2. Come up with three different solutions to the problem. Here are two approaches to help with that:

a. Make a mental model. For example, to develop his motion picture camera, Edison tried to do "for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear, which is recording and reproduction of things in motion, and in such a form as to be both cheap, practical, and convenient by photographing continuously a series of pictures occurring at intervals...in a continuous spiral on a cylinder or plate in the same manner as sound is recorded on a phonograph." This is a very clear mental picture of the invention.

b. Work with a mechanical representation. This approach uses a physical representation to test out ideas. The inventor selects something that already exists that has some parts similar to the planned invention. The inventor can then play with this physical model while trying out new ideas. For example, if you were trying to invent a better chair, you would examine different chairs and how they are made. You could also try changing features of existing chairs: raise or lower the seat, change the seat depth, make the back higher or lower, change the shape of the arms, etc.

3. Select your best solution to the problem. Draw a picture with measurements. (Here's a good web site for learning engineering drawing: SpaceCAD)

4. Build a prototype or an example of your invention. Test the prototype to see if it works the way you planned. If not, go back and make improvements.

If you like inventing, here's a contest that you can enter:

Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards
www.nsta.org/programs/craftsman.htm

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