The Most Underrated Invention, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the invention you think is the most underrated!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:58

In the bustling flow of technology and innovation, countless minor yet significant inventions slip through the cracks of public acclaim. These creations, often overshadowed by more glamorous advancements, bring subtle but pivotal improvements to daily life. Highlighting these unsung innovations allows them to gain the recognition they rightfully deserve, giving credit to those who have crafted our subtler conveniences. This ranking system enables you to participate in celebrating these underappreciated inventions. By voting for the innovations you believe to be most crucial, yet underrated, you contribute to reshaping common perceptions and recognition patterns. Your engagement helps bring these beneficial but overlooked inventions into the spotlight, where they can inspire appreciation and further innovation.

What Is the Most Underrated Invention?

1

55
votes
MarkusHagenlocher · CC BY-SA 3.0

The wheelbarrow

While it may seem like a simple and basic invention, the wheelbarrow has been instrumental in agriculture and construction for thousands of years. It enabled people to easily transport heavy loads and materials, making tasks that were once difficult or impossible much easier to accomplish.
The wheelbarrow is a simple hand-propelled vehicle designed for carrying and transporting heavy loads. It consists of a single wheel at the front, a pair of handles at the back, and a shallow container or tray in between to hold the load. The wheelbarrow greatly facilitates manual labor, allowing individuals to move heavy objects with ease.

Weight Capacity: The wheelbarrow can typically carry loads ranging from 100 to 300 kilograms.

Wheel Design: The wheel is often made of robust materials like steel or rubber, enabling smooth movement over various terrains.

Handles: The handles are positioned at a comfortable height, allowing for easy maneuverability and control.

Tray Capacity: The tray can hold a volume of up to 100 to 200 liters, depending on the model.

Stability: The wheelbarrow is designed with a well-balanced center of gravity, ensuring stability even with heavy loads.
2

24
votes
The paper clip

Another seemingly insignificant invention, the paper clip has been a staple of offices and homes for over a century. It allows for the easy organization and binding of papers, and has even been used as a symbol of resistance during times of political turmoil.
The paper clip is a simple and versatile device widely used for binding sheets of paper together. It consists of a thin, folded piece of metal wire formed in a looped shape, allowing it to securely hold multiple pages. The paper clip's design offers convenience and flexibility, making it an essential tool in offices, schools, and households around the world.

Size: Standard paper clips measure approximately 1.1 inches (28 mm) in length, while mini paper clips are around 0.7 inches (18 mm).

Material: Most paper clips are made from galvanized steel wire, although alternative materials like plastic or coated wire are also used.

Versatility: The paper clip can securely hold a few sheets or a substantial stack of papers, adapting to various thicknesses.

Flexibility: Its rigid yet flexible structure allows for easy attachment and detachment of papers, making it reusable.

Ease of use: The simple design enables effortless insertion and removal with just a pinch, requiring no additional tools.
3

19
votes
The zipper

Whitcomb L. Judson

This invention revolutionized the clothing industry by providing a more efficient and secure method of fastening garments. It also has a wide range of other applications, such as in luggage, tents, and sleeping bags.
The zipper, also known as a zip, is a device used for temporarily joining the edges of fabric or other flexible material. It consists of two strips of fabric with interlocking metal or plastic teeth and a sliding mechanism. When closed, the teeth are interlocked, allowing the fastening to be secure. The zipper is commonly used in garments, bags, and various other products.

Invention Year: 1891

Patent: U.S. Patent No. 504,037

Interlocking Teeth: Metal/Plastic

Slider Mechanism: Allows opening and closing of teeth

Versatility: Used in clothing, bags, footwear, furniture, etc.
4

13
votes
Haragayato · CC BY-SA 3.0

The safety pin

Walter Hunt

Like the paper clip, the safety pin is a small but versatile invention with a wide range of uses. It can be used for clothing repairs, as a makeshift fastener, or even as a fishing hook in a pinch.
The safety pin is a simple and efficient fastening device that consists of a thin metal wire with a coiled spring and a clasp on one end. It is designed to fasten and secure items together, particularly clothing. The safety pin is primarily utilized for fastening garments, fixing torn fabrics, holding badges or brooches, temporary closures, and many other purposes.

Material: Metal (usually steel or brass)

Length: Approximately 2 to 3 inches

Wire Diameter: Varies between 0.6 to 0.9 millimeters

Spring Tension: Provides moderate resistance when opening or closing

Clasp Design: Curved or bent clasp to secure the pin in place
5

20
votes
The ballpoint pen

Laszlo Biro

While we may take it for granted now, the ballpoint pen was a major advancement in writing technology when it was first introduced. It allowed for smoother, more consistent writing than traditional pens, and its ink didn't smudge or smear.
The ballpoint pen is a writing instrument that uses a small rotating ball to apply ink onto paper or other surfaces. It is commonly known for its convenience, reliability, and smooth writing experience. The ballpoint pen revolutionized writing by eliminating the need for messy inkwells, constant refilling, and smudging. It quickly gained popularity as a convenient alternative to fountain pens and is considered an essential tool in offices, schools, and everyday life.

