Thomas Edison patents incandescent light bulb design
October 21st, 1879
October 21st, 1879

How Long Ago?
145 years, 4 months, 22 days ago
Location
Menlo Park, New Jersey, United States
Category
Science & Technology
People
- Thomas Edison
- Joseph Swan
Links & References
Tags
Thomas Edison patents incandescent light bulb design
Thomas Edison submitted his patent application for an innovative incandescent light bulb design, showcasing his advancements in electrical engineering. The design utilized a carbon filament to produce light and addressed the need for safe and practical indoor lighting solutions. This development marked a turning point in lighting technology, paving the way for widespread use of electric lighting in homes and industries.
Edison used a carbon filament in his design.
The bulb could last up to 1,200 hours.
This innovation improved indoor lighting safety.
Edison's work led to the electric lighting revolution.
What Happened?
In 1879, Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman, sought to revolutionize indoor lighting by applying for a patent for his breakthrough incandescent light bulb design. Edison's innovation was built on the work of previous inventors like Sir Humphry Davy and Joseph Swan, but he successfully developed a more practical version by using a carbon filament, which greatly improved the longevity and efficiency of the bulb. By enclosing the filament in glass, Edison created a vacuum that minimized oxygen exposure, allowing the filament to glow brightly without burning out immediately.
Edison's design was not merely a technical feat; it encapsulated his broader vision for affordable and accessible electric lighting for the masses. The patent application was part of a larger series of developments that Edison's workshop, known as Menlo Park, was known for. His success came after extensive experimentation with various materials and designs, resulting in a light bulb that could stay lit for up to 1,200 hours. This was a significant improvement over the earlier, less effective designs that many consumers had access to at the time, which often had short lifespans and were inefficient.
The filing of Edison's patent marked the beginning of the electric light bulb's commercial development. With this patent, he established himself as a key player in the electrification era, which would fundamentally alter daily life. Electric lighting began to replace gas lamps in homes and streets, fostering a new environment that extended productive hours beyond daylight, significantly impacting social and economic activities. As cities became illuminated, this transformation encouraged nightlife and increased safety, leading to urban growth and changes in societal behaviors.
Why Does it Matter?
The patent for the incandescent light bulb is significant as it laid the foundation for the widespread use of electric lighting, transforming homes, industries, and cities. Edison's innovation had a ripple effect on various sectors, spurring economic growth and technological advancements. This was not merely a breakthrough in lighting; it was a vital shift that symbolized the onset of the electrical age, ultimately influencing countless aspects of modern life.
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