Confessions of a Do-Gooder Inventor
By Perry Kaye
Invention is not always about money. For many of us inventing is primarily the quest for discovery and advancement. Fun-seeking also plays a major role.
Trying to monetize every inventive product is silly. Superman does not require a Visa card before he’ll rescue you. And right now, the world needs more heroes – those who help first and worry about money later.
How do we inspire philanthropic inventaholics?
I recently had an opportunity to discover that answer. I think I may even have become an inventing-hero. Well, maybe “hero” is a bit strong. And this tale is not epic by any measure. But I do feel I’ve made a contribution to at least one person.
Creative people have a responsibility to create, at least some of the time, for the common good.
My story begins with a diagnosis. A family friend was having medical problems and no one knew why. After a long and hellish series of cars, planes and waiting-rooms she heard the words “Ehlers-Daniels syndrome.” (If you’re really curious, visit http://tinyurl.com/c2vcw3).
I’ll spare you all the details and tell you in a nutshell that EDS screws with your body’s collagen production. It essentially turns your tendons from rubber-bands into limp spaghetti.
As you can imagine, anyone with EDS has a horrid time performing everyday tasks. Is there a cure? No.
And, unfortunately, most drug companies focus only on the high-profit drugs. If too few people need help, drug companies don’t care. Time and again we see companies placing profits first and people second. But it does not need to be like this. We (budding heroes) can make a difference.
I was at my friend’s house when I discovered she could get around reasonably well with a $20,000 wheelchair, but could not use a pencil. I was shocked. How could anyone be deprived of the ability to write a note or doodle? I sunk in my chain.
I realized she needed help.
I determined the task of writing and drawing can be broken down into two parts. To draw you must 1) hold the writing instrument in a correct orientation and 2) move it along a set path. If you can’t do both you simply create meaningless scribbles.
Many people whose challenges affect their dexterity can’t orient and hold the pen well. But if they can move a wheelchair joystick, they might be able to guide a positioned-pen along an intended path.
The next day, I ducked into the nearest phone-booth (my bedroom closet) and put on my Super Hero Suit (free t-shirt from Makers Faire, San Mateo 2008, and a ripped pair of jeans).
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Then I sped off to my Laboratory (Walmart). There, I bought a cheap ballpoint-pen with an advantageously tapered barrel and a spatula with a thick handle. Because I lack X-ray vision and other super powers, I too must buy my Bat-belt and other accoutrement at Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, Lowe’s or Radio Shack.
Just like you.
Back at my shop, I found a lock-nut the perfect size to fit the pen. Its inner diameter is such that it screws onto the barrel just below the midsection of the pen.
I clamped the spatula to my drill-press’ table and drilled. The clamps are arranged so spatula is held in the same orientation it will be in when used. Here the drill-bit is coincident with the final location of the pen.
I inserted the pen into the hole I drilled in the spatula from the bottom. The nut on the pen keeps if from sliding all the way through the spatula handle. The spatula serves as an easy-to-grip holder for the pen.
To make it more user friendly, I added some Teflon tape, foam and spray adhesive.
Shortly after I delivered the pen, I got a phone call and a heartfelt thank you. For the first time in a long time my friend can write, draw and doodle again.
I straightened my mask, got into my supercar and drove to buy a celebratory mocha frapaccino.
Was I a hero? Maybe for just the day. Did I enjoy a great feeling of contribution? Absolutely.
Inventing for profit is fun. And inventing for a cause is fun, too.
Do some good while you are seeking your fortune. It will give you practice … and a warm feeling inside.
Editor’s note: This article appears in the November 2010 print edition.