Ink type: Oil-based ink

Rotating ball size: Typically 0.7mm or 1.0mm

Ink color options: Various colors available

Barrel material: Plastic, metal, or combination

Grip design: Ergonomic and comfortable
6

15
votes
The can opener

Ezra J. Warner

Before the invention of the can opener, opening canned food was a difficult and often dangerous task. The can opener made it easy to access the contents of a can, and it also helped to preserve food for longer periods of time.
The can opener is a handheld tool used to open sealed metal cans. It consists of a sharp cutting blade and a rotating handle, allowing the user to pierce the can lid and create an opening for access to the contents. The can opener is widely regarded as an essential kitchen utensil that revolutionized food storage and accessibility.

Invention Date: 1858

Type: Handheld tool

Primary Function: Opening sealed metal cans

Components: Cutting blade, rotating handle

Materials: Metal, plastic
7

5
votes
The windshield wiper

Mary Anderson

This invention has saved countless lives by improving visibility during inclement weather. It was first patented in 1903, and has been a standard feature on automobiles ever since.
The windshield wiper is an essential automobile device designed to remove moisture, debris, and other obstructions from the windshield, ensuring clear visibility for the driver. It is mounted on the windshield and typically consists of a rubber blade attached to an oscillating arm mechanism.

Invention Year: 1903

Patent: US743,801

Mechanism: Oscillating arm

Blade Material: Rubber

Wiping Speeds: Varied (usually multiple settings)
8

15
votes
Ischa1 at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

The microwave oven

Percy Spencer

While it's often seen as a convenience appliance, the microwave oven has had a significant impact on food preparation and preservation. It allows for quick and easy heating of food, and can also be used for defrosting and cooking.
The microwave oven is an essential household appliance that revolutionized cooking and food preparation. It utilizes microwave radiation to heat and cook food quickly and efficiently.

Auto-cook Functions: Automatically adjusts power and time settings

Power Rating: 600-1500 watts

Cooking Time: Minutes to seconds

Cooking Modes: Microwave, grill, convection, combination

Defrost Function: Rapidly defrosts frozen food
9

7
votes
The paper shredder

Adolf Ehinger

This invention has become increasingly important in recent years due to concerns about identity theft and privacy. It allows for the safe and secure disposal of sensitive documents, and has become a standard feature in many offices and homes.
The paper shredder is a device used to securely destroy paper documents by cutting them into small confetti-like pieces. Its purpose is to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Type: Cross-cut or strip-cut

Capacity: Varies from a few sheets to hundreds of sheets per pass

Speed: Ranges from 6 to 60 feet per minute

Security Level: Varies from basic to high-security micro-cut

Shredding Size: Ranges from 1/8 inch to 1/32 inch in width
10

7
votes
Jan Weijers at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

The bicycle

Karl Drais

While the bicycle has been around for over a century, it remains one of the most efficient and eco-friendly modes of transportation. It doesn't require fuel or produce emissions, and it provides a great form of exercise. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
The bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle designed for transportation, recreation, and exercise. It consists of a frame, wheels, pedals, a chain, and handlebars. The rider sits on a saddle and propels the bicycle by pedaling, which transfers power to the rear wheel through the chain and gears. The bicycle offers a simple and efficient means of transportation, promoting physical fitness, and reducing carbon emissions.

Invention Year: 1817

Frame Material: Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium

Wheel Size: Various sizes (e.g., 26 inches, 27.5 inches, 29 inches)

Pedal System: Platform pedals or clipless pedals

Gears: Single-speed or multiple-speed options

Missing your favorite invention?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for underrated invention

Impact

The invention should have a significant impact on society, even if it is not widely recognized.
Innovation

The invention should be innovative, meaning that it offers a unique solution to a problem.
Adoption

The invention should be relatively unknown or under-appreciated, despite being widely available and usable.
Timelessness

The invention should have longevity and remain relevant today, even if it was created many years ago.
Potential

The invention should have untapped potential, meaning that it still has room to evolve and improve.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated invention. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or invention is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2134 views
178 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each invention once every 24 hours. The rank of each invention is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most underrated invention

Inventions have played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today. From the wheel to the internet, these creations have revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. While some inventions are widely celebrated and recognized for their impact, there are plenty of underrated inventions that have changed our lives for the better. These often overlooked creations have quietly transformed the way we live, without receiving the recognition they deserve. In this article, we'll explore some of the most underrated inventions that have had a significant impact on our world. So, sit back, and let's take a journey through the world of innovation and discovery.