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Top 100 Inventions Trends of 2012

From $9 Paper Bikes to Beer Cup-Creating Tools

— January 17, 2013 — Unique
It takes a special kind of mind to be able to come up with a great concept for an invention out of thin air, but as these inventions trends show, 2012 was a year full of this kind of innovation. The difficult thing about inventing something is not just coming up with an idea, but getting it off the ground -- luckily, digital natives have resources like Kickstarter available to help.

These resources have made it so that even the most obscure invention gets a chance. This is seen in such oddball pieces as the Cardboard Bicycle, which costs all of $9, but holds up to 485 pounds. Other noteworthy invention microtrends from 2012 include private work pods, Game Boy-made robots and the "why didn't I think of that"-inducing scoop-knife.

Check out our Inventions Trend Report if you're looking to sift through the sea of random, yet interesting invention microtrends.
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Equilibrium-Operated Illuminators
Equilibrium-Operated Illuminators
The Mieke Meijer Balance LED Lamp is Tricky to Turn on
<
99
Ribbed Architectural Generators
Ribbed Architectural Generators
Hydramax Port Machines Gather Renewable Waterfront Resources
<
98
iPhone-Controlled Illuminators
iPhone-Controlled Illuminators
Improve Ambience with the DeLight Lamp and its Smartphone App
<
97
Pliant Power Mats
Pliant Power Mats
Solar Battery by Nikolay Bastrakov is Portable for Optimal Energy Harnessing
<
96
Intuitive Use Cellphones
Intuitive Use Cellphones
The Nokia Easy Enables the Technologically Challenged to Make Calls
<
95
Edgy Industrial Ties
Edgy Industrial Ties
BOND Hardware Reinterprets the Necktie Using Locks and Chains
<
94
Turbocharged Tech Transportation
Turbocharged Tech Transportation
The West Coast Customs/ Microsoft 'Microstang' is a Sweet Ride
<
93
Awesome Apocolypse-Proof Autos
Awesome Apocolypse-Proof Autos
The Hyundai Zombie Survival Machine Can Mow Down the Walking Dead
<
92
Tweet-Enabled Treat Dispensers
Tweet-Enabled Treat Dispensers
The BEV Twitter Vending Machine Trades Hash Tags for Iced Tea
<
91
Built-In Mobile Chargers
Built-In Mobile Chargers
The Autonome Smartphone Has Snap-Out Prongs for Easy Socket Access
<
90
Bath-Friendly Phone Covers
Bath-Friendly Phone Covers
Aqualife Waterproof Case Protects Your Handset Up to One Meter Below
<
89
Photographer Two-Wheelers
Photographer Two-Wheelers
The T-Bike Tripod Bike Integrates a Built-in Camera Mount
<
88
Suspended Raindrop Installations
Suspended Raindrop Installations
Kinetic Rain by ART+COM is Located in Singapore's Airport
<
87
Pocket-Peeping Handsets
Pocket-Peeping Handsets
The Glance Smartphone Enables Hands-Free Notification Monitoring
<
86
Transparent Tech-Encouraging Threads
Transparent Tech-Encouraging Threads
The DELTA415 Wearcom Jeans Will Change Your Perspective
<
85
Pressure-Sensitive Tablet Pens
Pressure-Sensitive Tablet Pens
Jaja is an Entire Electronic Pencil Case in One Cord-Free Implement
<
84
$9 Paper Bikes
$9 Paper Bikes
Izhar Gafni's Cardboard Bicycle Can Support a Whopping 485 Pounds
<
83
Underwater Towing Toys
Underwater Towing Toys
The Subwing Lets You Fly Below the Surface
<
82
Marijuana Vending Machines
