5 surprising everyday objects that were invented by engineers

When you think about civil engineers' creations, you probably imagine incredible structures such as the Millau Viaduct and Dubai’s awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa.

But did you know that engineers' ingenuity extends beyond infrastructure projects?

The innovative minds of these individuals helped bring to life many everyday objects we take for granted.

1. The football goal net

Over the past few weeks, the world has gone football crazy as we’ve watched the Euros unfold with bated breath.

Back in 1889, football games looked very different.

With no net, there were frequent disagreements over whether the ball had passed behind or between the posts.

A dispute over a disallowed goal in an October 1889 match between Everton and Accrington inspired young civil engineer, John Alexander Brodie, to come up with a solution: a net to catch the ball after it passed through the goal.

Brodie patented the invention in 1890.

It was soon adopted by the Football Association (FA), and was first used in an FA cup final in 1891.

The FA made the net compulsory for all league matches from September 1891 and for all FA Cup ties from 1894.

Earlier in his career, Brodie also designed and patented the Brodie helmet, a steel combat helmet first used in World War I.

It was a stronger alternative to non-metal headwear, designed to protect soldiers from shrapnel and debris during combat.

2. Tea and coffee urn and integrated bedstead

Sarah Guppy, an inventor and engineer, was the first woman to patent a bridge.

She’s a controversial figure due to false claims that she invented the modern-day suspension bridge.

But it was Guppy's mark on the domestic world that has stood the test of time.

She patented items that became precursors to everyday household objects, including the modern toaster and the concept of the home gym.

In 1812, she patented a tea and coffee urn, which also cooked eggs and warmed toast.

This item could be considered a forerunner of the modern toaster.

One of her more innovative inventions, patented in 1831, was a bedstead (frame) that doubled as exercise equipment.

The bed featured pull-out drawers that could be used as a stepper, while bars above the ceiling were for strength training.

In recent years, a bed has been created that doubles up as a home gym, showing that Guppy’s invention was hundreds of years ahead of its time!

3. The first powered vacuum cleaner

When we think of the modern vacuum, our minds probably jump to the Dyson vacuum or Henry hoovers.

But the first vacuum looked a little different.  

A British civil engineer, Hubert Cecil Booth, patented the first powered vacuum cleaner in 1901.

After seeing a new cleaning machine in action at London’s Empire Music Hall, Booth proposed a more efficient device that used suction to clean instead of blowing dirt away.

Interestingly, the inventor of the cleaning machine that inspired Booth was initially dismissive of his idea, claiming it would never work.

But Booth's determination and creativity led to his vacuum, known as Puffing Billy, becoming a reality.

The large, horse-drawn vacuum, available to wealthy Londoners, was parked outside homes with long hoses fed through windows or doors.

A petrol-powered motor drove the piston pump, generating suction to pull dust and dirt into the machine.

Booth’s vacuum was used to clean some prestigious locations, including Westminster Abbey, ahead of the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

4. The Ferris wheel

Ferris wheels are seen everywhere – from beaches to funfairs and amusement parks.

This popular attraction was invented by American civil engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

Ferris designed the structure for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to rival the Eiffel Tower, which was the centrepiece of the 1889 exposition in Paris.

Daniel Burnham, the architect behind the Chicago World Fair, requested: “something novel, original, daring and unique.”

Ferris, eager to showcase America’s engineering prowess, took on the challenge.

Despite some initial skepticism around its safety and feasibility, Ferris invested $25,000 of his own money in safety studies to make it happen.

His creation stood at 250 feet in diameter and featured 36 cars, each able to hold up to 60 people.

It featured an impressive 100,000 parts, including an 89,320-pound axle, which was lifted onto two towers at a dizzying 140 feet in the air.

Ferris’s dedication ultimately paid off.

In the 19 weeks following its launch on 21 June 1893, over 1.4 million people took a ride on the Ferris wheel.

It was the first amusement ride to provide visitors with panoramic views, and as the first-of-its kind, it also set the stage for innovation in theme park design.

5. The dishwasher

Did you know the first commercially successful dishwasher was invented by Ohio-born Josephine Cochrane?

Although Josephine received no formal education in the sciences, engineering seemed to be in her blood.

Her father was a civil engineer and her grandfather was a fellow inventor, John Fitch.

There were significant barriers, including access to education, that prevented women from gaining formal qualifications in engineering during this time.

Up to the year 1900, one woman per year, or fewer, earned an engineering degree in the US.

Josephine didn’t let this stop her, claiming: "If nobody else is going to invent a dish washing machine, I'll do it myself".

Frustrated by her porcelain dinnerware chipping when hand washed, she designed a system with water jets and a dishrack to securely hold the dishes in place.

But shortly after she started work on the design, tragedy struck when her husband died, leaving her in debt.

Her husband’s death ultimately motivated Josephine to pursue her invention.

With the aid of a mechanic named George Butters, she designed wire compartments to securely fit plates, cups, and saucers.

These were placed inside a flat wheel within a copper boiler.

Powered by a motor, the wheel spun around while soapy water sprayed up to clean the dishes.

Like Ferris Jr, she showcased her invention at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where it won a prize for its construction and durability.