Lists of dumb inventions can be found on many web sites and blogs. They are meant to be jokes, and on the surface these "stupid inventions" may seem both incredibly dumb and rather amusing.
Look a little closer. Many of them are patently foolish because they are impossible oxymorons like "fireproof cigarettes". Others seem dumb because even if they could be made, the outcome strikes people ridiculous, useless, or ineffective. Yet often a "crazy invention" contains the nucleus of a real and genuine invention once someone works past the initial block of thinking "that's a dumb idea"
A classic example is the Solar Powered Flashlight, which has been on "Dumb Invention" lists for close to fifty years. Yet high-intensity LEDs, rechargeable NiCd batteries, and efficient small solar cells have recently been combined in a highly successful and useful product.
So here's a top ten list of inventions labeled dumb by some but which have turned out to be worth a second look as genuine, sensible, and clever ideas.
Inflatable Anchor
Presumably people are supposed to think of a boat anchor in water and sneer at the stupidity of this suggestion. Think again. A study by the University of Dundee and Stolt Engineering discusses the feasibility of anchoring remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) for offshore oil exploration using inflatable anchors in clay bottoms. Maybe not so stupid after all.
Waterproof Sponge
If "waterproof" is taken to mean " fully resistant to penetration by water" (said of fabrics), then this is indeed a silly invention. However, common definitions of waterproof include "non-water-soluble" (said of glues) and "resistant to moisture" (said of treated paper). Sponges don't dissolve, and are resistant to water, and are thus waterproof by two definitions. And always have been.
There's also a type of sponge (a differentially permeable membrane) which may be resistant to penetration by water but absorbent to other liquids.
AC Adapter for Solar Powered Calculators
The solar cell will generate electricity of sufficient voltage and amperage to power the calculator. An AC adapter can be configured to provide an identical voltage and amperage. Electricity is electricity, and the gadget doesn't care whether its power comes from a battery, a solar cell, or an AC adapter. The AC adapter will run the calculator indoors or in low light, and what's dumb about that?
Battery Powered Battery Charger
Solar powered battery chargers are becoming increasingly common, and some models can even be used as a battery-powered battery charger (another item often found on "dumb invention" lists). The solar cell charges the main battery pack, which can then be used to recharge an iPod or cell phone even after the sun goes down.
Air-Bag Motorcycle Jacket.
At least two companies (MotoAir in Taiwan and Impact Jackets in Maryland, USA) are marketing these jackets to police departments and to a wide range of sports enthusiasts. Although the motorcycle community may be still debating the value of the air-bag jacket over traditional armored leathers, an October 2008 news report attributed a Baltimore motorcyclist's survival to such a jacket. Nothing dumb about that.
Cordless Plumb Line
The oldest "cordless plumb line" is made by running a trickle of water alongside the surface to be plumbed. When the surface is parallel to the water stream, it's plumb.
Today, home handymen (handypersons?) can buy a cordless laser plumb in any good hardware store or home service center. Many laser levels can also be turned to indicate plumb. Inexpensive models are sold to help align picture frames. Not so dumb, once technology catches up to imagination.
Flame-Retardant Gasoline
This is a great idea from a safety viewpoint. If gasoline could retain its power to drive an engine yet be stripped of its flammable nature, countless people would be saved from death by fire in collisions and explosions. From honeycombed fuel tanks on military vehicles to nitrogen suppression of gasoline vapors in aircraft fuel systems, a number of real and and effective solutions have been developed.
Remote Control for a Computer
This one must be pretty old. Any business person who's done a PowerPoint presentation will have used a wireless remote control to run the computer. The remote will have next slide, last slide, programmable keys, and a built-in laser pointer, if not more features. And of course, a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse are each a kind of remote control.
Solar Powered Nightlight
Why is this stupid? It charges up during the day and shines at night. Saves power. Saves money. Makes sense. A good "green" idea!
Umbrella with a Skylight
People who buy either a clear vinyl umbrella or one with clear panels don't see this as dumb. They can be protected from rain but still have a space to see where they're going, watch sports, view an airshow. All kinds of uses for an umbrella with a skylight!
These days, tents also come with skylights. Clear vinyl panels provide a view of the stars. May once have been a on somebody's Useless Invention list, but it gives the benefits of sleeping under the stars without the inconveniences of bugs (keeps out the rain, too).
A list of dumb inventions is usually worth a chuckle or two. But realize that yesterday's "stupid invention" is tomorrow's reality - a life-saving product, a useful household gadget, an amazing step forward.
See "Not-So-Useless Inventions" and Dumb Inventions or Cruel Jokes? for more "dumb inventions" that aren't so dumb.
Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
Join the Conversation