Marijuana Vending Machines
The ‘Autospense' Dispenses Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes
<
81
Refurbished Photo Equipment
Refurbished Photo Equipment
The Ilott Vintage Cameras are Distinct and Elegant
<
80
Head-Covering Cushions (UPDATE)
Head-Covering Cushions (UPDATE)
The Kawamura-Ganjavian Ostrich Pillow Lets You Rest in Public
<
79
Mobile Heath Monitor Add-Ons
Mobile Heath Monitor Add-Ons
The Tinke by Zensorium Tracks and Records Your Vital Signs
<
78
Physiotherapy Furnishings
Physiotherapy Furnishings
The Dstretch Helps You Straighten Out Your Aches and Pains at the Office
<
77
Collision-Preventing Steering Wheels
Collision-Preventing Steering Wheels
The 'Inumflis' System Pulses When Danger Approaches
<
76
Gadget-Dependent Gardens
Gadget-Dependent Gardens
The HORTUS Greenhouse Needs Tweets to Stay Alive
<
75
Peculiar Pasta Cookers
Peculiar Pasta Cookers
The Udon Noodle Box Modernizes Form and Function by the Mouthful
<
74
Slick Convertible Computers
Slick Convertible Computers
The Fujitsu Lifebook txiii Flips and Folds for Diverse Functions
<
73
Mobile Backup Batteries
Mobile Backup Batteries
The Innergie PocketCell Supplies Emergency Smartphone Power On the Go
<
72
Magical Makeshift Houseboats
Magical Makeshift Houseboats
The Ohio Boat Project Offers Wonder and Whimsy to Local Towns
<
71
Indoor Quicksand Installations
Indoor Quicksand Installations
Castor & Pollux 'Disconnect' Explores Spatial Reality
<
70
Kite-Powered Concept Cars
Kite-Powered Concept Cars
The Honda Kaze Harnesses Wind and Sun Power to Work
<
69
Collapsable Camping Cots
Collapsable Camping Cots
The Terra Strenua Outfitters NYX is a Portable Outdoor Seat
<
68
Change-Stealing Seats
Change-Stealing Seats
The Artful Dodger Rocking Chair is a Self-Financing Piece of Furniture
<
67
Topple-Proof Suds
Topple-Proof Suds
Spill-Proof Beer by Hahn Puts an End to Wasted Alcohol
<
66
Scooping Blade Accessories
Scooping Blade Accessories
The Pour-Smart Knife Attachment Makes it Easy to Pick Up Diced Veggies
<
65
Broadleaf Urban Generators
Broadleaf Urban Generators
The uTree Concept Soaks Up the Sun and Supplies the City Grid
<
64
Submerged Hotels
Submerged Hotels
The Water Discus Underwater Hotel Allows You to Vacation in the Sea
<
63
Android-Operated Cycles (UPDATE)
Android-Operated Cycles (UPDATE)
The Shadow eBike 2.0 Contributes Thrust and Records Your Rides
<
62
Private Worker Pods
Private Worker Pods
The Atelier van Lieshout Skull Workstation is the Perfect Oasis
<
61
Vegetable Orchestra Instruments
Vegetable Orchestra Instruments
Nan Weidong and Nan Weiping Present Food for the Ears
<
60
Zombie-Fighting Assault Rifles
Zombie-Fighting Assault Rifles
The Doublestar Zombie-X AK-47 Will Have You Ready for Battle
<
59
Automatic-Infusing Mugs
Automatic-Infusing Mugs
The Time Your Tea Thermos Steeps Your Beverage to Perfection
<
58
River Rock Clothes Cleaners
River Rock Clothes Cleaners
Ovum Washing Machine Embodies the Organic Essense of Natural Washtubs
<
57
Game Boy Robots
Game Boy Robots
The Game Boy LEGO Transformer is Any Geek's Triple Threat Combo
<
56
Transportable Techie Toasters
Transportable Techie Toasters
The Torradeira de Bolso is a Countertop Appliance for Your Desktop
<
55
Mobile Motorbike Pizzerias
Mobile Motorbike Pizzerias
