If you had tried the activity in this post, then here are some examples. Have a look at these:
- Whistle: A tube designed to create noise
- Hydrolic cyclinders: A hydraulic tube device used to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical movement
- Flute: A tube for the purpose of making music
- Roller tube: A tube that stores the graphic sheets in retractable standee banners or the slats in the case of retractable window blinds
- Flavor straws: A tube containing pellets used to flavor drinks like milk during consumption
- Flavor burst cigarettes: A tube with tobacco, filter and flavor capsules inside filters for flavored smoking
- Party popper: A tube with confetti and compressed air containers to disperse the confetti
- Pens: A tube to dispense ink used for writing
- Syringes: A tube to inject fluids
- Pneumatic delivery tubes: A system of tubes used to transport objects or goods with the help of compressed air or partial vacuum
- 3D pen: A handheld portable tube used to 3D print on the go
- Collapsible canes: A tube with foldable or retractable tubes used as a walking stick, mobility aid or for self-defense
- Hyperloop transportation: An ultra-high-speed ground transportation system that uses a network of low-pressure tubes to transport pods for moving passengers or goods
- Bubble level: A tube used to check if a surface is level or plumb
- Glow sticks: A tube filled with chemiluminescence substance used in recreation or exploration
From the examples above, you can see some of the applications have a similar way of functioning or can be grouped together based on common properties. Like flute and whistle, pen and syringe, Hyperloop and pneumatic delivery, collapsible canes and hydraulic cylinders, so on.
The goal is to try and come up with as diverse applications as possible. Because it is easier to think similarly and it takes effort to think divergently, or creatively. Like say, looking at party poppers, one may think of rockets or rocket launchers. While to think of a telescope, takes a little push, and that’s what the activity is about.
Now if you had fun trying to think inside a tube, next try thinking inside a cone! Try applying constraints to think of solutions in your day-to-day life.