In 1982, Lonnie Johnson was testing a heat pump when one surprise blast sparked the invention of the Super Soaker that reshaped water fights

Lonnie Johnson did not plan on creating a toy in 1982. As an aerospace engineer, he was working on a new heat pump design when a jet of water unexpectedly sprayed through the room. This chance discovery served as the basis for the invention of Super Soaker – one of the most popular water toys in the world. It has survived through generations of children because it involves elements of science, creative thinking, and determination.

Johnson's invention came not by accident, but rather after his recognition of its potential followed by years of development. Based on the information provided by the USPTO website, Johnson discovered the invention of the Super Soaker when testing a heat pump prototype. He noticed the force of water spraying and immediately realized that there was an opportunity to create an improved water gun.


The invention emerged out of engineering research

Super Soaker is unique in its emergence, as it started with engineering research, unlike most toys. Johnson was conducting research on the environmentally friendly method of cooling based on the use of water instead of Freon. The Lemelson Center at the Smithsonian writes about Johnson installing a high-pressure nozzle into the tap of a bathroom sink, which caused an impressive stream of water to shoot across the room.

The Smithsonian explained in its article how an accidental occurrence turned into an opportunity. This is important as the experiment was no mere accident. Johnson knew all about the principles of fluid pressure, nozzles, and energy systems, as these would become part of the construction of the Super Soaker.

Why Johnson recognized the opportunity for a toy

Due to Johnson's background, he was able to recognize the toy potential of the phenomenon. Before inventing the Super Soaker, Johnson had worked for the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the U.S. Air Force ,developing complicated engineering systems. According to NASA, he had been working for many years on such projects that required a lot of experience in precision work, reliability, and decision-making skills under pressure.

All that gave Johnson the necessary skills for examining the behavior of systems in test conditions. Dr. David Kirby, a researcher of science communication and innovation at Monash University, during a study session on the invention culture remarked that the engineers are trained to consider any unintended consequences. Most revolutionary ideas come from individuals who have sufficient background knowledge to appreciate the significance of an extraordinary phenomenon.

Furthermore, research published in the Nature Reviews Physics magazine reveals that accidental innovations are successful because the experts possess sufficient knowledge to evaluate the importance of the discovery.

It took years for the idea to be implemented

Despite being discovered in 1982, the product appeared in markets only in 1990. Johnson invented the Super Soaker many years before it was commercialized. As stated by the USPTO, it took several years to perfect the prototypes and find a company willing to invest into the idea.

This example shows a major aspect of the story. While some inventions start with an interesting incident, it is crucial to wait for the idea to mature. Initially, Johnson called the product "Power Drencher." However, with additional developments and licensing, it became known as the Super Soaker. The gun has reached high popularity and sales and has become one of the bestselling toys among all other children's toys in America.

The ability of the product to use a pressurized system was regarded as one of the main features that distinguished it from previous versions of squirt guns and helped make its gameplay more dynamic and competitive.

The Super Soaker in toy history

It was not just a summertime trend. The Super Soaker demonstrated how complex and innovative engineering ideas can be applied even to consumer products. Moreover, with the introduction of the Super Soaker, Johnson became one of the well-known Black engineers in contemporary America and received recognition for his innovations from NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The reason why the invention of the Super Soaker is interesting today is related to the combination of pure chance and preparation. In this case, the inventor's scientific knowledge helped him to see the potential of a toy.