Innovation Rainmakers

Principle

26. Copying

a. Use simple and inexpensive copy instead of an object which

is complex, expensive, fragile or inconvenient to operate

b. Replace an object or a system of objects by their optical coy,

optical image. A scale can be used to reduce or enlarge the image.

c. If visible optical copies are used, replace them with infrared

or ultraviolet copies

Principle Description: Exploit a copy, replica or model instead of something too valuable to use.

Hints on Usage: Assess the limits of the system or situation based on lack of availability, high cost, or fragile nature of the limiting part. Explore ways to employ available, low cost, or durable copies. Remember to consider altering the replica’s scale. Also, look beyond physical models and explore whether computer models, math models, flow charts, or other simulations will do the job.

Examples:

Model airplanes, cars and boats allow the less-than-wealthy to build, play with, and use for competitive purposes very expensive objects.

Model airplanes and cars are also used to evaluate aerodynamic functionality in a wind tunnel.

Miniatures provide the ability for us to have replicas of buildings, houses (like doll houses or architectural models) while architects use scale models to provide a three-dimensional representation of a building.

In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, meta-programs are strategies used by the brain to accomplish a task. By copying these strategies, one can anticipate how another person will react in hypothetical situations.

Rapid prototyping is used in industry to develop functional models of products. The replica helps vendors understanding relationships (fits) between parts. It is also useful to engineers, marketing strategists, and customers. This visualization capability is so powerful that a part’s cost can be reduced by 50% during development. Marketers use it to create a powerful visual impression that edges out competitors.

Miniature kites (as small as 1” x ¾”) fly in zero wind provided the person flying the kite is walking. These kites are made of ultra-light materials — such as very thin Mylar, boron or composite spars — and .0015” surgical thread. These replicas make for enjoyable curiosities.

Computer simulations reduce costs and find problems before manufacturing processes are ramped up.

VCR tapes and DVDs are models of actual activities such as theater performances, football games, etc.

A student can emulate the behavior of a teacher, become like his teacher by patterning the teacher’s knowledge and behaviors well.

CDs and other electronic media store our favorite music and replicas of real performances that may be difficult, time consuming, and too costly to attend in person.