The objective of this traioning program: After training you will be able to come up with great inventions like the airplane and the light bulb
Target audience: Researchers and people who plan to have a career in research work

2. Three methodologies used for making innovations

Scientific discoveries include both inventions (the creation of new products or methods whose function is designed from the start) and innovations (the discovery of new abstract concepts).

There are three methodologies used in making inventions and innovations. The first methodology involves applying scientific knowledge. This methodology is usually used by scientists. For example, a scientist applies his or her knowledge of DNA, through trial and error, to find the gene that causes a certain disease. When applying scientific knowledge, one cannot assert anything that has not been proven to be true. Scientists using this method typically have large amounts of scientific knowledge in their fields, acquired mostly through academic study.

The second methodology useful in making inventions and innovations is mathematical calculation. This methodology played a pivotal role both in Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity and his equation of E=mc². Mathematics is used extensively in theoretical physics.

The third methodology useful in making inventions and innovations is logical reasoning. This methodology can help one to come up with highly imaginative ideas. This methodology is usually used by innovators. An early example that involved logical reasoning was an event which occurred over two thousand years ago in Greece. In 530 B.C., Pythagoras witnessed a lunar eclipse. On the basis of his observation, he conjectured that the dark portion of the eclipse was the shadow of the earth when lit by the sun. Noting that the shadow was round, he reasoned that the earth must also be a sphere. This innovation was made by logical thinking. Unfortunately, the technology available to Pythagoras at that time did not allow him to confirm his hypothesis. It was only in 1522, the year in which Magellan sailed around the world, that Pythagoras’ hypothesis was proven.

Logical reasoning involves observing evidence (signs, symptoms and symbols), hypothesizing a theory (by recognize the possibility, evaluate the situation), evaluating the hypothesis (the possibility of turning out to be true) and then verifying the hypothesis (by carrying out experiments). When using the logical reasoning methodology, one must consider anything which has the slightest chance of being true. The innovator only requires the use of minimal, basic knowledge, but he or she must be highly skilled in the use of logical reasoning and imagination. Many important inventions and innovations have resulted from the use of logical reasoning.

The Wright brothers, two bicycle mechanics, made countless and detailed observations of the flight behavior of birds and noticed that whenever a bird soared in the wind with its wings fully outstretched and in a horizontal position, it gained altitude. On the basis of this phenomenon, they developed the hypothesis that a bird’s wings produced lift not only because they flap, but also because of their characteristic shape, i.e., arched on the upper surface and flat on the lower surface. This is logical thinking. The Wrights subsequently built a wind tunnel to test their hypothesis. When they saw it verified, they proceeded to design and construct the first airplane.

This is why inventors such as Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, and Alexander Graham Bell, who did not have academic degrees, were able to come up with revolutionary inventions.

Logical reasoning skills are not often taught in school. One way to master logical reasoning is to practice practical problem solving. I recall as a child attempting to solve the problem of how rainbows are formed, and it took me over a year to figure out. Many times I almost gave up, but I insisted that I could accomplish my goal and persisted until I found the answer.

Part 2. Why We Have 'Mass Increase' and How Mass is Transferred Through Material?

Mass Increase and Mass Transfer Through Material

One of the problem-solving projects that I worked on is where does the extra mass come from when an object is moving at high speed. In Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, when an object is moving at high speed, its mass will be increased. This is proved experimentally to be true. But where does this extra mass come from and where is it located? We traditionally believe mass exists in solid form inside the matter that constitutes the object. If we say this extra mass is added to the existing mass inside the matter which constitutes the object, then we have created mass from nothing. This is illogical. If we say this extra mass is attached to the kinetic energy, then we must come up with a new physics law which says mass can exist in nonsolid form because kinetic energy has no solid form. Either way we need to find a new explanation for this.

One other problem-solving projects that I worked on is how mass is transferred through material? When hydrogen burns with oxygen to form water, photons (particles of light) are produced. Because a photon has weight (mass), the water formed will weigh less than the original hydrogen and oxygen, although the difference is very small. A hydrogen fuel cell is used to light a light bulb. The fuel cell also forms water from hydrogen and oxygen. The water, so formed, must weigh less than the original hydrogen and oxygen because water is water. In this process photons are produced at the light bulb. Since mass and energy are inseparable, according to Einstein's equation E=mc², then by what means is mass transferred from the location of the fuel cell to the location of the light bulb? So the solution we need to come up must be able to explain how mass can be increased and how mass is transferred through material.

Our situation is very like what was facing Newton. Pythagoras hypothesized the existence of solar system. But what stops the planets from flying away? Newton explained this with his theory of gravity. Now Einstein's hypothesized 'mass increase' and was verified to be true. What causes mass to increase and how mass can be transferred through material? We must come up with new physics laws to explain this. Reader please spent some time to come up with a solution. You really need to come up with a highly imaginative idea. Do not afraid to be too wild. Continue only after you have come up with a satisfactory answer. That is the way you learn. After you come up with your solution, you should also come up with a experiment that can verify your idea. Only after that you can continue to the next page to read my solution. Remember both of us are trying to make a new innovation. Your solution can be better than mine.

[CONTINUE]