The old adage about great things coming in small packages rings true for inventions and innovation. Big results often come from small ideas, and the world has been delighted by thousands of little inventions that pack a big punch. From tiny electronic gadgets for the home, to useful everyday items, to aiding in health and environmental fields, these thoughtfully designed little inventions are making big changes across the globe.
What’s particularly inspiring and encouraging is that many of these small embodiments of genius have been created by amateur inventors, who use their skills and creativity to develop solutions to everyday problems. These quick and clever innovations have revolutionized our lives. Here are some of the little inventions that have had major impacts.
Inventions that Tackle Basic Needs
There’s no shortage of little inventions that can tackle the most basic problems. In Haiti, an inventor has come up with an ingenious block of cardboard which he’s dubbed the Safe-T-Stove. Made from a cheap, easy-to-acquire material, this clever device enables people living in poverty-stricken regions to cook meals safely and efficiently. This inventive contribution has helped to reduce the incidence of respiratory disease from smoke inhalation.
In India, farmers are adopting the same level of innovation in the production of food. A revolutionary new type of machine called the Zero Budget Natural Farming Technique uses the power of air to produce health and sustainable harvests. It works by irrigating the land through tiny pores which require no water or electricity.
Inventions that Help Consumers
There are also consumer-oriented items that have been designed with a big concern for the environment. In 2016, a team of scientists at Stanford University unveiled the world’s first zero-waste cooking lids. These lids can be placed directly onto food containers and will keep food items fresh and sealed without using wasteful materials such as aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
For those of us who are always losing our remotes and phones, a creative invention has made life infinitely easier. This design is called the Zippo Universal Remote, and it’s a small device that hooks onto most remotes and phones and uses wireless signals to find the missing item. It’s a saviour for those of us who always seem to be searching for our missing items.
Inventions that Revolutionize Technology
These inventive ideas have also infiltrated the world of technology, making huge advancements in the area of portable computing. For instance, a device called the Turing Phone was released in 2019. This brilliant little phone was developed with an encrypted operating system that makes it virtually unbreachable. What’s more, the device is powered by a small, efficient solar panel on the back, meaning it can stay charged even in the absence of traditional power.
On a smaller scale, a macro lens for smartphones has opened up a world of possibilities for the aspiring photographer. This tiny lens clips over your phone’s regular lenses and lets you focus in on small details, such as the tiny eyes of a bee. It also enhances the zoom capabilities of your phone, taking ordinary photos and transforming them into something special.
Inventions that Lead to Important Discoveries
Inventions have also enabled individuals to make important discoveries, particularly within the medical field. A group of scientists from the United Kingdom has released a simple device called a nanosensor that can help detect numerous bacteria at once. It can detect the presence of microorganism contamination in water sources and alert users to the risk of infection.
Similarly, a medical start-up called the MicroHealth Alliance has developed a device that can diagnose concussions in mere minutes. The device utilizes a built-in sensor to scan the brain’s EEG and alert medical workers if any suspicious brain activity has been detected.
Inventions that Enhance Our Lives
On a more personal level, people have invented small products that can improve our daily lives. Take, for example, the RoboCup project. This invention is a portable robotic cup that operates using a combination of microphone technology and sensors. It’s used as an alarm clock to wake people up, as well as an interactive toy to keep them occupied.
Finally, for those of us who love to bake, there’s the Edible Spoon Maker. This device can quickly manufacture edible spoons from a wide range of ingredients, including dough, bread, and various types of fruits and vegetables. It’s a fun, interesting and practical method for adding a bit of flair to your next dinner party.
It’s pretty incredible when you step back and take a look at it how far little inventions have come. Creative individuals all around the world are constantly coming up with ingenious ideas to better our lives and the planet, and they are having a major impact on society. From tackling basic human needs to revolutionizing technology, little inventions continue to produce big results.
