive Principles to your challenges
Morphological Analysis Tool: Systematically explore concept combinations
Design Thinking Guide: Structured process for human-centered innovation
Six Thinking Hats Evaluator: Assess ideas from multiple perspectives
SIT Technique Generator: Apply Systematic Inventive Thinking methods
Patent Strategy Generator: Get personalized patent filing strategies
Creative Personality Test: Discover your innovation style (Visionary, Builder, Explorer, or Harmonizer)
Formula One Innovation Methods: Apply F1 rapid iteration techniques

Frequently Asked Questions About Inventing

How long does it take to develop a patentable invention?

It varies dramatically. Simple improvements might take weeks, while complex systems can take years. My average is 3-6 months from initial concept to provisional patent filing, including multiple rounds of prototyping and testing.

Do I need an engineering degree to be an inventor?

No. Some of the best inventions come from people experiencing problems firsthand. Engineering knowledge helps with feasibility and prototyping, but creativity and persistence are more important than formal education.

How much does it cost to file a patent?

Provisional patents cost $130-$280 for USPTO filing fees. Full utility patents with attorney help typically cost $8,000-$15,000. Design patents are cheaper at $2,000-$4,000. International filing multiplies these costs significantly.

Which innovation technique should I start with?

SCAMPER is the easiest for beginners. It's intuitive, requires no special training, and immediately generates ideas. Once comfortable with SCAMPER, add TRIZ for more systematic problem-solving.

How do I know if my idea is patentable?

Search existing patents on USPTO and Google Patents. Your invention must be: (1) Novel - truly new, (2) Non-obvious - not a predictable combination, (3) Useful - serves a practical purpose. Consult a patent attorney for definitive answers.

Should I build a prototype before filing a patent?

You don't need a working prototype to file a patent, but I strongly recommend it. Prototypes reveal design flaws and often lead to additional patentable improvements. File a provisional patent first, then refine the design before filing the full utility patent.

How do I protect my idea while discussing it with others?

Use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) before sharing details. However, many companies won't sign NDAs for unsolicited ideas. File a provisional patent first for legal protection before any discussions.

Can I patent an improvement to an existing product?

Yes! Many of my patents are improvements to existing products. The improvement must be novel and non-obvious. Even small innovations can be patentable if they provide clear benefits.

What if someone already invented something similar?

Study their patent carefully. You might be able to patent a different implementation, improvement, or application. Many successful patents are variations of existing concepts applied in new ways.

How do I make money from my inventions?

Several options: (1) License patents to companies for royalties, (2) Start a company to manufacture and sell, (3) Sell patents outright, (4) Use patents defensively if you're in business. Licensing is most common for individual inventors.

The Reality of Professional Inventing

After 100+ patents and 30 years, here's the honest truth about inventing:

Most ideas fail: Maybe 1 in 50 concepts becomes a successful product
Patents aren't guarantees: A patent gives you the right to sue, not automatic money
Persistence matters most: Success comes from consistent effort over years, not lightning strikes of genius
Collaboration is essential: No one invents in isolation—you need engineers, manufacturers, marketers
Learn from everything: Failed products teach more than successful ones
Timing matters: Even great inventions fail if they're too early or too late
User needs trump clever engineering: Solve real problems, not interesting technical challenges

Why I Created InventionPath

After decades of professional inventing, I wanted to share what actually works. Not academic theory, but real techniques I use every day to generate patentable ideas. InventionPath provides the exact tools and methods that have resulted in over 100 patents across power tools, medical devices, consumer products, and industrial equipment.

Whether you're an aspiring inventor, professional engineer, entrepreneur, or just curious about innovation, these proven techniques will help you generate better ideas more consistently.

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