The Cydecar Cooks Up a Higher Standard for Fresh Delivered Dishes
<
54
Indoor Firework Lamps
Indoor Firework Lamps
The Laserpod Shoots Colorful LED Lazers at The Ceiling
<
53
Disc-Stowed Two-Wheelers
Disc-Stowed Two-Wheelers
The Donut Folding Bicycle Reduces to the Shape of its Tires
<
52
Dual-Firing Guns
Dual-Firing Guns
The AF2011-A1 Double Barrel Pistol by Arsenal Firearms is a One-Shot Kill
<
51
Portable Powered Bicycles
Portable Powered Bicycles
BlueSkyBike Boasts a Plethora of Features from Foldability to Electrics
<
50
Anti-Wrinkle Headbands
Anti-Wrinkle Headbands
The Oyasumi Goodnight Brow Stretcher Stops Lines from Appearing
<
49
Compact Accessible Cooktops
Compact Accessible Cooktops
The Prometheus Stove Promotes Ease of Use and Culinary Independence
<
48
Cinder Block Stoves
Cinder Block Stoves
Pita Bread Toaster by Adi Zaffran Matches the Elementary Makeup of Toast
<
47
Repurposed Fridge Furnishings
Repurposed Fridge Furnishings
Van der Kooij Endless Collection is Robot-Made from Old Appliances
<
46
Portable Powered Two-Wheelers
Portable Powered Two-Wheelers
Neo Volt Folding E-Bike Enables the Ultimate in Effortless Cycling
<
45
Picture-Taking Puppy Collars
Picture-Taking Puppy Collars
The Pet's View Captures Life Through the Eyes of Your Carefree Canine
<
44
Smokable Morning Cuppas
Smokable Morning Cuppas
The Zang Products ‘PIPEMUG' Will Be The Most Handy Home Produc
<
43
Moisture-Collecting Carafes
Moisture-Collecting Carafes
The NJORD Portable Water Creator Forms a Drink From Humid Air
<
42
Heat-Leeching Chargers
Heat-Leeching Chargers
EcoCharge by Ardavan Mirhosseini Absorbs Warmth for Power
<
41
Eco Ocular Washing Machines
Eco Ocular Washing Machines
The Swish Sustainable Diaper Cleaner Encourages Cloth Nappy Use
<
40
Nuclear Fission-Fueled Wristwatches
Nuclear Fission-Fueled Wristwatches
This Nuclear Watch is Powered by Decaying Hydrogen Atoms
<
39
Futuristic Fungi Espresso Machines
Futuristic Fungi Espresso Machines
The Mushroomy Electrolux Memory Scans Hands for Personal Brews
<
38
Eco Smartphone Protectors
Eco Smartphone Protectors
The Nite Ize BioCase Boasts an Environmentally-Friendly Chemical Makeup
<
37
Insect-Inspired Automobiles
Insect-Inspired Automobiles
The BioThink Electric Vehicle Embodies the Nature of Efficient Trans
<
36
X-Ray Vision Headgear
X-Ray Vision Headgear
The C-Thru Smoke Diving Helmet Helps Firemen Navigate Burning Buildings
<
35
To-Do List Timepieces
To-Do List Timepieces
The Remind Daily Planner is a Wristwatch that Organizes Your Routine
<
34
Wireless Earpiece Alerts
Wireless Earpiece Alerts
The Earbud Alarm Clock is Ideal for Couples Who Rise at Different Times
<
33
Smokeless Stovetop Barbecues
Smokeless Stovetop Barbecues
The Element BBQ Lets You Cook from the Convenience of Your Kitchen
<
32
Floating Refuelling Rafts
Floating Refuelling Rafts
The S2S Project Makes it Possible to Live Light on the Earth's Oceans
<
31
Protective Baby Pillows
Protective Baby Pillows
Cocoon by Elodie Delassus Filters Noise and Germs for Sleeping Newborns
<
30
Adaptable Pouch Racks
Adaptable Pouch Racks
The Paper-Bag Hanger Transforms to Suspend the Clothes it Once Carried
<
29
Superheroic Mancessories
Superheroic Mancessories
These Iron Man Cufflinks are Comic Book-Inspired
<
28
Drawbridge Herbage
Drawbridge Herbage
