Edison's most significant contribution to science and technology was the invention of the phonograph and the incandescent electric light.
In 1877, Edison built the first phonograph in human history and began the field of media storage. Over the past 100 years, innovations have been constantly introduced, from the initial play with tin foil rollers and steel needles, which caused each roller to only play a few times before wearing out, to the modern DVD with laser audio and video storage software, which has shown endless performance in the 21st century. Unparalleled audio and video realm.
Edison, who was only 31 years old at the time, was not dazzled by success and honor. He clearly saw that the gramophone that had just come out still had some shortcomings, such as short recording time, low sound and insufficient clarity. ?
In order to improve these shortcomings, Edison devoted himself non-stop to research work. Finally the second generation phonograph was developed. On the microphone of the second-generation gramophone, a trumpet-shaped sound cylinder was added as a loudspeaker; a wax cylinder was used instead of tin foil, so that the wax cylinder could be reused; a driving structure was installed in the chassis, and only the hairpiece was tightened each time. bar, you can record and play automatically. ?
In 1879, Edison also began to invest in the research of electric lamps. He believed that the key to extending the life of incandescent lamps was to improve the vacuum of the bulbs and to use heat-resistant materials that consume less power, have strong luminescence, and are cheap. To make filament, Edison tried more than 1,600 heat-resistant materials, but the results were not satisfactory.
On the evening of October 21, 1879, T.A. Edison of the United States made a carbon fiber (carbon filament) incandescent lamp, the first to bring electric light sources into homes. Edison used carbonized cotton thread as filament, put it into a glass ball, and then started the air machine to evacuate the ball.
As a result, the light emitted by the carbonized cotton filament was bright and stable, lasting for more than 10 hours (45 hours). In this way, the carbonized cotton filament incandescent lamp was born, for which Edison received a patent.
Extended information:
Edison's character evaluation
Edison's education level is extremely low, but his contribution to mankind is so huge. In addition to his curious heart, An instinct for personal experimentation means that he has infinite energy and determination to work hard beyond ordinary people.
Edison was the first person in human history to use mass production principles and electrical engineering research laboratories to engage in invention patents that had a profound impact on the world. His inventions of the phonograph, movie camera, and electric light had a great impact on the world.
He made more than 2,000 inventions in his lifetime and held more than 1,000 patents. He was ranked ninth among the 100 most influential people in the United States by the authoritative American journal "The Atlantic Monthly".
In addition to his inventions and contributions to the phonograph, electric light, telephone, telegraph, and movies, he also had many creations and insights in the fields of mining, construction, and chemical industry. He contributed greatly to human civilization and progress. Made a huge contribution.
Baidu Encyclopedia - Edison
Baidu Encyclopedia - Gramophone
Baidu Encyclopedia - Incandescent Lamp