[p1mrx]

It can be fun to think of "new" ideas, and then search the Internet for them.

This week, I wanted a handheld device to push buttons and open doors without touching them; found several for sale (though the models without covers seem useless.)

Later I wanted a 3D support structure to fit under a mask and increase its usable surface area; found several for sale.

[iso947]

I use the end of my key to push buttons. A shoulder shove works for pushing doors. If I have to pull occasionally I use my T-shirt to get a grip. If it were a major problem I’d use a glove.

[jeffreyrogers]

I think I'm fairly creative, but I've only had one or two ideas that weren't reinventions of something someone else had already done. Doesn't matter what it is: software, electrical circuit, some clever mechanical thing, it's almost always already been done. Even if you look at patent grants, almost none of them are truly novel.

[selestify]

So what did you do with those ideas?

[jeffreyrogers]

One of them costs too much for me to pursue. The other I'm working on as a hobby, but don't expect it to bear any fruit for a couple of years.

My main takeaway though is that an idea doesn't have to be novel for it to be a good idea. Lots of things that were tried and failed could succeed with a new approach. And lots of things that're currently successfully could be redone in a better way.

[greenyoda]

> 3D support structure to fit under a mask

Wow, I also thought about this idea.

For those who are interested in something like this, you can search for "frame for face mask" on Amazon...

[Kosirich]

I don't know if you have seen this one: https://bellus3d.com/solutions/facemask.html

*I have no affiliation to the site or map, just remembered a colleague showed me

[StavrosK]

Isn't this a bit useless? Surgical masks aren't meant to fit well, they're meant to keep your spittle from leaving your face. N95 masks are meant to filter incoming air, and those are made to fit well.

[Kosirich]

I kind of agree with you. Actually I think it looks more discomforting than just wearing a surgical mask with straps.