Volet Vegetal Creates a Tiny Terrace for Upper Floor Apartments
<
27
Heat-Maintaining Mugs
Heat-Maintaining Mugs
The Burning Cup Keeps Your Coffee Hot With No Need to Microwave
<
26
Revolutionary Laundering Showers
Revolutionary Laundering Showers
The Washit System Saves Water, Time and Space for Efficiency
<
25
Complete Kitchen Contraptions
Complete Kitchen Contraptions
The E-Cook System is a Compact and Entirely Equipped Culinary Setup
<
24
Portable Diagnostic Imaging
Portable Diagnostic Imaging
The Radio Fast Radiology System Would Reduce Waiting Times in the ER
<
23
Clever Cutting Board Organizers
Clever Cutting Board Organizers
The Mocubo by Quirky Brings Order to the Chaos of Cooking
<
22
Triple-Threat Pod Cars
Triple-Threat Pod Cars
The Prisma EV is Able to Travel Anywhere in the World
<
21
School Book Sculptures
School Book Sculptures
Liu Wei Reinvents Educational Tools into Eye-Catching Cityscapes
<
20
Cutting-Edge Compact Ovens
Cutting-Edge Compact Ovens
The Electrolux Cooik Practically Prepares Supper for You
<
19
Fun Fulcrum Footwear
Fun Fulcrum Footwear
Rollerballs are Reinvented Roller Skates That Pivot on a Spherical Center
<
18
Lunchbox Maki Makers
Lunchbox Maki Makers
The Wakasu Portable Sushi Maker Molds Homemade Meals into Fun
<
17
Outdoor Suspended Sleeping
Outdoor Suspended Sleeping
The Tentsile Provides Above Ground Shelter for Campers
<
16
Soapless Eco Clothes Cleaners
Soapless Eco Clothes Cleaners
The Orbit Washing Machine Lets You Do Laundry Anywhere
<
15
Happening Hipster Earmuffs
Happening Hipster Earmuffs
The 'Hipstormossan' Ear Caps Keep Your Extremities Warm and Stylish
<
14
Beer Cup-Creating Tools
Beer Cup-Creating Tools
The Kinkajou Bottle Cutter Turns Any Empty Brew Into a New Mug or Vase
<
13
Hot Air Helicopters
Hot Air Helicopters
The Sky Voyage Uses a Balloon to Fly Instead of Spinning Blades
<
12
DIY Cardboard Clocks
DIY Cardboard Clocks
Cardboard Clocks by John Helgi Holmgeirsson Makes You Work for Your Time
<
11
Luxuriously Portable Living Quarters
Luxuriously Portable Living Quarters
The Opera Luxury Camper Trailer is Overindulgent
<
10
Hi-Tech Emergency Kits
Hi-Tech Emergency Kits
First Aid 2.0 Guides the Lifesaver Through a Rescue with its Digital Screen
<
9
Compact Personal Planes
Compact Personal Planes
The Air-Elf Anticipates Jetsons-Style Urban Transportation for Two
<
8
Wall-Mounted Slice Slots
Wall-Mounted Slice Slots
The Slim Toaster is a Space Age Solution to Reducing Countertop Clutter
<
7
Portable Solar Abodes
Portable Solar Abodes
This Design by Mehdi Hidari Badie is Well-Traveled
<
6
Interior Greenery Technology
Interior Greenery Technology
The E Home Concept Connects People with Nature Using Digital Tech
<
5
Innovative Luminous Gloves
Innovative Luminous Gloves
The H9 Portable Lighting Tool Can Be Worn Conveniently on the Palm
<
4
Card-Holding Phone Cases
Card-Holding Phone Cases
Patent Pending KILLSPENCER Pocket Card Carrier Consolidates it All
<
3
Complete Camera Smartphone Concepts
Complete Camera Smartphone Concepts
The 'iPhone Pro' Turns Apple to High Quality Captures
<
2
Woven Cycle Accessories
Woven Cycle Accessories
Reel Bicycle Storage Makes Clever Use of Overlooked Areas of Bike Frames
<
1
Inflatable Life-Saving Bangles
Inflatable Life-Saving Bangles
Self Rescue Bracelet Expands into an Effective Floatation Device
<