The Eureka Method: How to Think Like an Inventor

This pioneering guide offers a proven method for thinking like an inventor and generating innovative, viable ideas. The "eureka moment" is when breakthrough ideas occur. The Eureka Methodis a proven approach to making those moments happen! There are many books on inventing, most of which address how to secure and protect a patent, how to license and market an invention, or the history of inventions. This book uniquely focuses on the HOW of inventing, addressing the root issuethe one everyone wants to knowhow to make the leap from being a tinkerer to actually inventing things that will sell. It does so by presenting an analytical framework that allows the would-be inventor to see the non-obvious opportunities for invention, to bring the invention forth, and to use the patent system to protect the invention. Success in inventing isn't just a matter of coming up with a new device or add onit also involves understanding which directions are most likely to succeed, what potential customers want, and current trends in social evolution. Filled practical hints, this original guide teaches inventors of all levels how to recognize opportunities for technical innovation and illustrates how to exploit them in a practical manner. The Eureka Method Offers practical advice from a technical inventor based on years of real-world experience Leads you through the various levels of difficulty in inventingfrom improving existing devices to combining different technologies to completely new innovations Demonstrates the desirability of harvesting intellectual capital from others to synthesize an even better invention Teaches practical exercises for uncovering opportunities for invention Emphasizes the need to focus on the bottom-lineis the idea valuable and worth the expense of creating it? Explains what makes an idea patentable Reveals how to spot the changes in technology, culture, and law that create opportunities for inventors Helps you improve your inventive efficiency

Part I: Thinking Like an Inventor
Chapter 1. The Three Questions That Should Follow a Eureka! Moment
Chapter 2. Improvement Inventions
Chapter 3. Developing an Inventive Mindset by Gaming the System
Chapter 4. Increasing Dimensions to Spark Eureka! Moments
Chapter 5. Combination Inventions
Part II: Seeking a Eureka! Moment
Chapter 6. Law, Regulation, and Standards
Chapter 7. Overcoming and Using Constraints
Chapter 8. Be Driven by the Bottom Line
Part III: Appendixes
Appendix A. Patents: Mileposts of Invention
Appendix B. U.S. Patent 6004596 "Sealed Crustless Sandwich"
Appendix C. Inventors and Inventorship
Index